How long can you go without circulation?

[heckofagator]

Hi all, we are getting quotes now to redo all of the pool plumbing including all new pump, filter, swg, etc.

Existing equipment is definitely older and we’ve been having problems with low pressure and priming in the pump. I’ve been greasing and replacing all orings in hopes to help the pump prime but it appears i cant get any suction anyone. Not sure, maybe the pump ran dry to long.

So….how long can we go without a pump? If i keep moving around water as best i can with the pole/brush and keep chlorine high, can we limp along for a while? Or should i be looking for a used pump? Not sure how long until we can actually start the real replacement of the equipment.

 

[mknauss]

If you maintain a proper FC and mix the water with a brush or submersible pump the water will not allow algae to grow. It will likely get cloudy, and need filtering, but otherwise it should be fine. Be sure to monitor pH.

 

[heckofagator]

Thanks. I should say we are hitting 80 degrees these days. Not sure if that factors in. Thankfully still in the 60s generally at nite so not hot summer temps yet

 

[mknauss]

Water temperature matters more than air temperature. Once the water is above 60F, you need to be diligent in keeping your FC in the target range for your CYA.

 

[JoniTull]

Hi all, we are getting quotes now to redo all of the pool plumbing including all new pump, filter, swg, etc.

Existing equipment is definitely older and we’ve been having problems with low pressure and priming in the pump. I’ve been greasing and replacing all orings in hopes to help the pump prime but it appears i cant get any suction anyone. Not sure, maybe the pump ran dry to long.

So….how long can we go without a pump? If i keep moving around water as best i can with the pole/brush and keep chlorine high, can we limp along for a while? Or should i be looking for a used pump? Not sure how long until we can actually start the real replacement of the equipment.

I have went all winter without my equipment running. A piece broke off and cannot find a replacement, so I have cared for it all winter manually. Add your chlorine and shock and brush a little. I also run my dolphin and it circulates water. So far so good. Now I'm needing to find a bracket that goes on around the top and I can be back in business. You should be fine.

 

[Dirk]

Hi Joni, thanks for the helping hand, but we don't use "shock" products ala typical pool store advice. You'll learn all about that as you hang around a bit more at TFP.

Hey 'gator. You're in good hands with Marty's advice. You might consider buying an inexpensive sump pump that you can leave in your pool while awaiting the new gear. You could put the pump in the deep end and the end of an attached hose in the shallow end. That would save you from a lot of manual "stirring." I can't recommend a specific brand or model, I've been meaning to pick one up myself but haven't decided on which one just yet. Perhaps others here can share what they ended up with. Something along these lines:

https://www.amazon.com/DEKOPRO-3302GPH-Submersible-Swimming-Garden/dp/B08BYJDFWD/ref=sr_1_8?crid=IMTNV7SLINMM&keywords=pool+sump+pump+submersible+with+hose&qid=1646898914&sprefix=pool+sump+pump%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-8

There are all sorts of these on Amazon. I just grabbed the first one I saw to get you pointed in the right direction. Check out the reviews, etc. You know the drill.

It won't be money wasted. Something like this is good to have as a back up. You never know when you might need one again.

PS. Personally, I wouldn't trust one of these to swim with. If you go this route, and have started your swim season, I'd unplug it before I put a toe in...

 

[Dirk]

OK, you got me inspired. I just started this thread:

Best or Worse Sump Pump?

I just suggested to someone with a failing pump to grab a cheap submersible pump to keep the water moving while they await repairs. But I couldn't recommend a specific brand or model. I've been meaning to buy one myself, as a just-in-case backup, but every time I get inspired I get bogged down...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[ajw22]

OK, you got me inspired. I just started this thread:

Best or Worse Sump Pump?

I just suggested to someone with a failing pump to grab a cheap submersible pump to keep the water moving while they await repairs. But I couldn't recommend a specific brand or model. I've been meaning to buy one myself, as a just-in-case backup, but every time I get inspired I get bogged down...

www.troublefreepool.com

Submersible Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Saturn94]

We went a week without a pump in the middle of summer while waiting for a replacement pump motor. No problems. I just made sure to keep up with proper FC levels (brushed around a bit each time after adding chlorine).