Preventative o-ring/gasket maintenance... or just wait?

[toddclare]

Completed my first season with a pool and using the TFP method. I've been also doing all the maintenance things recommended in the various equipment manuals.

But when my installer ran me through the "pool 101" handoff, they mentioned occaisionally taking apart the system and, my words, preemptively lubricating pump orings, gaskets, etc. once a year. Wondering what you all do? I lube the pump basket lid and cartridge filter o-rings as I access them, but do you proactively take things apart to get to other more hidden o-rings/gaskets/etc? My gut says why disrupt a working system but wanted to see what the experts do. Thanks!

 

[InyoRich]

Dear old Dad always said "Don't fix it if it ain't broke". O-rings and gaskets will flatten out over time, so it's generally best to replace them if you open things up rather than re-lubricating them. You'll never get them back in the same location/orientation, so you're asking for a leak if you fiddle with them.

Your pump strainer basket lid probably has enough force on it to allow it to be opened and reopened many times before replacing it - ditto with most filter gaskets. Just be sure the gaskets and sealing surfaces are clean and lightly coat the gaskets with lubricant when reinstalling them.

Your well-maintained pool should not need preemptive gasket lubrication.

 

[Newdude]

+1. I take my rig apart each fall to store it, so at that point, i lube everything up when reassembling it. But between A and B, I ain't asking for trouble. No sir.

 

[ajw22]

If it is not leaking, do not open a joint unnecessarily. Doing so will only create leaks or crack unions that become brittle as they age.

It sounds like the installer is fishing for customers who will hire him to do preemptive maintenance. It's easy work when he can get it.

 

[toddclare]

+1. I take my rig apart each fall to store it,

Makes a ton of sense. In Atlanta so it's running year round, but if i were up north and closing what a perfect time TO do that

Doing so will only create leaks or crack unions that become brittle as they age.

This was my gut feel, thanks.


Also I just figured out how to use the "quote" feature on the forum, so stopping here so as not to drive folks crazy