Rain flooded pool pump area

[rdshackleford]

For the first season ever, and the 2nd time this year, my pool pump area was flooded with rain water and the pump motor got 1/2 submerged. This time I was not at home at the time to unplug the pump, and it short circuited, possibly for good.

I'm thinking the best way to avoid this in the future is to pour a concrete pad and raise the setup 4" or 5". Opinions?

 

[Texas Splash]

Yikes. Sorry to hear that. Yes, I agree that now may be the time to elevate the pad a bit n hopes of preventing a recurrence. Bummer.

 

[duraleigh]

Obviously elevate the pad. I think I would just build a pad out of 5/4 decking board. Cheaper, more versatile and maybe even a bit quiter

 

[scooperhsd]

Mine is sitting on a concrete block that I got from Lowes' Depot for almost the exact same reason - although I was fortunate enough to not have the water get high enough to threaten the motor.

 

[rdshackleford]

duraleigh, what would support the 5/4 decking board? I'm wondering how to make it level and stable over time.

scooperhsd, what are the dimensions of the precast concrete block you used? And how many of them?

 

[DaneCE]

^ You could put the 5/4 on top of treated 4x4 or 4x6 or even layers or treated 2x6 or 2x4. Use stainless steel fasteners for longevity.

 

[scooperhsd]

duraleigh, what would support the 5/4 decking board? I'm wondering how to make it level and stable over time.

scooperhsd, what are the dimensions of the precast concrete block you used? And how many of them?

Big enough to support the base of the pump, about 3-4 inches tall. Just one, But you may need more than 1.

 

[C3Cl3N3O3]

I have two storm drains attached on the same line as my sand filter drain. If things are angled properly, nothing comes out of the drains when you backwash. I don't think you want to have standing water anywhere near the vicinity of that equipment.

 

[VikingPoolMan]

Mine is sitting on a concrete block that I got from Lowes' Depot for almost the exact same reason - although I was fortunate enough to not have the water get high enough to threaten the motor.

Same solution here.

 

[Vickery]

My pool is within a flood zone, on a creek that infested with beavers - with dams. I did this many years ago after losing my second pump. Remember, 4X4 and 6X6 are ground contact, unless marked, other lumber is not. I used some cutoff 6X6's and framing lumber. I'm a retired deck & porch builder so I had plenty of material. I elevated the pump as high as I could. Once I change out the filter and put it on a base I can center the pump on the stand. I'd include the photo but apparently I have exceeded my quota.

 

[rdshackleford]

C3, no I don't want the flood water at the pump, but fixing my drainage issues would be a very long and expensive project. I hope to some day.

I'm thinking pouring concrete won't be more difficult than building a wood platform. The tough part is moving all the sand and redoing all the very old plastic pipe connections.

 

[rdshackleford]

I am going with option #3!!!



A mini inverted cofferdam.

Now all I need is a one way drain valve.

 

[rphpool]

Good innovative idea, yes one way vavle is in order. Is that a car booster cable clamp?

 

[rdshackleford]

That is a smaller version of a car booster cable clamp. I used it for the bonding wire. In the case of an electrical storm, I like to isolate the pump from surges on all fronts!

I would like to find a nicer sort of quick disconnect for that. Maybe a twist-lock something.

 

[Vickery]

I certainly agree with isolating the pump in case of a storm. But my experience with lightning indicates that the only way to really protect it is to take it inside the house! What lightning wants, lightnings gets. I've been in that business. But a disconnect will protect against the easy strikes.

 

[rdshackleford]

Agreed. I like that, what lightning wants, lightning gets. Do you know what happens to a toad when it is struck by lightning?

 

[rdshackleford]

Thunderstorms are bearing down on the northeast. We are unplugged and isolated in the tub. Wish us luck.