Elite Upkeep - August 2025 Beyond the Weekly Clean – Seasonal Pool Pump & Filter Care

In Curaçao, most pools get serviced weekly but your equipment still needs seasonal attention to stay healthy in our salt air and relentless sun. The pump and filter are the heart of your pool system. A little knowledge goes a long way toward making sure they’re running at full strength.

Weekly Service — What You Should Expect - A thorough weekly visit should include:

• Balancing water chemistry – Testing pH, alkalinity, chlorine/sanitizer levels and adjusting as needed.

• Emptying skimmer baskets – Keeps leaves, insects and debris from clogging the system.

• Cleaning the pump basket – Ensures strong water flow and prevents strain on the pump.

• Checking filter pressure – Rising pressure indicates it’s time to clean or backwash.

• Backwashing the filter (if applicable) – Reverses water flow to flush out trapped dirt.

• Inspecting the salt/chlorinator cell (if present) – Removing calcium scale reducing chlorine production.

• Scanning for leaks around seals, valves and fittings.

Quarterly Owner Oversight

Even with a weekly pool service, these quarterly checks add an extra layer of protection for your pool system and help you catch issues early:

1. Lubricate the Pump Lid O-Ring

The O-ring is a thick, round rubber gasket that sits just under the clear pump lid. It looks like a large, smooth elastic band and creates an airtight seal so the pump can pull water without drawing in air.

• Remove the pump lid and lift out the O-ring. Wipe it clean to remove dirt, grit, or chemical residue.

• Apply a thin coat of silicone-based pool lubricant (never petroleum jelly, which degrades rubber).

• Reseat the O-ring carefully in its groove, ensuring there are no twists, then replace the lid.

2. Inspect the Salt Cell (If Applicable)

If your pool uses a saltwater chlorinator, the salt cell generates chlorine by passing an electrical current through the water. Over time, calcium scale builds up on the cell plates, reducing efficiency.

• Turn off the system and remove the cell according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Visually check for white or crusty scale deposits and if present, soak the cell in a mild acid solution (typically 1 part muriatic acid to 4 parts water) until the scale dissolves, then rinse & reinstall.

3. Check for Leaks

Look for any drips, wet spots or pooled water under the pump, filter and connected pipes. Even small leaks can cause pump strain, lower efficiency and waste water.

4. Listen for Changes in Pump Sound

A healthy pool pump should produce a steady, low hum. Grinding, rattling or high-pitched whines may indicate worn bearings or failing seals, problems that are easier and cheaper to address early.

5. Clean or Backwash the Filter

• Cartridge filters – Remove cartridges and rinse them with a garden hose until the water runs clear.

• Sand or DE filters – Backwash until the sight glass shows clear water.

What “Servicing the Pump Motor” Really Means

Once a year, ideally before high season, have a technician:

• Open the motor housing to remove dust, insects and corrosion.

• Check and replace worn bearings.

• Replace shaft seals if water intrusion is detected.

• Test all electrical connections.

A crystal-clear pool is the result of clean baskets, healthy seals and a well-cared-for pump motor. Know the basics and you’ll keep your pool’s heart pumping for years.