As any Brisbane homeowner with a pool will tell you, keeping that backyard oasis in pristine condition requires consistent maintenance and care. While most are diligent about checking chlorine levels, skimming debris and cleaning filters, the plumbing elements of pool systems often get overlooked until issues arise.
At our company, we’ve been servicing pool plumbing systems across Brisbane for over 20 years. During that time, we’ve seen every type of plumbing failure you can imagine – from ground-shifting causing pipe bellies to complete circulation pump burnouts. Many of these issues could have been prevented with proper pool plumbing maintenance.
Here are some professional tips from our experts on maintaining your pool’s plumbing setup to maximise longevity, efficiency and help avoid costly problems:
Visually inspect plumbing monthly
At least once a month, do a visual inspection of all exposed plumbing components like pipes, valves, filters and pumps. Look for:
- Cracks, deterioration or leaks on pipes and fittings
- Excessive corrosion, rust or scaling on metal parts
- Broken valve handles, stripped threads or leaks
- Cavitation, vibration or unusual operational noises
Catching issues early allows quick repairs before larger failures. If using a heat pump, check the air intake regularly for obstructions too.
Frequently backwash filter systems
Whether you have a sand, DE or cartridge filter, not backwashing frequently enough forces your pump to work harder, circulating water through debris-clogged filter media. This increases energy costs and maxes out the motor prematurely. Most filters should be backwashed:
- Sand filters every 2-4 weeks
- DE filters each 1-2 months
- Cartridge filters every 2-3 months
Check your pressure gauges – if it rises over 8-10 PSI above normal levels, it’s time for backwashing. Some filters only require hosing off cartridges too.
Routinely clean skimmer and pump baskets
Inside the skimmer and pump baskets, debris accumulates and clogs up flow over time. Excess buildup leads to impeller cavitation and suction issues. Make a habit of:
- Emptying skimmer baskets weekly
- Clearing pump baskets monthly
- Using a clean backwash hose to suck out settled debris
These baskets are your first line of defence against larger objects entering the system. Don’t ignore them!
Test and inspect automated functions
For pools with automated controls, you’ll want to regularly test and inspect functions like:
- Water feature pumps, pipes and nozzles
- Automatic cleaning systems like pop-ups
- Moving parts like pool sweeps and cable reels
- Remote controlled pool covers and motors
Any binding, seizing or leakage around automation components signals a need for service.
Check drainage system discharge points
Far too many pool drainage failures start from blocked discharge pipes or deteriorated drains. Routinely check outflows to ensure:
- Drain exits stay clear of dirt, debris and growth
- No cracks or separations in drain pipes
- Proper slope/pitch directs drainage away from home
- No signs of erosion or washouts from discharge flow
A clogged drainage outlet creates backups into equipment areas and pools rapidly. Keep those discharge points maintained!
Schedule professional plumbing inspections
While homeowners can handle basic maintenance, it’s wise to schedule professional pool plumbing inspections annually too. Our licensed technicians thoroughly inspect critical components like:
- Circulation pumps and motors
- Heaters, heat exchangers and saltwater generators
- Hydrostatic valve relief systems
- Automatic cleaners and in-floor cleaning setups
We identify potential failure points before they leave you with a costly repair bill or drained pool.
Conclusion
Owning a pool in Brisbane requires commitment to routine plumbing care and maintenance on top of basic water chemistry and cleaning. From proper circulation to adequate drainage design, a well-maintained plumbing system is critical.
Follow these professional plumbing tips and schedule service visits to maximise your pool’s longevity. With our expertise servicing Brisbane-area pools for over 20 years, you can count on us to keep your backyard oasis in perfect working condition all season long!
