Soundproofing a pool pump

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skbrown

0
Jun 3, 2017
3
Barrie
Hi all. Seeking advice. This is our 3rd season with our pool. We installed our equipment right at the back corner of our house according to the property standards of the city we live in (Barrie, Ontario). Our neighbours on that side started creating issues as soon as the dig started. They called by-law to try to have it stopped, have complained about noise numerous times, water flow etc. It never ends. They are an older couple in a young neighbourhood where virtually everyone has pools and basketball nets out front. Our houses are only about 8 feet apart from brick to brick so it is tight.

Last season, to try to appease them, we poured a concrete pad under the equipment and install foam mats under the pump to try to reduce noise and vibration. Our pump is a Zodiac FloPro Model FHPM. We have measured our pump on a decibel reading and it is within the property standards. However, our noise by-law states that if it can be heard within residential house, it may contravene the by-law, though we have not been cited for noise or even had by-law attend for this issue (lots of others but not this one!!). Their AC is louder than our pool pump. It is likely that they can hear the hum from the pump, similar to what you would hear from an AC.

They have just delivered a notice indicating that we have a week to adjust the noise/vibration or they will start a court action. Although I realize that we are probably operating within the property standards, the last thing I want to do is spend the money and time defending a civil lawsuit.

So... I am hoping that you experts can give me some advice as to how I can possibly sound proof at least the pump without jeopardizing the pump itself. Or would it be better to upgrade the pump to a whisper? The pool person I spoke with indicated that the difference in noise would be marginal. Is this true in your experience?

Thanks in advance.

Signed....

ReadyToSell
 
Welcome to the forum --

Bummer. So. The only way to deflect noise is to place a barrier between the item making the noise and the direction you want to deflect it from. I assume the pump is next to your house? If so, the sound is reflecting off your house and then towards their house? If so, you would need a barrier (foam board, etc) between the pump and their house that reaches at least to the eaves of their house. Not pretty.

I looked at this pump on line. Is it 2 speed? On low it should be pretty quiet.

Good luck.
 
You will never appease them - so I wouldn't even try. Instead - file a counter suit about the loudness of their Air Conditioner. Record both. And in the hearing play them them back for everybody to hear. Tell them you'll turn off the pool pump when they leave the Airconditioner off all day and night.
Of course, they will refuse. They should get a stern talk from the judge about "it isn't all about them" and if they don't like the noise of the younger neighbors - move.
 
sk,

Welcome to TFP.. A Great resource for all pool owners with out of touch neighbors.... :drown:

There are different ways to handle this as you can tell by the advice you are being given... If things were reversed which neighbor would you want to live next door to???

I think you can turn this into a win - win situation so that both sides can go away happy...

I agree with the recommendation to change to a variable speed pump....

1. The cost would be less than any lawsuit.
2. The "bad" neighbor would be happy.
3. You would see a huge drop in your electrical costs
4. You will be so happy with your new pump you will "almost" want to go over and thank your neighbor... :p

Most variable speed pumps are so quite at low RPMs that you have to almost touch them to make sure they are working.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Jim - with all due respect - the only thing that will make that neighbor happy is for the pool to go away completely. He was complaining about it almost as soon as the first shovel of dirt was drawn. So make the neighbor go away. I'd show him a picture of a $7000 (probably more Canadian) groundsource heatpump and tell him - "if you install this I'll see what can be done about the "pool noise"".
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Where we are, variable speed pumps are about $1400 CAN and no rebate unfortunately. I guess this is a cost we will have to suck up!

- - - Updated - - -

Scooperhsd - I also agree with your position. I don't think we will ever appease and I'm worried that by giving in, we will seem weak. The next thing will be the kids laughing and splashing in the pool. BUT, if we change the pump, perhaps we insulate ourselves a little from the potential risk of court costs.

Thanks all!
 
I'm planning to try a 3-sided enclosure around my pump, using 1-1/2" acoustical eggcrate foam inside the enclosure.
I'm going to record the sound levels before and after, and compare them.
Check out canada.foambymail.com if you are interested in the foam.
Also look into Vibra Systems Inc, in Concord (just down the 400) for their BD open spring mounts to reduce vibration and noise. They can be mounted as feet for your pump.
 

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SK, if you consider a variable speed pump, do remember that while they're very quiet on low speeds, the sound increases when you use a higher rpm, eg. For heating a pool.

So either way, setting up a sound barrier is a good idea. Example, fire-rated foil covered thermax is an excellent insulator and also dampens sound but poses no fire risk and can endure the elements. I've lined a wood box with it to successfully reduce vibration noise.

While the neighbor may be a pita, this isn't the game of thrones, so don't feel a need to out-maneuver him ;) Pretend its someone you like and then act accordingly with your efforts. The escalation isn't worth it.
 
Yeah, honestly single speed pool pumps are incredibly noisy, and in the most irritating way possible. And, while your neighbors may not be approaching it in the best way, I really don't blame them for being ticked off.

The noise was one of the main motivator for me to get a VS pump. I hated the noise of my own pump. Now, I can't even hear it. Best thing I ever did for myself. Best thing you can do for yourself, too. And you neighbors will probably be happy as well.

(And while I can't guarantee they won't file an injunction against your kids having fun in the pool, there's a HUGE difference between playful noises and that god awful constant screeching hum of a single speed pool pump).
 
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