Repairs – Central Florida Above Ground Pools

All above-ground swimming pools have at least a pump and a filter that is used to help keep the water clean and healthy. They don’t last as long as the pool does though, so they will need replacing at some point. Replacing a pump and/or filter for an above-ground pool in Orlando usually requires buying them first online. Replacing this equipment can usually be done by the pool owner, which is good as it may be hard to find someone to do the job. IN MOST CASES, THE PUMP NEEDS REPLACING BEFORE THE FILTER All pool pumps are run by electricity. The pump (which is what moves the water) has an electric motor attached to it. And it’s the electric motor that is the first thing to go. There is a difference between inground pool pumps and above-ground ones. One of the differences is that with an inground pump, you can always change out just the motor as it can always easily be detached from the pump. Some above-ground pool pumps don’t easily detach from the motor. This means it’s often easier and more cost-effective to replace the entire pump instead of just the pump’s motor. Orlando has several pool supply stores that will replace pump motors, but most won’t replace the motors for above-ground pool pumps because they are problematic with taking them apart. ABOVE-GROUND PUMPS AND FILTERS USUALLY COME TOGETHER AS A SINGLE PACK. Inground pumps and filters are completely separate components. This is good when having to repair or replace them. Above-ground pumps and filters come together, usually fit onto a specific platform/base, and are connected together with a specific fitting. This makes it more difficult to just replace the pump, which is usually what needs replacing first. These unique and specific ways that above-ground equipment fits together are the reason why most regular pool stores won’t work on them. They only have universal fittings and connectors in stock which cannot be used on some AG equipment. WHO CAN YOU CALL TO REPLACE ABOVE-GROUND POOL EQUIPMENT IN ORLANDO? In Orlando and surrounding areas, it can be difficult to find someone to come out and work on your above-ground pool equipment. This is because (as mentioned above) above-ground stuff is often not universal and requires specific parts that pool stores and pool service companies don’t carry. The other factor is the cost to have a service person come out. With inground pools, people are expected to pay more for having their pools worked on because they cost a lot more. Above-ground pool owners will have one-tenth to one-quarter of the cost for their pool project, which makes it harder to justify the potentially high expense of having someone come out and work on it. There are just a couple of stores in the Orlando area that will work on above-ground pool equipment, but the vast majority of them will not. I’m not sure if any Leslie’s pool stores will work on AG pool pumps/filters as they are all corporate-owned. If you live near Mount Dora or St Cloud, there are two Pinch-A-Pennys there that sell and service above grounds. If you have an independent pool store near you, then give them a try. You never know. Also, try a few pool service companies that service your area of Orlando. It’s a long shot, but you may find a good guy just starting out and willing to work on your pool. Above-ground pool guys like me usually won’t do service calls on pool equipment. This is almost certain during the busy summer season. During the off-season though, I have been known to take on an equipment repair or replacement if close to me, easier to do, and I need the work. So, if it’s between October and March and you are in Orlando, you can text me to see if I am interested. IT’S USUALLY BEST TO FIND THE EXACT REPLACEMENT PUMP OR FILTER ONLINE Under normal repair conditions, you call a service company or store and they come out with the parts and do the job completely. All you have to do here is come up with the money to pay them.When repairing or replacing an above-ground pool pump or filter, it’s not as simple. Even if you find someone to do the job for you, they will most likely want you to buy the parts beforehand and have them there. I will ask you to send me pics of what you have so I know what to tell you to buy. This is what I require when doing a repair. And I do this because I cannot get the specific parts any sooner or cheaper than the pool owner can. So, to save on what I charge, I have the pool owner get the stuff. Sometimes you can get what you need locally from a pool store. This is great, but you will pay more for it. MOST CAN REPLACE THEIR OWN PUMP AND/OR FILTER It’s usually much easier to replace above-ground pool equipment in comparison to inground stuff. And in many cases, the pool owner has no choice since they can’t find anyone to do it OR it costs too much to have someone come out. If your pool only has the 6ft plastic flex hoses, then it will be easier to replace things. If PVC hard piped, then it will be slightly harder, but still not bad. If you find this article and are doing a replacement yourself, feel free to send me a text with a pic of what you are working on. I will take a quick look and text you back with something to help you with the job.