Pool Pump Enclosures | Pool Pump Covers Information Guide
Pool Pump Shed Information & Purchase Guide
Pool pump covers are the best way of protecting your pool filtration equipment from the harsh Australian outdoor elements, while also providing a sleek and stylish solution to hide the pump and filtration equipment away from your beautiful pool area.
Here are a few things to consider when purchasing your new pump enclosure.
Do I need a Pool Pump Cover?
While pool pumps and filter systems are generally designed to operate normally in the sun, rain and wind, many choose to enclose their equipment to further protect their system for longevity and enhance the look of their pool area by hiding away the plumbing and electrical. This also keeps the system stored safely and securely from children and pets.
For more information, see our article on this topic: Do I need a Pool Pump Cover?
Material Types: Should I use Aluminium, Steel or Timber?
When choosing your pool pump shed you'll find the most common construction materials available are either Timber, Steel or Aluminium. In terms of durability, longevity and maintenance Aluminium is easily the best option in these regards.
Unlike Steel, which can rust when placed near coastal environments or salt water pools, or timber, which requires regular painting or oiling to preserve the exterior condition, aluminium will last a lifetime with little to no maintenance as being both fire and pest proof. Aluminium enclosures also provide superior ventilation when compared to the steel enclosures, which are usually fully enclosed.
Although the superior option for quality and durability, aluminium enclosures are usually at a higher initial cost than the other two options. This is due to the higher cost of aluminium extrusion and extensive production procedures and labour costs when compared to steel and timber, and also requiring more specialised machinery and skillset when welding and fabricating.
Style and Options: Looks and Functionality
When purchasing your Pool Pump Enclosure there are a few options to consider.
First, do I need Free Standing or Wall Mounted?
Wall mounted enclosures are designed without a back panel in order to go up against a fence or wall. The lack of rear panel means that these units are usually screwed or bolted to both the concrete or paver pad at the baseplates, as well as the the rear wall at the back of the unit. This is to ensure maximum rigidity and strength. This option is usually a little bit cheaper than the free standing version.
Free standing enclosures are designed with a back panel and can be placed anywhere on the property. The full rear panel adds significant rigidity to the enclosure and therefore can be mounted free standing, only requiring a few bolts to lock the enclosure down to it's concrete, or pavers pad. This option is usually a little more expensive than the wall mounted option.
Both types of enclosure are fitted after the pool pump has been installed.
Doors & Lid:
In order to access your pool pump equipment, the pool pump covers are provided with a range of options such as single or dual front gates and either a hinged or fixed lid.
Depending on the size of the enclosure, single gates are usually only provided on enclosures with a maximum width of 1200mm with anything wider requiring a dual gates.
The enclosures also are offered with either a hinged lid, usually assisted with gas struts for ease of access, or fixed lid if top access is not required.
Be sure to check your pump to see if you require top access for maintenance before choosing your lid style.
Straight Slats, Louvre or Enclosed?
Pool Pump Enclosures can be fabricated in a variety of styles.
For straight slats, these are usually offered with small gaps, large gaps or no gaps. In our case, we choose to manufacture our enclosures with an 10mm gap, which we believe to be the best choice is terms of both weather protection, ventilation and aesthetics, but can offer other gap widths on request.
For the fixed louvre option, these usually have no choice of gaps and are also a great option in terms of weather protection, ventilation and over all looks.
Another type of pool pump covers available are the fully sealed enclosures. Often purchased for the specially made acoustic sound-deadening qualities, specially designed for that application. Venting is an absolute must for this type of pump shed.
Choosing a Colour: Colour Matched or Making a statement?
Another important factor when choosing your Pool Pump Enclosure is the choice of colour. For our enclosures, we offer a full range of the Colorbond® Core Colours, featuring popular colours such as Surf Mist, Monument, Dover White and the popular Deep Ocean.
What size do I need and how to measure?: What dimensions are required?
In order to purchase the correct size enclosure for your requirements, you'll need to know the length, width and depth of the area you're looking to cover.
It's very important to note that the dimensions of the enclosures listed online are the overall size of the unit, from edge to edge and including the lid. For our enclosures, we recommend ordering up 50-100mm above the sizes measured to ensure a good fit. This is because we fabricate our enclosures with 50mm Box Tube, so the internal measurements will be 100mm less that overall, and 50mm less on the lid.
Be sure to allow room for the base plates, which mount your enclosure to the concrete or paver surface. These face inward of the enclosure and are contained within the footprint of the unit.
Installation: What is required?
You need to check that the mounting surface for your enclosure is reasonably flat prior to installation. This will ensure the unit sits nice and square, especially important with the wall-mounted pool pump covers, which do not have a rear panel to provide squareness and rigidity.
For flat pack pool pump covers, follow your instruction manual to ensure proper assembly. Bolt packs are provided, with only minor tools required to complete installation, such as a cordless drill, with Phillips head bit and a masonry bit for installing the Dyna-bolts, to fix to the concrete.
Need any more information before making your purchase? Don't hesitate to contact us and one of our friendly staff would be happy to assist you with your purchase.