Monday, September 19, 2011

Soundproofing a Pool Pump or Pool Filter

 This is another common question we here at Soundproofing America are asked on a daily basis, "How can I soundproof my noisy pool pump or pool filter?" The answer is pretty simple, if the pool pump is out in the open on a concrete slab for example, then your best bet is to build and enclosure around the pump that will contain the noise of the pump within the confines of the enclosure. This enclosure can be constructed of wood or OSB or any common building material. On smaller pumps a wooden box will suffice, however you will need to make some provisions for ventilation to the pool pump.  This can be done by hooking up a small computer type fan and have the fan blow cooling air through ducting directly into the box.
 For larger pumps and filters, it would be best to construct a small shed or pump house that encompasses the entire pool pump and filtering system. Your pump house will have a door for servicing the pool equipment that will also need to be soundproofed.
 Now let's talk about the soundproofing materials the will be used to soundproof your pump enclosure. One of the most common soundproofing agents on the market today is called Mass Loaded Vinyl or MLV for short.
MLV is a high grade vinyl that comes on rolls. This vinyl mat is impregnated with Silica and Barium salts to give it the mass of lead sheeting, but without the hazards associated with lead. The MLV would be used to line the inside of the box or enclosure that you are soundproofing. It is recommended that you over lap the seams of the vinyl whenever possible and then to caulk all seams and over lapped areas with an acoustical caulk. It's is also a good idea to tape the caulked seams with a seam sealer tape. As with any soundproofing project, sealing everything is imperative.
 It you are constructing a full size walk in type enclosure, you will mount the MLV directly to the inside stud structure of the walls and also attach it to the ceiling joist structure as well. Once the MLV is stapled or nailed to the insides of the enclosure, you would again caulk all of the seams as well as the perimeter with an acoustical caulking compound. The MLV is not generally a re-enforced product, so once it is attached to the walls it is a good idea to either drywall over top of the MLV membrane or simply layer over top of the vinyl with more OSB or plywood.
 This system should reduce the noise from a pool pump or loud filter remarkably and should keep your neighbors happy. I hope this article has enlightened you. If you need more information on silencing a pool pump of filter, please call the experts at Soundproofing America, Inc. Thanks for reading,  Bob O.!

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