The key to soundproofing a pool pump is to build a barrier between you and the noise source and build that barrier in the right way so that it has dense soundproofing materials that are made for stopping sound transfer. If that fails or your pimp is just crazy loud than you may want to call a pool pump technician because there’s only so much soundproofing can do. In summary, here’s the keys to pool pump noise reduction:

1. Build an enclosure around your pool pump
2. Make sure your pool pump is on level ground and is on vibration pad or mount
3. Call a pool pump technician

As we mentioned, the most foolproof way to hush your pool pump and prevent the noise from disturbing you or your neighbors is to create a dense barrier around your machine on all exposed sides. This dense barrier is typically a fence or a full enclosure (like a box). Depending on your situation, we will either be building this barrier, or adding to an existing barrier to make it more effective. Not all enclosures are created equal, and unless you use proper soundproofing techniques, you will get subpar soundproofing results.

If you are already have a barrier around your pool pump, you likely have one of the following:

• • a full enclosure surrounding your pump on all sides
  • a fence either completely or partially surrounding your pump

Let’s walk you through the each of the most likely scenarios and how to soundproof a pool pump.

The keys to a pool pump noise reduction box are:

1. Adding sound absorption inside the box
2. Making sure the box is well sealed
3. Making the walls of the box dense enough to block sound

If you have built an enclosure around your pool pump, then you are on the right track. The enclosure should be built of a dense material (1/2” plywood works well), and surround the sides and top of the pool pump with no air gaps. But even if you already have this type of enclosure, there are still a few areas to improve on to make your enclosure more soundproof.

1. Add Sound Absorption

Adding sound absorption on the interior side of the airtight soundproof box reduces the reflectiveness of the surfaces inside the box and ultimately reduces the amount of noise that you will hear outside of the enclosure. If your barrier is made of plywood, the best option is to add our BlocknZorbe sound panels (charcoal) inside the box with 100% coverage. They are waterproof, sound absorptive, and UV stable so they last forever outside. Just screw them into a box or attach them with a strong outdoor adhesive.

2. Seal Around the Perimeter of the Box

If there are gaps in the box, you must seal them. Use acoustical sealant to close up any gaps or seams where airborne noise can escape. Even a small gap in the barrier can allow a lot of noise to escape. Large openings will need to be sealed with wood or mlv sound barrier. If any openings are for ventilation, you’ll need to leave those uncovered or the pump can overheat. To preserve ventilation, build a baffle “silencer” for those vent openings using that same BlocknZorbe material.

3. Add Density to the Enclosure

Even if you have covered the pool pump on all 5 sides, your enclosure will not be very effective at blocking sound if it is made of thin materials. To add density to a box like a pool pump, we either use Luxury Liner MLV sheets or… BlocknZorbe again!

Our Recommendation

BlocknZorbe Panels is your best friend for improving a pool pump enclosure. BlocknZorbe panels are great for outdoor soundproofing projects because they are durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. The charcoal version of these panels are UV stable, meaning they will hold up in the sunlight and can be permanently used outside without decaying.

As the name would suggest, they are designed to block and absorb sound, making them a superior building material for soundproofing. Then use our acoustical sealant to seal any or seams, and you are good to head back to the pool!

Call us at 1.800.679.8511