Pool & Spa Archives - Ralph's Way

If you're considering investing in a pool pump, let me tell you right off the bat why Doheny's pool pump should be on the top of your list. Having tested and researched many brands, I can confidently say that this one offers incredible value for money. Whether you're a pool maintenance pro or someone just trying to keep their backyard oasis sparkling, Doheny's pool pump makes pool care more accessible and less of a chore. My Personal Experience: Installation & Performance When it came time to replace my aging pool pump, I decided to go with Doheny's after being frustrated with the cost and inefficiency of other brands. Right from unboxing, it was clear that this pump was built with quality in mind. The stainless steel motor shaft, combined with the reinforced thermoplastic body, gave me confidence that I was getting a durable product. The installation was pretty straightforward, especially compared to my last experience with a Sta-Rite pump. I did have to make a few adjustments to the PVC plumbing, but with Doheny's convertible electrical connection (115/230V), I found it easy to connect to my existing setup. A word of advice—make sure to check the rubber ring on the connections. In my case, I had to replace it to prevent a slow leak, but once sorted, everything ran perfectly. Efficiency and Noise Level One of my favorite things about this pump is how quiet it is. If you’ve ever owned an old, clunky pool pump, you know how annoying that constant hum can be. Doheny's pump, however, runs with a soft purr. It was noticeably quieter than the previous model I used, which immediately scored it some points. The pump also moves a considerable amount of water, ensuring that my pool stayed clean and clear. With advanced engineering, it provided high efficiency without cranking up my electricity bill. That’s a big deal, especially for pool owners like me who need to run the pump for several hours a day. Key Features of Doheny's Pool Pump Durable Construction: The stainless steel motor shaft and reinforced thermoplastic body make it highly durable. Convertible Electrical Connection: Can be easily adjusted for either 115V or 230V setups, which is super convenient. Minimal Noise: With its advanced engineering, Doheny’s pump runs much quieter than most pumps in its category. CSA and ETL Approved: Meets or exceeds regulatory standards, providing added peace of mind. Pros And Cons of Doheny's Pool Pump Pros Affordability: Compared to premium pumps like Hayward or Pentair, Doheny's pool pump comes at a fraction of the cost. In fact, you can often buy two or three of these for the price of one Hayward, which makes it a no-brainer if you’re on a budget. Quiet Operation: As I mentioned earlier, it’s remarkably quiet, which means you can run it overnight without bothering the neighbors. Efficient Water Movement: The pump moves a lot of water, keeping the pool clean and minimizing algae growth. It also primes quickly, which saves time and avoids dry running. Convertible Voltage: Easy to adjust between 115V and 230V, depending on your electrical setup. Includes Union Connectors: The 2-inch connectors can easily be reduced to 1.5 inches, making installation straightforward. Cons Rubber Ring Issues: The rubber rings provided aren’t always the best fit, and you might experience a slight leak unless you replace them. This was a minor inconvenience for me, but it's worth noting. Strainer Cap Visibility: The ribbed inside of the strainer cap makes it a bit challenging to see if the pump is priming properly. It’s not a deal-breaker, but certainly a design element that could be improved. Compatibility Issues with Older Models: If you’re replacing an older pump, like a Sta-Rite, expect to do some additional plumbing. The couplers aren’t always compatible, so having a bit of extra PVC and some connectors handy is a good idea. Maintenance Tips To Get The Most Out of Doheny's Pool Pump If you want to make sure your pool pump runs smoothly and lasts for years, there are some maintenance practices to keep in mind: Clean the Strainer Basket Regularly: The strainer basket collects debris, and keeping it clean will ensure that the pump runs efficiently and that the motor isn’t overworked. I recommend checking it at least once a week, especially during peak summer months. Check for Leaks Frequently: It’s a good idea to inspect the fittings, especially after installation, to ensure there are no slow leaks. Leaks can increase the strain on the pump and reduce efficiency. Winterize Properly: If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s essential to winterize the pump properly. Use the easy-access drain plug to get rid of water that might freeze and damage the unit. Trust me, taking an hour to winterize can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. Inspect the Motor Shaft Seal: The carborundum and graphite mechanical seals are durable but can wear down over time. Keeping an eye on them, especially if you notice noise or decreased efficiency, will help prolong the life of the pump. Use a Timer: Running the pump continuously can lead to a short lifespan, so invest in a timer to ensure you’re running the pump for the optimal duration each day. I usually set it for about 6-8 hours, depending on the season. Doheny's Pool Pump Vs. Other Brands Doheny's Vs. Hayward Hayward pumps are well-known in the pool industry for their performance and reliability, but they come with a hefty price tag. In my experience, Doheny's pool pump provides similar performance at a fraction of the cost. While Hayward may have a slight edge when it comes to build quality, the fact that I could buy three Doheny's pumps for the price of one Hayward made it an easy decision for me. One area where Hayward does outperform Doheny's is in energy efficiency, particularly with their variable-speed models. However, considering the cost savings and Doheny's already low energy consumption, I found Doheny's pump to be the better option for my budget. Doheny's Vs. Pentair Pentair pumps are another big name in the industry, known for their premium features and high-end performance. Pentair pumps are fantastic if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line unit and don’t mind the price. They are also variable-speed and highly energy-efficient. In comparison, Doheny's is a more basic, single-speed pump but still delivers solid performance. Unless you have a particularly large or complicated pool system, I believe Doheny's pump offers excellent value for the average pool owner. Doheny's Vs. Sta-Rite Replacing my old Sta-Rite pump with Doheny's was eye-opening. The Doheny's pump was significantly quieter, and the water circulation was noticeably better. That said, Sta-Rite pumps have a reputation for being nearly indestructible. They are built like tanks but also come with the price and maintenance requirements that reflect that. With Doheny's, I found myself able to achieve the same water clarity with fewer headaches and at a much lower cost. The ease of maintenance with Doheny’s, from its convertible electrical connection to its easy-access drain plug, made it a more user-friendly option for me. How To Make the Best Choice? When choosing between Doheny's and other big brands like Hayward, Pentair, or Sta-Rite, it all comes down to what matters most to you—whether it's cost, energy efficiency, or ease of installation. If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable pump that gets the job done without a fuss, Doheny's pool pump is an excellent choice. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the premium models, but it offers everything you need for a backyard pool without breaking the bank. Also Read: Is WYBOT Pool Cleaner Worth It? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the most reliable pool pump brand? The most reliable pool pump brand can vary depending on what you prioritize—cost, features, or performance. Hayward, Pentair, and Sta-Rite are often considered some of the most reliable brands due to their build quality and efficiency. However, Doheny's offers fantastic value for money and reliability that’s more than adequate for most residential pools. How many years does a pool pump last? With proper maintenance, a pool pump can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. Doheny's pool pump, if well cared for, should give you a good 10+ years of service. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the strainer basket and winterizing properly, will help prolong its lifespan. Can a pump be too powerful for a pool? Yes, a pump can indeed be too powerful for a pool. If the pump is too large for your pool, it can create excessive pressure and lead to filter damage, inefficient water circulation, and increased energy consumption. Doheny's offers various pump sizes, so it's essential to choose one that fits your pool size and requirements. Are Pentair pumps better than Hayward? Pentair and Hayward are both premium pool pump brands, and each has its strengths. Pentair pumps are often praised for their energy efficiency and quiet operation, while Hayward pumps are known for their durability and excellent filtration capabilities. Choosing between them comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your pool setup. Wrapping Up To sum it up, Doheny's pool pump offers a great blend of affordability, efficiency, and ease of use. If you’re tired of spending too much on premium pumps that don’t last or are just looking for a reliable pump that gets the job done, Doheny's should be your go-to. With some routine maintenance and a few adjustments here and there, you can enjoy years of quiet, efficient service. Ultimately, it gives you that crystal-clear pool without breaking the bank—and that’s something worth investing in!