If you live in a close-knit neighborhood, chances are you’re familiar with the sound of your neighbor’s pool pump running.
Whether it’s early in the morning or late at night, the constant hum of the pump can be quite jarring – especially if you’re trying to enjoy some peace and quiet.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce the noise from your neighbor’s pool pump and make your home a little more peaceful.
One of the easiest ways to reduce noise from a pool pump is to simply cover it up. If your neighbor’s pump is located close to your property line, consider putting up a fence or hedge to block out the sound.
How Much Noise Does a Pool Pump Make?
A normal pool pump produces noises in 65-90 decibels which can be as loud as riding in a subway.
According to research, noise exposure is associated with negative health effects on the exposed persons. The study also found out that neighbor noise annoyance is also strongly associated with eight different mental and physical health symptoms. (Source)
There’s an old saying that goes, you can choose your friends, but can’t choose family. However, Hollywood has taught us that you can’t choose your neighbors.
99% of the time, neighbors are our greatest foes when it comes to noise problems.
How to Block Neighbors Pool Pump Noise
Pool pump noise can be pretty annoying and even more irritating when it comes from your neighbor’s with no direct control over the unit.
1. Talk To Your Neighbors
I’ve always advocated for good relationships with your neighbors.
Just like the old saying goes, a good neighbor- a found treasure should always seek to maintain good relationships with our neighbors such that we can peacefully solve problems when they arise.
The first step is always to talk to your neighbors. If they are constantly running their pool pump, there might be a reason for it. Perhaps their pool is rooftop and the only way to get the water moving is to keep the pump on.
Maybe they have a child with health issues who needs to swim every day. Whatever the reason, it’s best to talk to your neighbors and try to come to some sort of understanding or compromise before taking any further steps.
If talking to your neighbors doesn’t work, you may want to consider other soundproofing methods mentioned below.
If you’ve got some friendly neighbors, then why not approach them and let them know that their pool pump is reigning noise havoc in your home?
Simply tell them that you think that you’re concerned that their pool pump isn’t working correctly, and it could be the reason why it’s so loud.
Alternatively, if you’re not talking terms with your neighbor, why not write them a letter?
Draft a simple letter informing them that you think there could be something wrong with their pool pump as it’s so loud that you can hear it in your own bedroom.
2. Suggest Pool Pump Noise Cover
Pool pump noise cover is a device that helps to muffle the sound of your pool pump. It works by absorbing the sound waves produced by the pump and redirecting them away from the pool area.
This can help to reduce the overall noise level in your backyard, making it more enjoyable for everyone.
There are a few different types of pool pump noise covers on the market, so you’ll need to choose one that best fits your needs. Choose one that’s made of acoustic foam.
These covers are made from a thick layer of foam that helps to deaden the sound of the pump. They’re also usually very easy to install, which makes them a good choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time on installation.
Another option is a pool pump noise cover that’s made of PVC. These covers are less effective at absorbing sound, but they’re much easier to install. They also don’t require any tools for installation, which can make them a good choice for those who are short on time.
I dug around and found some fantastic products that I’d recommend you to tell your neighbor to get them- check them here
They are pool pump motor covers that guarantee 75-90% noise reduction and are available in various sizes and prices to allow you to choose one that matches your needs.
The best part is that these covers are easy to assemble, have no operating costs, are durable, and protect your pump against dirt, rust, rain, snow, and sun.
If you feel generous enough, why not decide to cost-share the purchase of the pool pump cover? I’m sure they’d likely jump into this idea.
3. Use Soundproofing Materials to Deal with Pool Pump Noise
You can use soundproofing materials to help reduce the amount of noise that is emitted from the pump. There are many different types of soundproofing materials available, and you will need to choose the one that best suits your needs.
One option for soundproofing your home is to use acoustic foam. This type of foam is designed to absorb sound waves, and it can be very effective at blocking out unwanted noise.
Acoustic foam can be found at most hardware stores, and it is relatively inexpensive. Another option is to use a sound barrier.
A sound barrier is a material that is placed between you and the source of the noise. Sound barriers can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and even concrete.
If you want to block your neighbor’s pool pump noise without spending a lot of money, you can try using a white noise machine.
White noise machines generate sound waves that cancel out other sound waves. This can be an effective way to reduce the amount of noise that you hear.
White noise machines are available at most electronics stores, and they are relatively inexpensive.
Another option for blocking your neighbor’s pool pump noise is to use a fan. Fans can be placed in front of the pump to help deflect the sound waves away from your home. Fans are available at most hardware stores, and they are relatively inexpensive.
4. Soundproof Fence
If you are an introvert and want to avoid the stresses of approaching your neighbor, then installing a soundproof fence on your property will go a long way in ensuring that you reduce noise from the neighbor’s pool pump.
Bricks or stone perimeter fences are some of the best choices for soundproof fences.
While they may be expensive to install, they will go a long way in not only reducing noises from your neighbor but also reduce traffic noise from leaking in your home.
You can follow my guide on installing the best fence for noise abatement to help drown out pool pump noise from the neighbors.
You will need to check with your local building laws and get the required permit to avoid confrontations with the local authorities.
5. Repair Or Replace The Noisy Pool Pump
Sometimes lack of regular maintenance could be the reason why the pool pump is so noisy.
Poor installation could also make the noise problem much worse.
Installing anti-vibration pads underneath your pool pump or simply bolt down the noisy pool pump properly to help reduce excessive vibrations.
If the pump is broken, calling a professional to help repair it or simply replacing it with a quiet pool pump will sort the problem too.
These methods will help reduce pool pump noise but remember you will need your neighbor’s approval.
6. Soundproof your Home
If the neighbor’s pool pump is so loud that it’s ruining your peaceful stay at home, then why not soundproof your home?
There are a few things you can do to soundproof your home from noisy pool pumps.
- Add insulation to your walls. This will help to absorb some of the noise from the pump.
- Install soundproof windows. These will help to block out some of the noise from the pump.
- Soundproof your doors. You can purchase door sweeps or sealants that will help to block out noise.
- Move your furniture around. This may help to absorb some of the sound from the pump.
- Hang curtains or blankets over your windows. This will help to absorb some of the noise from the pump.
7. White Noise Machine
If you want to block out your neighbor’s pool pump noise, one option is to use a white noise machine.
A white noise machine produces a sound similar to a rushing waterfall soothing sounds or wind blowing in the forest. The sound is used to mask other sounds in the environment, such as speech, so that people can concentrate or sleep more peacefully. White noise machines are commonly used in offices, bedrooms, and other places where people need to block out distractions. Some white noise machines also have features like timers and nature sounds to further help people relax or fall asleep.
One of the most affordable white noise machine is the HoMedics White Noise Sound Machine will produce soothing sounds that will help calm you down while at the same time drowning outside noises.
I compiled a detailed guide on some of the best white noise machines ideal for use in your bedroom, office, library, and even baby nursery.
Alternatively, you can search from the app store some of the most recommended white noise apps and simply plug in your earphones and listen to these soothing sounds.
On How to Block Neighbors Pool Pump Noise
Pool pump noise can be a true noise nuisance, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eradicate the problem.
Above are the most recommended methods to help you deal with noise problems that could otherwise adversely affect your mental and physical well-being.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
I have an idiot neighbor with a noisy pool motor. She is half man and has never been a good neighbor. For example piles junk on the property line, rakes leaves into my yard. I can hear the pool motor inside my house. I’ve solved it by running a fan in the house and bedroom. Also have a sound machine and earplugs for sleeping.