How To Build A Pool Pump Shed?
Frankly speaking, I had no idea what a pool pump shed was. As a young boy, I had the luxury of jumping into the crystal clear water of the river, with my gang that flowed near my house. I grew up in the serene countryside. It was only when I moved to the fringes of the city that I realized that space was such a big concern.
I moved in with my family in one of those areas where the main street is lined with similar looking homes. Each came with a small pool at the back, but there was no pool pump. My realtor told me that I had to get it installed on my own, which I did. But the plumber refused to build a shed for the pump. So, I rolled up my sleeves and took the task into my own hands.
Thanks to my countryside upbringing, I was rather good with wooden planks, hammer, nails and measuring tapes. Trust me, pals! If I can do it, you can do it too! Here, I will explain the steps in a simple format. Follow them, and you will discover that you too have this hidden talent in you.
Contents
Important tools that you will require
You can make the pool pump from natural timber or any artificial material that is readily available in the market. These sheds are mainly located outside the house. Some place it in the garage, but personally, I think it takes up too much area that could be utilized otherwise. Mine is tucked neatly behind the bushes.
It is a ludicrous idea to expose the pump to natural elements. Thus, before you start the task, make sure that you have these tools at your disposal- natural or artificial ply, hammer, measuring tape, paint and brush, nails, sealer, and a saw.
Step 1 – Perfect Measurements For The Flawless Shed
I did not take the trouble of cutting the ply on my own. Sawing wood takes me back several years when I had a rather nasty experience with this sharp object called saw. Plus, asking the plank dealer to do it for me makes the task quicker. So, I took my measuring tape and noted down the exact length, height and width of the machine. I asked the dealer to leave the ply around 5 inches bigger. That will provide some room into the shed.
Step 2 – Mark And Paint The Planks
Once I got the ply, cut to perfection, and delivered to my doorsteps, I marked them accordingly. I had an impression of the shed in mind, and so, it did not take me long to figure out the way each plank was to be placed. As my planks were bare, I used a basic waterproof paint and evenly coated each ply. It enhances the look as well as the durability of the shed.
Step 3 – Construct The Frame Of Pump Cover
When the paint dried, I started work on the structure of the cover. The erection of the frame is rather easy. I made the hollow shell with 12 narrow planks, to meet the length, width and height measurements. To fix the joints, I used nails and bugle screws. In front, I attached a hinge as I wanted to make a door for this shed. After completing the box frame, I made a structure to cover the top part of the shed. I picked a hut style roof, but you can keep it simple as well.
Step 4 – Covering The Shed
Though I had some knowledge of carpentry, once I embarked on the self-made pool pump cover, I realized that expert guidance was needed to tackle some issues. While I fitted the broader planks on the framework, I saw that the planks were not fitting correctly. After consulting with a professional carpenter, I learned that it can be done by trimming and rounding off the edges. I placed the planks one after another and secured them with nails. I used long nails so that it can penetrate the frame as well as the plants. You can use a wood sealer if you wish. Once all the planks were in place, the shed was almost complete.
Step 5 – Allow Passage Of Heat
When the pool pumps run, its motor causes enough heat. It is mandatory to allow vents, through which the heat will pass. For this, I cut a small square hole at the back, exactly where the motor will be aligned. I was feeling a bit a lazy, and that is why I bought a readymade vent cover. The gaps allowed heat to escape while keeping out leaves, twigs, rain, and snow.
Step 6 – Adding The Door
Remember the hinge joint that I added to the front portion of the door? By now you must have realized that my pool pump shed has a traditional style door with a knob. To make the door functional, I attached one of its sides to the hinge and secured it with smaller nails. The nail drill was very handy. My brother has a slide-up door. If you have any better options, feel free to try them out. The main reason behind this door is if the need arises, the mechanic can take a look at the pump, or take it out as well.
Step 7 – Attaching The Roof
Asbestos is a popular choice when it comes to making small shed roofs. They are bad conductors of heat, durable and repel water. As I had invested in the new home recently, I choose to give it a miss. Instead, I used the ply as the roofing material. When I attached the roof on the box, the pump cover looked like a small hut.
My Experience
I took the help of my friend to place it on the pump. My youngest daughter was rather pleased to see a separate hut for the pool pump. In fact, she was so impressed that she asked me to make a dollhouse for her. I am currently working on this super-important project. Once I finish it, I will tell you how you can bring a smile on your princess’s face with a dollhouse.
