How To Keep Your Water Pump Cover Cool In Warm Weather

When enclosed in aluminum housings or pump covers, pumps naturally generate and retain heat. This is helpful for protection in cold months, but in the summer, it can become a liability.

Excess heat buildup inside a water pump cover can shorten equipment life and lead to failure. That’s why proper summer protection is essential. Proper installation of the pump cover is crucial to ensure effective cooling and protection.

What purpose does a pump cover have? A pump cover is a great way to protect your pump from the elements. Without a cover, pumps are exposed to environmental hazards that can cause damage. It will also keep vandals away, barring easy access. Plus, pump covers can help with noise reduction.

Heat Causes Damage: A Serious Risk to Components

Trapped heat, whether from the pump itself or from high outdoor temperatures, can cause serious damage. When components like pumps or control panels overheat, the result can be costly: not just in terms of replacing damaged parts, but also labor, downtime and process disruptions.

The cost of a quality pump cover is often outweighed by the savings from preventing such damage, making it a practical investment for both protection and affordability.

Louvers Cool Pump Aluminum Enclosures & Covers

So how do we suggest removing heat from a pump cover? One option is to add a louver(s) or vent to the outside wall on each end of the enclosure. The addition of louvers or vents placed near the top of the pump cover will allow warm air to escape and may also create a draft to pass through the enclosure and across the pumps to keep them from overheating.

Louvers and vents come in many different sizes with features that can accommodate most pump enclosures. Be sure to check the technical specifications of your pump cover to ensure compatibility with the louvers or vents you choose. They’re easily installed at the factory or on the project site. They also help release fumes from fluids, adding an extra layer of safety.

You can find more information to select the right louvers, dampers and vents on our product page.

Larger Pumps Need Exhaust Fans

For larger pump systems generating more heat, we recommend pairing louvers with an exhaust fan and thermostat. Positioned at opposite ends of the enclosure, this setup draws cooler air in and pushes hot air out, actively regulating the temperature.

The fan system opens louver blades when running and allows them to close when off, keeping the system sealed and efficient. Exhaust fans use an electric motor to turn the fan blades, so make sure to plan for a reliable power source before installing.

HVAC For Emergency Pumps

Critical systems like emergency fire pumps demand even more climate control. The type of pump cover — like pump houses vs. modular pump enclosures — can affect cooling options.

A pump house provides both protection and climate control, however they can be expensive to build. Because emergency pump equipment needs to be available in a moment’s notice, these much larger fire pump houses use wall-mounted HVAC units to closely control and monitor the temperature inside the building.

Instead of a pump house, a well-designed modular pump enclosure can maintaining the same functionality and ease of access to equipment, while also offering many customizable options for cooling. As a bonus, pump enclosures don't need a permit to install.

Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Pump Cover

Selecting the right material for your well pump cover is essential for ensuring robust protection and long-lasting performance.

Well Pump Covers

Well pump covers are designed to shield your pump from the elements — rain, sun, wind and debris — while also preventing accidental damage and deterring tampering. The material you choose can make all the difference in how well your pump is protected and how much peace of mind you enjoy over the years.

When choosing a well pump cover, consider the specific conditions your pump will face and select a cover designed to handle those challenges. The right material will help prevent damage, extend the life of your well pump.

Aluminum Pump Covers

Aluminum pump covers are a popular choice thanks to their strength, lightweight design and resistance to rust and corrosion. They offer excellent protection against harsh weather and are easy to maintain, making them ideal for most outdoor applications.

Plan Ahead and Protect Your Investment

By using the right features to remove heat during the summer months, your pump equipment will keep working throughout the year. Aluminum enclosures constructed with the right materials and sizing may also help extend the equipment’s life span, saving you money in the long run. The right enclosure can also save you time on maintenance and help extend the lifespan of your equipment.

In many cases, custom pump enclosures turn out to be less expensive than Safe-T-Cover’s standard models. A standard enclosure may contain too much space. If your enclosure is larger than it needs to be, you’re wasting money by paying for something you don’t need.

The pump cover should be located in a spot that balances accessibility, protection, and aesthetics. Some customers also choose a decorative box to conceal their pump while providing protection.

To learn more about climate control for pump enclosures, download our pump cover checklist. Use it to determine the dimensions of your pump enclosure and contact us if you need support.