Storing dock circulators
 

Now that its time to store dock circulators for the summer, I'm looking for advice on the best method. I have had people tell me to disconnect it and leave it under the dock for the summer so gaskets don't dry out. Others have said to take it out of the water and spray it with WD-40 so it doesn't dry out (and doesn't get the algae, etc from leaving it in the water). The unit I have is an Aquatherm bottom unit, with a PVC-like frame holding the motor/propeller.
Thank you for any advice or recommendations.

I was told to leave the pump in the water to prevent the seals from drying out.

Initially, I separated the pumps from the frames and stored the pumps in a bucket of water. I have two pumps mounted on metal frames which have become rusted over the years. The pumps are about twelve years old, and for the last nine or ten years, I disconnected the power and leave the complete units under the dock.

Both units are still running fine, and I only needed to replace the occasional plastic propeller.

Hope this helps.

based on the type I have , I was told by Water mark to keep it in the water. It is a well pump that likes to stay wet. Being my first year I plan to store mine under my dock.unless someone has a better idea.

Take it out of the water and store it upside-down so that the oil inside gets to the seals. The seals need to be oiled, not watered.

That is what the manufacturer recommends.

Good feedback
 

Thanks to all that replied; I will try the upside down storage - that does make sense that keeping oil on the gaskets would be better than water. I may also spray the unit with oil to keep the bolts, etc from corroding, unless anyone thinks thats a bad idea.

Ally Oop
 

Our contractor always stores the circulator upside down for the reason given above. 🐻

I would imagine the bolts are stainless steel to prevent rusting, but don't quote me on that. I can't imagine it being a bad idea either.

When we bought our new circulator 3 or 4 years ago. The manufacturers instructions stated to store the unit upside down in a dry location.

I have two Powerhose Ice Eaters that I store prop pointing down. I clean them and that's about it. Here's a screenshot of their maintenance instructions.

Ours have always been stored under the dock. Havent been out of the water since the day they went in.

Be careful with how you store a circulator...if you have an oil filled motor, such as KASCO or ICE EATER, you should store them prop-down to keep oil on the seal, however, if you have a "Bottom-Mount" (such as Watermark or Aquatherm) which use a well pump style motor, you should store them in the water to keep the seals wet. Most people leave this type under their docks out of the way.