Soundproofing Information & Solutions

Soundproofing Noisy Pool Pumps & Air Con Compressors

Got a noisy pool pump, air conditioning compressor, generator or other machinery? Don't worry, there's a fix.

The Problem

We hear this complaint daily: "HELP! The sound of my pool pump or air conditioning compressor is driving me crazy, I can't sleep, what can I do?"

Sometimes the sound levels can be extreme, but don't worry, there's a fix to all noisy pool pumps, air con units and other machinery.

Step-by-Step Solution

Follow these steps to dramatically reduce noise from pool pumps, compressors, and generators.

Solution 1

Build an Enclosure

The first step to reducing the sound levels from noisy pool pumps or aircon units is to build a simple box around the offending machinery. Leave plenty of space between the compressor, pool pump or generator and the sides of the box — at least 30cm.

We like to use a simple steel frame with marine ply to construct the box, especially if it will be exposed to the weather.

A simple steel frame cover for the pool pump

Solution 2

Maintain Airflow

Most pool pumps or compressors will need to maintain airflow around them. Generators will need access to air intake.

This can be achieved by cutting slots into 2 sides of the box to allow the machinery to still access airflow. Alternatively, you can leave 1 side of the box open. Just be sure to cut the slots or leave the side open that faces away from noise sensitive areas.

Leave the side open that faces away from noise sensitive areas.

Solution 3

Sound Blocking

Now that we have a good sturdy box, we need to line the inside of the box with Mass Loaded Vinyl.

MLV is a very thin layer of high density vinyl that has very good sound blocking potential, especially at mid to high frequencies. The purpose of the Mass Loaded Vinyl is to reduce the sound that travels through the box.

Line the inside of the box with Mass Loaded Vinyl

See MLV here: Mass Loaded Vinyl Products →

Solution 4

Sound Dampening

Now we have a soundproof box, the next step is to reduce the sound bouncing around inside the box.

To do this, add a layer of sound deadening material over the top of the Mass Loaded Vinyl. Medium to high density acoustically absorbent material like 60kg/m³ 50mm rockwool or 50mm pink batts is ideal. This can be attached to the MLV using general purpose adhesive.

Attach pink batts insulation to the MLV

See the Pink Batts here: Pink Soundbreak Acoustic Insulation Batts →

Voilà — now your noisy pool pump, compressor or generator is less annoying! Enjoy the sleep you'll get now. 🎉

What If You Can't Access the Machinery?

What to do when a neighbour's compressor or pool pump is the source of the noise.

Obviously, if you're on good terms, then asking your neighbour to soundproof their compressor as above is the first choice. But, failing that, you can take steps to reduce the amount of noise that intrudes into your world.

For some unknown reason, it seems like neighbours always seem to install their new, noisy pool pump or AC compressor far from their house, and close to the fence with their neighbours! We like to think this is just a quirk of nature rather than intentional malice. But anyway…

The Solution: Add Mass to Your Fence

The simplest solution is to add mass between the noisy compressor and your home. Often this is best done at your fence. You can line your fence with layers of Mass Loaded Vinyl. The more you add, the less sound that will come through (and by contrast, the more sound that will be reflected back towards your neighbour).

Mass Loaded Vinyl successfully installed on fence

Important Tips

• The sound from the noisy pool pump or compressor will be radiating in all directions.

• If you draw a straight line from the pool pump at every angle towards your home, these are all the places where the sound will be heard on your side of the fence.

•The goal is to add as much Mass Loaded Vinyl to your fence as necessary to cover as many of these angles as possible.

•Once you've attached the MLV to the fence, remember to paint it with normal outdoor UV protection paint.

Our Products

Soundproofing Products Australia sells a wide range of thermal and acoustic insulation products.

Mass Loaded Vinyl

High-density vinyl barrier for maximum mass addition

Polyester Insulation

Eco-friendly, non-irritant acoustic insulation

Fibertex Rockwool

Dense mineral wool for superior sound absorption

Knauf Earthwool

Sustainable glass mineral wool insulation

Fletcher Pink Batts

Premium glasswool insulation for thermal & acoustic use

Bradford Acoustic Batts

Purpose-built batts for noise reduction

We also sell Nuwrap Pipe Lagging Insulation and more. Get a free quote →