Common Pool Pump Problems

There are many pool pump problems that can arise from simple wear and tear on components over the years. The average lifespan of a pool pump is only 8-10 years, issues start to arise after 3 or 4 years. Pool owners and their neighbors can be annoyed by squeaking or gurgling noises. A noisy pool pump means it’s possible that your pool pump isn’t getting enough water if it makes a rattling noise when running. There are a few possible explanations for this.

First, examine the suction lines in your system. There would be a lot of noise and difficulty getting water if too many of them are shut off. Next, make sure your skimmers are working properly. Reassemble them if they’re clogged and clean out the debris. If everything else fails, your pool pump may be too strong. Downgrading to a pump with a lower power level is recommended if this is the case. It’s possible that worn bearings are to blame for a screaming noise coming from your pool pump. The old motor can be replaced with a new one, or the bearings can be changed.

Most Common Pool Pump Problems

There is water leaking from the pool pump.

A pressure-side leak is almost always to blame for a pool pump leak. Inspection of the impeller housing o-ring and shaft seal, and replacement of any worn or broken o-rings or seals, can readily counteract this. Go-kits are recommended before dismantling or installing a pool pump. All of your old o-rings and seals may be replaced with this kit, which costs only a few dollars.

There is no water in the pump basket.

You’ll need to prime the pump if the water in the basket doesn’t fill up. The good news is that it’s a rather simple process to follow:

• Make sure there is no power going to your pump and that your diverter valve is closed.
• Turn the air relief valve on your pool filter counterclockwise until the pressure on the gauge drops to zero.
• Using a garden hose, fill up the pump basket by removing the pump cover and cleaning the pump basket of any debris. Replacing the pump lid and resetting the diverter valve’s pool return to open will allow water to flow back into the pool.
• Ensure that the water flow to the strainer box is restored by turning the power back on.
• Close the relief valve whenever water begins to flow out of it. After about a minute, the water inside the strainer box should be flowing freely (top of pump).
• Return to step one if the water in the strainer box is not flowing freely.
• Using the diverter valve, move the skimmer to a position halfway between skimmer and main drain. Make sure your impeller is free of debris and that your filter pressure is no more than 10 psi above the clean reading.

There’s a buzzing noise coming from the pool pump, but it won’t start.

Check your impeller for debris if your pool pump won’t start or makes a humming noise. Debris can clog the impeller and shut off the pool pump if it accumulates. Turn off the pump and remove the screws in the centre of the pump body to inspect the impeller. The screws must be removed first before attempting to remove and clean the gasket away from the impeller and reassemble the unit.

Air is being drawn into the Pool Pump by the motor.

Swimming pool pumps must be airtight to function properly. Pool pumps can malfunction if there is a leak in the system. The pump lid is the first item you’ll want to check. The pump will not be able to prime if the switch is not turned on properly. This should fix the issue, but if it doesn’t, look for leaks in the pump’s suction side plumbing, the valve stems on any suction valves, and the o-rings and gaskets on the impeller side. Consider replacing or repairing any parts that are cracked, leaking or otherwise in need of attention. Spray some shaving cream on the places specified above if you can’t discover a leak. A dimple will form as a result of the shaving cream being drawn in by the leak.

The pool pump motor does not work or shuts off.

You’ll want to check a few things if your pump won’t start. The first step is to ensure that the pump is receiving power and that your timer is setting the pump to run. If the pump is running and you notice a humming noise, a faulty capacitor may be to blame. A burst of electricity from the capacitor kicks the pump into action. Non-intrusive. Capacitor replacement should be done by an expert. Be cautious when replacing the capacitor because it can still store electricity. If your pump is more than a few years old, it may be time to replace the motor.

Overheating is a possibility if your pump starts but then stops working. Avoid overheating by using the pump at night. Ensure that the fan is not obstructed by anything by checking the bottom vents of the motor. If the problem persists, a new pool motor or pump will have to be installed.

The Pool Pump’s Flow Rate Is Low.

If the pump’s flow rate has decreased, check to make sure nothing is preventing the pump’s or filter’s flow. Before anything else, make sure you check your filter gauge. In order to reduce the pressure and restore flow to the pool pump, you should clean the filter if the clean reading is more than 10 psi above the manufacturer’s recommended clean reading, as stated above.

Make sure your pump basket and impeller are clear of any debris that could be preventing water flow. Remove the screws in the centre of the pump body to remove the impeller from the pump. Before re-assembly begins, unscrew the screws and remove all debris from around the impeller and the gasket.

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Featured Photo Credit: Jandy FloPro