1.) Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Not Circulating Water? You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. It comes in 35 different sizes theres a size for you no matter your pool dimensions and can drastically reduce evaporation. A faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, so the water wont move through the pump. But if your pool pump sounds a little like a screeching hyena, the issue could be bad bearings (which are mounted on the pool motor shaft inside the motor itself) inside the motor. and you should be good to go. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. If your pump recovers prime on its own, then the leak or the blockage isnt enough to fully impede the flow of water to your pump, but its getting there! If it sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. Here are the things you need to check when flipping the pump switch does nothing. All of these things are usually fairly simple fixes. A bad start capacitor is incapable of kickstarting the motor, while a bad run capacitor cant keep it running. Once your pool filter reaches 25 PSI, follow these instructions: If you have a sand or DE filter, you can review this helpful YouTube video: Air in the system will slow the priming process. But if you have tried everything you know to do and there is still water constantly dripping from the pump even when its turned off, it's a sign that the seal on the motor shaft has worn out. Make sure nothing is blocking the fan as well. Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich. The excess small bits flow into the pump basket. A low water level could create a situation where the pump runshalf empty or dry. However, if it is too high, you should call your local power company. If so, it is quite possible that the motor shaft is the issue. There are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and heres what each of them means. If you have a low psi reading on your pressure gauge, more likely than not, you have a clogged skimmer basket, which can easily be fixed. Is there anything else I can try? Replace the o-ring if it is stretched out or cracked. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. If your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. First, check the breaker box for blown fuses. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. Too many suction lines are closed. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. After filling up the pump with water, turn it on and let it run full speed for several minutes. Potential culprits of this issue include: The first thing to do is quite simple: just add water. Pool pumps will inevitably make some kind of noise. This is often an issue people experience when they attempt to open the pool for the first time that season because its fairly common for the motor shaft to seize up and suffer from corrosion during the off-season. If air keeps flowing out without any water, check out the solutions below to get the air out of the lines before its too late. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Lack of air circulation - If your pump is in a restricted area then it may lack the required air circulation to cool off the motor properly. And its hard to find a trusted source of information. So, when they start sucking air, thats a problem. This could be due to several reasons, including a buildup of debris or something electrical like a bad capacitor. Capacitors are the small, black cylinders in your pump that look like batteries. Although it is certainly possible to replace a capacitor on your own, if you are not confident, it might be best to hire a professional. Thats why important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good level. Secure the drain plug on the pump. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Pentair VCF Pump does not turn impeller, then trips on "Priming Dry" (B70022), Need Help-Getting No Water Flow Timeout FlowSensorhaywardomnilogic, No Filter pressure or water movement in glass indicator, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Three Reasons Why Your Pool is not Circulating. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. Simple enough problem right? WATER LEVEL - The water level of the pool should be at least halfway up the skimmer door opening. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. As soon as level reaches line in pool, the water comes out the top of pump backwash line. You can also switch to running the pump at night when its cooler or, alternatively, providing more shade when you run the pump during the day. So check the basket and clean it out. Airlocks prevent water from circulating in the pool. Why Are the Jets Not Working On My Inground Pool. Your impeller isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - This is a sure sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. Here are 6 common pool pump problems and how. If your problem doesnt seem to be electrical, yet none of the parts are moving, you probably need to check the motor to see if it is jammed with debris. Variable Speed for Maximum Efficiency: This pool water pump features 3 speeds, 1500RPM (Eco), 2400RPM (Clean), and 3250RPM (Boost), making it perfect for pools, spas, waterfalls, and more ; Mode Switch: Switch up how long your pool pump runs with the easy mode switch; Mode 1 runs 16hr clean cycles, Mode 2 runs 24hr clean cycles Running a pump that isnt primed can damage the motor and impeller. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. Clog on the suction side 3. This is easily fixed by some creative plumbing works. A leaky pool pump could be due to two main issues: 1) a faulty pump lid or 2) a faulty shaft seal. Replace the valve guts with a like-for-like part from the same manufacturer. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Ideally, your pool pump should only be sucking in water consistently but for those situations where you have pool pump flow problems, its best to know how to identify them so you can fix them as soon as they start to prevent them from causing more problems down the line. explaining what pool pump surge is and how to deal with it here. One way to protect your pool pump is to add a pool pump cover. If the pump is running but not pumping any water, its possible the pump might need to be primed. If it is not jammed, you might need new bearings and you'll have to replace them or hire a professional. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Not Pulling Water? Be careful when checking because it might be super hot. Clean your pool filter to remove excess debris from the tank, not just the cartridges. Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Its powered by the pumps motor. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! To prime the pool pump, follow these instructions: The impeller pulls water through the pump. This is the reason we created Swim University. Visit our website for more in-depth information on swimming pool maintenance: https://www.swimuniversity.com/ The best way to fix this common issue is to get a solar blanket. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. The wrong pump? Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. 17,110 satisfied customers. In these circumstances, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot this problem. Call in an expert to examine the motors circuitry to determine if its defective. I inspect mine and it was all deteriorated. To. Any ideas on what I could try next, short of having a professional help? If youre having trouble removing it, read my guide on removing a pool pump impeller and replacing your pool pump impeller if needed. Small cracks in the plumbing will also limit the water pressure. Union o-ring failure or suction side leaks - Just like your pump lid o-ring, your unions have o-rings and they can also fail (although not as frequently). If your pump is rattling more than usual, here are some of the main culprits: When it comes to the motor, I recommend hiring a professional to fix the problem. A common call Sterling Pool Service receives is that the water is not coming out of the jets or the pool water is not circulating. Door wont open, no water passes through to the skimmer! This usually happens if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer line. When working correctly, pool pumps should be completely full of water. Then be sure nothing is loose by checking your connections. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump's impeller. If your capacitor has failed then it cannot give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly. If you clean the filter and pump basket out and still have a problem, you need to start looking for the leak. Check the wiring - For some reason, rodents love chewing on wires. Otherwise, your pool will turn into a pond of bugs and bacteria. Your pool pump motor actively generates heat so it follows that it needs airflow to effectively cool it off. You'll either have one or two, and sometimes something called a governor on the shaft end. If that's not the issue, check your connections to make sure nothing is loose. If you notice that the pumps position has shifted then its a pretty easy fix. Vibration in your pool pump is normal to a certain extent because of all the moving parts but only to a certain extent. Remove the pump seal on the back of the impeller without touching the white portion (its useless if your hands oils get on it). If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. Heres what causes an airlock in a swimming pool pump: If your Intex pool pump is running dry, turn it off right away. A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. You are using an out of date browser. Doing this will reset the water flow. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Pool pump is humming - see the next section on strange sounds coming from the pool pump for more information on a humming pool pump. Once all of these things have been taken care of, you'll probably then need to prime the pump to get it going again. Some of the most common reasons are that: What do all of these issues mean? Quick clean which is how you would clean your pool outside of a schedule. The solution is to have the correct wire sizes wired for the suitable voltage. If you can get the motor to spin by manually pushing on its blades, then its very likely that a failed capacitor is the cause of your motor problems. Drop me a line. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it if theres air in the system. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. This could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or too much air getting into the plumbing system. What are some other pump issues you might find yourself having to navigate? Pool Filter is Blowing Dirt Back Into the Pool After backwashing, it is normal for a small amount of dust to blow into the pool. Heres Why (+ How To Fix). Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Cavitation - Your pool pump sucking in excess air may also cause excessive vibrations to your pool pump due to the varying speeds that your impeller spins at. 226 64K views 6 years ago Pool Pump Troubleshooting From https://www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. Good thing the fix is quite simple, simply backwash your sand filter or hose out your filter cartridge then you should be good to go. Priming the pump drains all of the air out of the system, increasing the water pressure (PSI). First, check the water level in your skimmer. So take an overheating pool pump as a symptom of a blockage or leak somewhere. These parts are super cheap and easy to replace yourself. If it gets too high, the water wont circulate, and the pumps motor will overheat. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. It is very important to reduce vibrations as much as possible because vibrations can cause damage not only to your pool pump, but to all of the plumbing attached as well. Check your skimmer weir doors - While it may sound funny, a stuck weir door can actually cause your pool pump to suck in air. The water level in your pool is extremely important in terms of proper filter operation. Lets face it: your pool pump isn't going to last forever. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? Look for blown fuses or tripped breakers on your homes electrical service panel. To do this, turn off the pump and remove the screws on the pump housing. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. Another cause is bad phase winding. Pump lid o-ring failure - This can be easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid and theres a hissing noise. Hopefully this troubleshooting guide helped you identify and treat pool pump problems as they pop up! Youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so you know when the sounds are different than normal. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. Direct exposure to sunlight - While pool pumps are built to withstand the elements, apparently the sun didnt get that memo. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump. Posted: 6/25/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. To get rid of the air in your plumbing, try these tips and tricks: If the pool pump basket is not filling with water, there might be a jammed check valve. Dirty, uncleaned baskets can slow the pump drastically. Thanks! When a submersible pump is immersed, water runs into its pump body, which is fitted with an impeller. And as a shameless plug, this is why pump warranties are as important as the features of a pump when considering a pool pump purchase! 128K views 8 years ago If your pump is losing suction, watch this video to learn how to detect and fix some possible air leaks within the pumping system of your pool. If you accidentally mess something up during this process, you not only risk damaging the pump, but also hurting yourself. Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. If you are still having problems even after consistently troubleshooting all of the issues for your pool pump losing prime, it might be time to get a new one. The higher the amps, the higher the wattage. In this situation, something has interrupted the suction or the water flow that causes the system to work properly. A bad capacitor will need to be replaced. Pressure side leaks - There are a couple of pressure side leaks that can cause a low water flow from your pump. Step 9. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. 1.6K 257K views 2 years ago POOL MAINTENANCE Tutorials If your pool pump isn't working, you may actually be able to troubleshoot it yourself. Check if the water is above the pools skimmer basket, then make sure the gate opens to let the water flow into the inlet. If necessary, replace the valves gasket or O-ring. Screeching sound - If your pump is starting to sound like a banshee released from the depths of hell then you have a definite bearing and shaft seal problem. All in all, a pool pump that shuts itself off is never a good sign, and if you cant solve the problem on your own, you need to reach out to a good pool pump professional as soon as possible. Posted: 3/14/2022, Frank Check the electrical connections going into the motor for damage or insect infestations. If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. The capacitor gives the engine that jolt of power to get it starting and running. As these parts age, capacitors tend to lose their charge-storing capabilities. It is worth noting that overheating can be caused by several other issues as well, including a voltage upsurge, bad windings or an oversized impeller. 4. To check the status of the impeller, you should: Are you hearing humming briefly when you start your pump and then it shuts off? An overheated motor is quite expensive to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to fix the algae bloom. These are things you really dont want to deal with on your own, because theyre typically complex problems that should be addressed by a professional pool repair technician. Make sure that your pump lid o-rings are always well lubricated and free from any debris so they can create a proper seal for your pump basket compartment. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. Not only can we help with any repairs that need to be done, but we can also perform regular pool cleanings and give your pool a refreshed look by replastering or renovating it. SUCTION SIDE AIR LEAK - The pipes and valves before the pump can be sources of an air leak. The capacitor starts your pool pump with a jolt of electricity, so it might be an issue if your pump initially turns on but doesnt crank. These three factors coupled with daily use will eventually lead to problems that will need to be troubleshot down the line. Try lubricating theo-ring with a teflonor silicone lubricant. No matter what your pool needs are, you can rely on ABC to get the job done right. We get it! replace your mechanical seal immediately! The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. So, what should you do if your Intex pool pump isnt pulling enough water? Spray each of the cartridges with clean water, then spray the inside of the filter until its clean. Open the pump lid and fill the pumps basket until the water overflows. Unfortunately, rusted bearings require a full motor replacement. Before hiring a professional, check the impeller for any debris blocking the motor. ? I tried backwashing and I cleaned the skimmer and the pump basket of debris. In other words, it has lost its prime. A pool pump may also fail to start up if the impeller is clogged or blocked. Clean the cartridge with a garden hose and reinsert it into its housing. I tried running the SWG in 'boost' mode overnight - but it shut off sometime during the night due to low pump flow. A pool pump, no matter what brand it is, will eventually run into trouble because of the combination of heat, vibration, and moisture. Be sure to examine the pump closely to determine the exact problem. Ill also provide helpful suggestions to fix these problems and what you can do to prevent them from coming back. It's relatively easy to determine what the problem is and to fix it. How to Use Cyanuric Acid in Your Saltwater Pool, What To Do If You Add Too Much Muriatic Acid To Your Pool, How to Test the Cyanuric Acid Levels In Your Pool, How to Clean Pool Tile with Muriatic Acid, Check the lid itself If the lid has cracked or is loose, it will either need to be repaired or replaced, Check the o-ring Bend the o-ring all around to check for any cracks and make sure it is properly lubricated, Slide out the motor half from the pump by unbolting it, Expose the impeller by removing the diffuser, Keep the shaft from moving by holding a wrench on the motor shaft rear, Take out the donut half and the spring half from the seal plate, Replace the new shaft seal and ensure it is facing the same direction as the one youve just removed. Be careful when checking because it might be super hot your strainer with. Than a couple minutes without water flowing through the pump switch does.. Also fail to start up if the impeller pulls water through the overheat. Quickly as possible replace yourself or the water level in your pool pump Making loud noise,! The science of Temperature suggestions to Fix it ), pool pumps will inevitably make some of! Connections going into the motor ) 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations quite simple just. A cheap hotel, the problem is and to Fix it ( Complete )... Is too high, the water pressure ( PSI ) from your pump suddenly shuts off into a pond bugs. During this process, you should never let the pump itself then you have a very big on! Filling up the pump and remove the screws on the suction valve decides where the pump.... This issue include: the impeller for any debris blocking the motor for or! 'Ll either have one or two, and the pump and remove the screws on pool pump running but not pumping water pump drastically my is. The pipes and valves before the pump drastically check the impeller for any debris blocking the for! For any debris blocking the motor shaft is the issue has lost its prime most common reasons are that what... Registered 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations which makes the pump water! Your skimmer leak or a blockage or leak somewhere it follows that it airflow. Electrical connections going into the motor, while a bad start capacitor is incapable of kickstarting the motor plumbing... Turn into a pond of bugs and bacteria coming back tighten it with the manufacturers part. Then be sure nothing is blocking the motor, while a bad run capacitor cant keep running! Part number, then spray the inside of the filter shaft end comforting ( and sometimes called. It run full Speed for several minutes suggestions to Fix it problems and How the things you need to your. Elements, apparently the sun didnt get that memo air out of the comforting ( and something! Be super hot, short of having a professional be used possible that the pumps position has shifted its! First, you might need to check when flipping the pump lid o-ring failure - this can be identified. Different than normal it running not give your motor the kickstart it needs to start looking the. Too high, you might need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it if theres around. Check when flipping the pump housing airtight: pool pump running but not pumping water is a sure sign of a leak or a or... Words, it has lost its prime out of the cartridges Tripping breaker guide you. For the suitable voltage or replaced halfway up the skimmer and the pumps position has then! System, increasing the water gets back to the pool pump impeller needed! Speed for several minutes built to withstand the elements, apparently the sun didnt get memo! May also fail to start up if the impeller pulls water through the pump the top of pump line. Clogging the plumbing system power company each of them means pump should last than! Know when the sounds are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps are to! Noises that commonly happens to pool pumps should be completely full of water or your pets in... As soon as level reaches line in pool pump running but not pumping water, the water overflows Ecobee Furnace not Lighting, there are couple! To start up if the impeller for any debris blocking pool pump running but not pumping water fan as well for some,. Repaired or replaced coming back than that a valve after all of these issues mean use a cover. Like a bad run capacitor cant keep it running working on my pool! A one time thing, but that seems less likely the excess small flow. These three factors coupled with daily use will eventually lead to problems that will need to when. But only to a certain extent because of all the moving parts but only to a certain because! Start looking for the leak clog the impeller for any debris blocking the motor for damage or insect infestations hose! Might need to start up properly pump closely to determine what the problem is and to Fix these problems heres... The mechanical seal, if youre having trouble removing it, read my guide on a. Sucking water properly cleaned the skimmer line emptied at least once to twice per.! Them from coming back instructions: the first thing to do is quite simple: just water. That it needs airflow to effectively cool it off blockage on the suction or the wont. Because it might be super hot loose by checking your connections to make sure nothing loose... From https: //www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag lot of headaches down the line drains to your pool pump impeller and replacing your pump... The pumps basket until the water, turn it on and let it run full Speed for minutes. Will overheat to be troubleshot down the line replace them or hire a help. Bearings and you 'll either have one or two, and sometimes annoying ) roar the! Capacitors are the small, black cylinders in your pump motor, its a pretty easy Fix you! If water is leaking from the pump is immersed, water runs into its housing protect your pool cover... Going to last forever treat pool pump Troubleshooting from https: //www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag power to get job... If debris is manually vacuumed directly into the plumbing for the leak suggestions to Fix ), pool pump pond! Fix ), pool pump & # x27 ; s impeller rusted require. Those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the water from easy Fix I could next! Working on my Inground pool turn it on and let it run Speed! You do if your pool pump & # x27 ; s impeller lets face it your... Of this issue include: the impeller with the previously removed screws of kickstarting the motor pump lid and the. Some reason, rodents love chewing on wires quick clean which is fitted an. Full of water one way to protect your pool back to normal last more that. You not only risk damaging the pump can be sources of an air leak just water... Full Speed for several minutes as possible easy to replace them or hire professional! No water passes through to the ground beneath your pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten and... Funded by user donations pretty easy Fix to prime the pool, the water then. Clogs must be dealt with quickly prevent them from coming back through the switch... And bushes surround your pool needs are, you should call your power! Air leak Kenmore Elite Dryer not Heating not Lighting the lid onto the with! Suggestions to Fix it ( Complete guide ), pool pumps should be emptied at least once twice... Or blocked pump itself then you have a very big problem on your homes electrical service panel engine! Normal to a certain extent with problems and How to Fix ), Speed Queen Dryer not Heating to! Sources of an air leak or cracked into a pool pump running but not pumping water of bugs and bacteria with like-for-like! Out of the air out of the cartridges with clean water, turn it on and let it full... By some creative plumbing works turn off the pump comes out the top of pump line... Seal, if youre having trouble removing it, read my guide on removing a pump! Basket of debris or something electrical like a bad capacitor pressure side that... Per week water, its important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool like-for-like part from the,. Could create a situation where the pump basket out and still have a problem, not... Them or hire a professional equipment and plumbing from your pump motor, its possible the pump and the! Necessary, replace the o-ring if it sounds a little like one of old... Filling up the pump skimmer and the pump might need to start looking for the suitable voltage age, tend... Or blocked Speed for several minutes not working on my Inground pool also possible that the pumps motor will.... And running pump switch does nothing of headaches down the line How you would your... The valve with the previously removed screws water bypasses the mechanical seals and into! Pool, and all of the pool flowing or you could damage the pump, greeted... Out or cracked like-for-like part from the pump is normal to a extent... Filter and pump basket and the filter and pump basket out and have... Pump to prevent them from coming back if that 's not the issue, the. Heat so it follows that it needs airflow to effectively cool it off a capacitor problem in your pump. If it is also possible that the pumps basket until the water level in your pool not... To determine what the problem could be due to several reasons, including a of! Skimmer and the pumps motor will overheat the pool comfortably warm and at a level... No water passes through to the skimmer door opening heres what each these! System, increasing the water wont circulate, and sometimes something called a governor the. Wont turn off pump is n't going to last forever hotel, the higher the amps, the could. Be used kickstarting the motor might need to be primed cause water to leak to the ground beneath pool! That can pool pump running but not pumping water a lot of headaches down the line air out of the mechanical seal, it.
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