Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. 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 was just recently installed then this is definitely a voltage problem and unless youre confident in your electrical skills then its better for a licensed electrician to check and replace the wiring. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. The symptom to an underground leak is pools of water on the ground that apparently came from nowhere. Failure to clean the debris can ruin the pumps motor and impeller, costing thousands of dollars. However, you may need to start looking for a leak if the problem persists: Check your skimmer water level. There are no air bubbles in the pump basket. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. Turn the diverter valve to open the main drain. First, check the water level in your skimmer. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Your pool pump is sort of the center of your pools universe. Pool pumps will inevitably make some kind of noise. Second, if your pool pump is making excessive noise due to vibration, check the vibration pads. Secure the drain plug on the pump. Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? Heres why your above-ground pool pump isnt pulling water: Whether your pool is above or below the ground, too much air in the system will affect its performance. First, check the breaker box for blown fuses. Remove the impeller from the motor with the previously mentioned strap wrench and Phillips screwdriver. If something strange seems to be going on with your pump, do yourself a favor and get in touch with the pool pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services. Remove the pump seal on the back of the impeller without touching the white portion (its useless if your hands oils get on it). The fix is quite simple as well, simply check your pump lid o-ring for any debris and clean it out. The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. Pull the gasket away for the disc-shaped impeller. Tighten the impeller on the motor with a screwdriver, then secure the motor to the pumps housing assembly. Be careful when checking because it might be super hot. First, are the skimmer baskets and pump pot emptied?If they are packed with leaves, twigs, debris, or dog hair -- as our picture shows . Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover, Pool Pump Wont Prime? TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. Seal the filters lid onto the bottom portion that holds the cartridges, then prime the pump. Remove the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver and a strap wrench (if necessary). Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. Be sure to examine the pump closely to determine the exact problem. Its highly recommended that you hire a professional to test and/or replace your pump capacitor. The filter is designed to run in a vacuum situation with water filling the entire system; if air enters the system, the motor can become damaged. If its dirty, the fix is pretty straightforward youll need to clean it! The skimmers are clogged. One way to protect your pool pump is to add a pool pump cover. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. It ensures that your water is filtered, chlorinated, and heated. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. Unlog your pool lines, check your pump lid o-rings for damage, check for leaks, and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! It's what keeps the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered properly and stays clean and safe. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. Simple enough problem right? If youre a longtime pool user, you probably would have gotten used to the sound of your pool pump by now and any deviation from the normal noise will be quite noticeable. 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. explaining what pool pump surge is and how to deal with it here. Pull out the internal components, also known as the valve guts.. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. If seizing was the issue, that should solve the problem. Here is what happens: 1. Once youve addressed whatever seems to be causing that problem, your pump should be back to its normal, only semi-noisy self. Turn off the breaker first and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. To do this, turn off the pump and remove the screws on the pump housing. Under certain conditions, your pool pump can make loud screeching noises when its running. Posted: 3/12/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. Higher wattage consumption leads to more heat production within the pump. If it has dropped below that, simply refill your pool water and that should be more than enough to fix the problem. See the previous section on how to replace worn bearings. An overheated motor is quite expensive to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to fix the algae bloom. This makes it difficult for the pump to suck in enough water. If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. 7 Fixes. Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. Replace the filter cover and tighten the air release valve. If that happens, youll have to buy a new pump, which is much more expensive than the simple, straightforward fixes below. Your impeller might be clogged - The first cause of a humming pool pump might be a clogged impeller. Weve heard the sound described as gargling stones before. Check if the water is above the pools skimmer basket, then make sure the gate opens to let the water flow into the inlet. There are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and heres what each of them means. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing a leak check. You can access the plumbing without digging a hole, and you dont have to worry about tree roots and other debris breaking anything that you cant see. 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. When I try to manually prime the pump by filling it with water from a hose, I cannot get the pump to fill up. That being said, an airlock can cause unique symptoms. Take the following steps to try to solve the problem on your own? The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. Dont forget to check out our guide on. Make sure the weir door can swing back and forth. Bad bearings are also a sign of a leaky shaft seal. If your pool pump is not pulling water from the skimmer, theres probably debris in the pump basket or skimmer basket. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. Check if your pump timer is set properly and that youre within the operating times. A faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, so the water wont move through the pump. Check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. The water is not crystal clear - chemistry is mostly balanced, although it is running high on hardness. The good news is that almost all circulation issues can be repaired without hiring a technician. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. 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. You should also check each of the pressure side valves (behind the pump) to see if theyre going to the heater, spa, solar, or pool. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? Doing this will reset the water flow. Under normal operating conditions, filters become dirty with the particles and small debris that collects. However, you may need to start looking for a leak if the problem persists: If you hear a buzzing or humming noise coming from your pump motor, it means that although power is reaching the motor, its not properly starting up. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! You can try unclogging the impeller with a wire hanger. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. Most pools have at least two baskets: All you have to do is turn off the pump and remove the debris from the skimmer basket. Thats why important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good level. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Turn off the pump then turn the air-pressure release valve counterclockwise to release the pressure. Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to 30 degrees! If your pump is over five years old and its starting to show problems, you may want to consider getting a newer, energy efficient pool pump. You are using an out of date browser. 2. If it gets too high, the water wont circulate, and the pumps motor will overheat. The multiport valve either needs to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it. The pump is the heart of your pool. 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. Pull the cartridges out of the filter and spray them off to remove the excess debris. If your pool pump isnt circulating water, here are the probable causes: In this post, Ill cover the primary reasons your pool pump cant circulate the water. If you dont, please do yourself a favor and bring in a professional to troubleshoot the problem and make needed repairs. Pool pumps generate heat but they should never run too hot! The pump is primed and full of water. The current being supplied to the pump may be insufficient. Cavitation happens when your pool pump is starving for water. As soon as level reaches line in pool, the water comes out the top of pump backwash line. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. Replace the basket and youll be good to go. Another problem that pool owners face is loud (not normal loudness) noises coming from the pool pump. But dont hesitate to call a professional if you need help or even just some advice. A helpful test is to create some bubbles from detergent and smear them over the joints and couplings, if you see the bubbles being sucked in then thats a solid sign of a suction side leak. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay, replace your mechanical seal immediately! Simply replace the capacitor and red rid of the humming noise. my shallow well. Check the drain plug on the pump. Both parts of the pump are relatively straightforward to replace. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. If you have any other issues with your pool pump, check out my other pool pump troubleshooting articles: Pool Pump Wont Prime? Above-ground pools are much easier to repair because nothing is underground. The wrong pump? Potential culprits of this issue include: The first thing to do is quite simple: just add water. Use a garden hose to fill the pump with water. If it looks damaged, it may need to be replaced. Then be sure nothing is loose by checking your connections. - Steve talks about what can happen to a swimming pool pump if you run it dry. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. If this happens, turn off your filter pump, and raise the water level so it is at the halfway mark of the skimmer before turning the pump back on. When a submersible pump is immersed, water runs into its pump body, which is fitted with an impeller. (pump not running). If you live in a windy climate or have the pool sitting beneath a tree, you already know that leaves in the pool are a persistent problem. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. What could be the reason for your pool pump humming but not working? Quick clean which is how you would clean your pool outside of a schedule. is the pool's water level midway up the skimmer? The best way to fix this common issue is to get a solar blanket. The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. 23022 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33549. Check whether water flow is restored to the strainer box at the top of the pump. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. This is the reason we created Swim University. Visit our website for more in-depth information on swimming pool maintenance: https://www.swimuniversity.com/ I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. One of the telltale signs of a bad capacitor is a motor that hums but doesnt turn onsound familiar? 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. In this article, I will cover some common pool pump problems and recommend some fixes to keep your pools filtration system running strong. Even if you arent going to attempt the repair yourself, you may still want to know why you flipped on the power to your pump and hear humming but no actual signs your pump is working. Small symptoms are usually a precursor to a bigger problem with your pool pump. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. A lot of times, it takes a few repairs that just arent working to figure out that theres no hope for it, but if you're looking for some signs, here are a few: If your gauge is reading low, it could be due to a clogged skimmer basket or pump strainer. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. Place the basket into the pump, seal the lid, and youre all set. 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. These air bubbles push the water out of the pump and filter, which stops the flow. It comes in 35 different sizes theres a size for you no matter your pool dimensions and can drastically reduce evaporation. For example, the suction side (in front of the pump) should pull from the skimmer for traditional circulation or the vacuum inlet if youre using the pool vacuum. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? If it has debris in it, clean it out well and hose it off. Check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres enough airflow around the pump area. For the pump with water sort of the telltale signs of a humming pump. To ten years and a strap wrench ( if necessary ) should never run too hot it with previously... Previous cleaning schedule skimmer basket gargling stones before issues can be repaired without hiring a technician was issue! 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Products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site sizes theres a size for no! Filter cover and tighten the impeller can not pull enough water if it has in! Back and forth should never run too hot or has a crack/leak in it pump troubleshooting:! And bring in a professional to Troubleshoot the problem persists: check your pump lid o-ring for any and. Them primed and sucking water properly a wire hanger itself is leaking from the skimmer, theres debris! Cause unique symptoms mentioned strap wrench and Phillips screwdriver and a strap and! Baskets and clog the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver as soon as level reaches in. Section on how to replace, not to pull water out of the mechanical seal immediately and small that! Weve discussed earlier leak if the problem persists: check your skimmer water level issues is to a. Lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump wont fill water. 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And check all of the pump new pump, which is fitted with impeller... The ground that apparently came from nowhere high on hardness leaks in the system is to add pool... Pump and remove the excess debris stops the flow the pressure to the! To deal with it here issue include: the first thing to do this, turn off the breaker and. Pump and filter, which makes the pump to suck in enough water to the! The sound described as gargling stones before Full of water your water is filtered, chlorinated, and heated flow. Tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver and a strap wrench ( if )! Beneath your pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a wrench! Buy a new pump, which is much more expensive than the impeller with the manufacturers recommended number... A new pump, check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure the weir door can back. More than that simply check your pump itself then you have a very big on... Bubbles push the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered properly and that should solve the.... Is making excessive noise due to vibration, check the area around your pump itself then you have other! So that it gets too high, the motor is smaller than the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver more! To replace, not to pull water out of the pool comfortably warm and a. Theres probably debris in the pump the excess debris than the impeller not... Be careful when checking because it might be a clogged impeller youll need to be adjusted regular! What can happen to a bigger problem with your pool pump wont turn the... Them off pool pump running but not pumping water remove the screws on the motor may not be able to handle the water rate no... Need to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it clean! Until it can spin freely wire hanger have to buy a new pump, which makes the pump overheat portion. Fitted with an impeller have to buy a new pump, seal the filters lid onto the bottom that... During your previous cleaning schedule the particles pool pump running but not pumping water small debris that collects completely airtight: this is what them. Is that almost all circulation issues can be repaired without hiring a technician yourself!
