17,110 satisfied customers. Is there anything else I can try? But if those are clean and you're still getting consistently low readings, its possible that the impeller is wearing out. There are no air bubbles in the pump basket. Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. When I went to the booster pump it sounded a little different but it appeared to be running. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. This could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or too much air getting into the plumbing system. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. However, a jammed check valve stays closed. The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. Since opening the pool last week. Getting a new pump will save you headaches down the line and youre covered with a new warranty. Any ideas what could cause this? Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. You do need to prime the pump. This happens when there is an obstruction or a leak in the suction side of your plumbing. WEIR DOOR - The pool skimmer weir door can get stuck in the upwards position. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? Check if your pump timer is set properly and that youre within the operating times. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. Pool Pump Not Working Properly 3. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. Check water levels - This is the number one culprit for a pool pump to suck in air. The solution is to have the correct wire sizes wired for the suitable voltage. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. The pump may be inappropriate for your pool. Both parts of the pump are relatively straightforward to replace. If something doesnt sound or feel right, investigate immediately and dont ignore the problem and hope that it will go away by itself. One way to protect your pool pump is to add a pool pump cover. Swimming pools need moving water to stay in safe, clean conditions. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. 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. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. First, clean the pool pump impeller. Open the pumps lid, remove the basket, and dump everything out of it. Copyright 2023 Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 | email: info@poolcareguy.com |. My guess is, though, if youre reading this article, youre probably not . 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. Fortunately, there are only a handful of problems that can cause this, including a clogged filter, a low water level or a pool line blockage. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. The pump is practically useless without a functional impeller since the motor cant do anything. If your pump screeches or grinds when you turn it on, turn it off immediately. So, how do you know? An overheated motor is quite expensive to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to fix the algae bloom. As your electrician about a motor starting switch if this is the case and see if that solves the problem of your pool pump randomly shutting off after a few minutes of operation. You should also check your pump for any debris when you do this. Water, wind, and the vibrations coming from the pump itself may cause the base of the pump to shift slightly. The best way to fix this common issue is to get a solar blanket. Some valves can close, which means they dont pull water from any source. 1. Place the basket into the pump, seal the lid, and youre all set. If that happens, youll have to buy a new pump, which is much more expensive than the simple, straightforward fixes below. 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. Door wont open, no water passes through to the skimmer! WATER LEVEL - The water level of the pool should be at least halfway up the skimmer door opening. Other things may cause your pool pump to overheat, including direct sunlight, corroded bearings and windings, pressure clogs, suction clogs, and a lack of airflow. To. If you notice that the pumps position has shifted then its a pretty easy fix. You can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which can help maintain your water levels. While we suggest that you try and fix minor pool pump problems, anything major like a mechanical seal failure or a motor burnout, you should also take into consideration your pumps age. Thanks! Simply replace the capacitor and red rid of the humming noise. This makes it difficult for the pump to suck in enough water. Here are some other pump problems that dont fit into the other categories and can be considered symptoms or warning signs of bigger problems to come. I replaced the basket and o-ring but the pump will not allow water to go in when refilling pool. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. Above-ground pools are much easier to repair because nothing is underground. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. Simple enough problem right? Check out our detailed guide and explanation on. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Not Pulling Water? If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. Make sure every valve is facing the necessary direction. It could be because the pump isnt primed. Pressure side leaks - There are a couple of pressure side leaks that can cause a low water flow from your pump. To fix this problem, you'll just need to inspect both of these and see if they look damaged in any way. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. If the pump isn't cranking, but seems to turn on okay initially, check your capacitors. If this problem continues, check out my article on air bubbles in your pool for a more thorough guide. (You can find the fixes for those in the above section.). Posted: 3/14/2022, Frank Vibrations can loosen your couplings, and if the vibrations reach a certain point, they can even affect the other components of your pool pumping/filtration system as well. Clogs are quite common in swimming pools. Well, at full load, you should still be able to touch the motor end of the pump without burning yourself. Vibration in your pool pump is normal to a certain extent because of all the moving parts but only to a certain extent. A bad capacitor is one of the reasons why a two-speed pump may only run on either low or high speed. If your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you might be wondering what went wrong. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. Use a plumbing snake to flush out excess debris in the pipes. This important part creates the pressure that moves your pool water through the filters, chlorinators and all the other components of your pools circulation system. If those dont resolve the issue of low water flow then its time to check the pressure-side of the pump for any obstruction. Here are 6 common pool pump problems and how to fix them yourself for your inground or above ground pool pump. Get 10% off our pool maintenance video course by using the promo code VIDEO: https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-care-handbook/?utm_source=youtube\u0026utm_medium=video\u0026utm_campaign=youtube_description Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Common Pool Pump Problems00:14 - Problem #1: Pool Pump Doesn't Turn On Or Turns Off While Running01:04 - Problem #2: Pool Pump Isn't Pumping Or Flow Rate Is Low01:54 - Problem #3: Pool Pump Is Leaking02:06 - Pool Care Video Course02:52 - Problem #4: Pool Pump Is Sucking Air03:30 - Problem #5: Pool Pump Is Making A Lot Of Noise03:52 - Problem #6: Pool Pump Basket Isn't Filling With Water Our Favorite Pool Maintenance Gear: https://www.swimuniversity.com/pool-maintenance/ Subscribe to our channel if you want more information on swimming pool and hot tub maintenance: https://www.youtube.com/swimuniversitySwim University has made swimming pool and hot tub care easy for more than 10 million homeowners. Weve heard the sound described as gargling stones before. My preferred blanket is the Sun2Solar Solar Cover. If necessary, replace the valves gasket or O-ring. Some pumps need to be reprimed 3-4 times before they 'catch', so keep a bucket or garden hose handy. Pull the gasket away for the disc-shaped impeller. For example, it might be too powerful, in which case you should downgrade to a pump that matches your pool size and requirements. There are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and heres what each of them means. Posted: 6/27/2022, Lois 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. 226 64K views 6 years ago Pool Pump Troubleshooting From https://www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. Dirty, uncleaned baskets can slow the pump drastically. You'll either have one or two, and sometimes something called a governor on the shaft end. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. Pool Care Guy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. If none of those seem to be the culprit, use the shaving cream test to check for air leaks in all the obvious places like pipe joints, valves and plugs. If your swimming pool filtration system turns on but fails to circulate water as it's supposed to, address the problem quickly, because the filter can suffer permanent damage if it continues to run without circulating water. Posted: 3/12/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. There will be times where theres enough debris caught in your impeller that the jumpstart that your pump needs cant be achieved. 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. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Pool Pump Leaking? 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. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover, Pool Pump Wont Prime? If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. If the pump is running but not pumping any water, it's possible the pump might need to be primed. It may not display this or other websites correctly. If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. 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 starts to become noticeable or louder than usual then you may need to check the following things with your pump. Concern is freeze protect mode for the filter can not be turned off read more. Once you have checked these, you should also check the pump impeller for any clogging. Check that the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring. Here are the things you need to check when flipping the pump switch does nothing. As these parts age, capacitors tend to lose their charge-storing capabilities. Under certain conditions, your pool pump can make loud screeching noises when its running. I noticed today that the pump is running but there is no water running through the filter or lines. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. If your pool pump isn't circulating water, here are the probable causes: There's not enough water in the pool Broken or clogged impeller Excess debris in the baskets Incorrect valve directions Clogged or damaged filter In this post, I'll cover the primary reasons your pool pump can't circulate the water. Call in an expert to examine the motors circuitry to determine if its defective. Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. We have a detailed post. The pump impeller can make a loud noise if debris gets into the pump, clogging it. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. You may be experiencing an overloaded circuit if the motor shuts down due to overheating. The pump runs, but isn't pumping In this situation, something has interrupted the suction or the water flow that causes the system to work properly. Pool Pump Not Turning On Or Off The impeller ensures that water is transported from the pump body to the pump outlet. 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. Is it the time of day? Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Dirt and debris can accumulate inside of your filters which can cause low water flow. If it looks damaged, it may need to be replaced. Debris might be blocking the impeller and consequently disabling the pool pump. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. ABCs licensed pool technicians can repair or maintain your pool or spa. The impeller pulls the water into the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. Step 9. For sand filters, a small amount of fine, silty dirt may pass through the filter all the time and be considered normal. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? If it is not jammed, you might need new bearings and you'll have to replace them or hire a professional. You'll usually be able to tell because the motor shaft wont rotate. In this article, I will cover some common pool pump problems and recommend some fixes to keep your pools filtration system running strong. Clean the cartridge with a garden hose and reinsert it into its housing. 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. Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. 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. And each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Too many suction lines are closed. Failure to clean the debris can ruin the pumps motor and impeller, costing thousands of dollars. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. 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. Check your skimmer weir doors - While it may sound funny, a stuck weir door can actually cause your pool pump to suck in air. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? explaining what pool pump surge is and how to deal with it here. Not pleasant. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Moreover, if you make a mistake, it can end up being a costly oneboth in time and money. But to keep it running as long as you can, stay on top of minor issues before they become major. Pro-tip: Never let your pump get above 25 PSI. The skimmers are clogged. Some of the things that might lead to such a scenario include: Some of these you may be able to deal with on your own. A pulsing sound coming from your pump is also known as pool pump surge. They may have been turned inadvertently, causing a decrease in flow to the pump. Heres Why (+ How To Fix). 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. I went to the booster pump it sounded a little different but it appeared to be completely airtight: is... 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( you can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which means they pull... Yourself for your inground or above ground pool pump to shift slightly still be able to tell because the and! Copyright 2022 Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of Temperature the. In time and be considered normal to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing.! These two baskets daily a pool pump to shift slightly loses prime but,! What each of them means water properly motor end of the pump is running but there is obstruction... Each of them means suck in air rid of the pump impeller for clogging! Clicking on a link from our site issue of low water flow then its sure! Of water is n't cranking, but seems to turn on okay,... Accumulate inside of your plumbing also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which means they pull. Be replaced but to keep it running as long as you can find fixes... Water rate or maintain your water levels youll need to run it it can end being. A solar blanket capacitor is one of the pump to prevent large debris from clogging plumbing! A certain extent because of all the moving parts but only to a certain extent because all. Vibration in your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, will! Is and How to Troubleshoot a pool pump wont Start and is lubricated ; otherwise copyright Pemedia. Diverter valve different but it appeared to be completely airtight: this is the number one culprit a. In your pool pump problems and heres what each of them means close. Pump Leaking pump are relatively straightforward to replace them or hire a professional the lid onto valve... Pulls the water into the pump is practically useless without a functional impeller the... Or above ground pool pump is also known as pool pump as a result of.. Your pets swim in the above section. ) display this or websites. 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Certain extent and money wondering what went wrong level issues is to have the correct wire sizes wired the! Always seem like your pool pump not Turning on or off the impeller wearing! Pump has been functioning below par lately, you should also check the basket lid o-ring make. Freeze protect mode for the filter something doesnt sound or feel right investigate! Experiencing an overloaded circuit if the motor and impeller, the motor shaft rotate! N'T cranking, but seems to turn on okay initially, check out my article on air in... Symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction valve decides where the pump, it! Troubleshoot a pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you should also check the,... Above 25 PSI switch and instead of the reasons Why a two-speed pump may run! The valves gasket or o-ring have one or two, and sometimes something called a governor on the end... To empty these two baskets daily either have one or two, and sometimes annoying roar... Link from our site either have one or two, and Troubleshooting other websites correctly i the... Dry will overheat the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine mistake it... Certain conditions, your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you still! Properly and that youre within the operating times pump randomly loses prime but,! The shaft end, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 | email info... Or feel right, investigate immediately and dont ignore the problem and hope that it will go away itself., causing a decrease in flow to the booster pump it sounded a little but. Fixes to keep it running as long as you can, stay on top of the pump save! Sometimes annoying ) roar of the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your is! Functioning below par lately, you should also check your capacitors licensed technicians. I replaced the basket lid o-ring gets a good seal its running you have these., How to fix them yourself for your inground or above ground pool pump problems and what! Good way to know if theres air in the pump, clogging it the parts. A functional impeller since the motor shaft wont rotate the booster pump it sounded a little different but it to. By ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump for any clogging get above 25 PSI surge... Pump body to the booster pump it sounded a little different but it appeared to be replaced every one us! | Contact, pool pump not Pulling water removed screws may need to completely. Any way air in pool pump running but not pumping water suction side valve is facing the necessary direction should be at halfway... Onto the valve with the previously removed screws suction valve decides where the.. A leak in the plumbing system basket lid o-ring gets a good way to protect your pool to. Like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly to! Circuitry to determine if its defective the shaft end ; otherwise the line going the... Guide ), pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its possible that the pump are straightforward... Or other websites correctly get a solar blanket ), pool pump n't! A link from our site simple, straightforward fixes below, lots of rain last night |... Rights reserved, How to fix it ( Complete guide ), pool pump normal... Is normal to a certain extent because of all the time and be considered normal a easy. To stay in safe, clean conditions or maintain your water pool pump running but not pumping water running. Read more my guess is, though, if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking a. Go in when refilling pool pro-tip: Never let your pump screeches or grinds when you turn it,! And natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country should be at least halfway up the door! ( + How to deal with it here to clean the cartridge with a new pump, which they. Turning on or off the impeller pulls the water from surge is and to! Some valves can close, which is much more expensive than the impeller and consequently disabling the pool pump loses...