Place the pump seal in the new impeller with the part number provided by the manufacturer. Turn off the breaker first and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. Swimming pools need moving water to stay in safe, clean conditions. Here are 6 common pool pump problems and how. In this post, we will review why your pool pump might not be working and how you can fix it. Check if your pool pumps motor is available from the manufacturer. 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. One of the telltale signs of a bad capacitor is a motor that hums but doesnt turn onsound familiar? 7 Fixes. Running a pump that isnt primed can damage the motor and impeller. But dont hesitate to call a professional if you need help or even just some advice. 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. Make sure the capacitors are not bad and that the governor is closed. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. The check valve stops the water from flowing backward, which prevents debris from getting into the pumps impeller. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! Open the filter cartridge and remove the filter. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. There are three things to check when water is not circulating in your pool. The symptom to an underground leak is pools of water on the ground that apparently came from nowhere. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. Some of the common reasons for low water flow may be: Make sure to check on all these components at least once a month. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. 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. Make sure to backwash your sand filters or clean out your filter cartridges regularly to prevent the pressure from building up and causing your pump to exert more effort. 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. PUMP BASKET - With the pump off, check thepump basket and clean it out if necessary. Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to 30 degrees! 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. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump's impeller. Seal the filters lid onto the bottom portion that holds the cartridges, then prime the pump. So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. However, if it is too high, you should call your local power company. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? Heres Why (+ How To Fix). Thanks! Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. If the valves arent facing the correct direction, theyll pull water from the wrong source. If your pump basket isnt filling up with water, the problem is probably that the pump is sucking air somewhere just like we talked about in #5. With this basket missing, debris may flow into a secondary basket on the pump itself. 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. However, not all air will automatically exit the pump house. What could be the reason for your pool pump humming but not working? 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. This usually happens if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer line. 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. Others are better suited to a pool services company. 4. Dont forget to check out our guide on. If seizing was the issue, that should solve the problem. You'll also need to check your skimmer basket. A pool pump, no matter what brand it is, will eventually run into trouble because of the combination of heat, vibration, and moisture. Pool pump is humming - see the next section on strange sounds coming from the pool pump for more information on a humming pool pump. On the other hand, if something is blocking your pool pumps suction, check the filter gauge. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Overheating? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? There can be two reasons for a pool pump to hum and not start properly. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay, replace your mechanical seal immediately! If your pool pump is not pulling water from the skimmer, theres probably debris in the pump basket or skimmer basket. Dealing with a broken pump is more dangerous and takes more pool expertise than knowing how to clean pool cartridge filters. This could be due to several reasons, including a buildup of debris or something electrical like a bad capacitor. Our reasoning for this is simple, time makes fools out of us all, and your pool pump is no exception. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. You will get much more visibility by. Your pool filters PSI shouldnt exceed 25 in most cases. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. So make sure they arent worn down. Here are some possible causes of a searing hot pool pump: Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. Another problem that pool owners face is loud (not normal loudness) noises coming from the pool pump. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Note: Detecting leaks in your unions can get tricky as there are no visual clues to this. 1 - Pool pump power problems1.1 Pool pump wont power up1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on1.3 Pool pump randomly shuts off after a few minutes, 2 - Strange sounds coming from the pool pump 2.1 Humming sound coming from the pool pump and it wont turn on2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating2.3 Loud vibrating noises coming from the pump, 3 - Pool pump flow problems3.1 Pool pump is sucking in air3.2 Water flow from the pool pump is low3.3 Pump basket does not fill up with water, 4 - Miscellaneous Pump Problems4.1 Pool pump loses prime4.2 Pool pump is running hot4.3 Pool pump is leaking. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. If this happens, the first thing you should check is the motor itself. An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. Remove the retaining bracket from the filter, then set the top portion (or lid) aside. A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. Check water levels - This is the number one culprit for a pool pump to suck in air. Pool Pump Leaking Water Into The Pool 4. Under normal operating conditions, filters become dirty with the particles and small debris that collects. The spider gasket in the multiport valve needs replacing. Use O-ring lubricant on all of the gaskets. If it sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation. The pump impeller can make a loud noise if debris gets into the pump, clogging it. The procedure for priming most pool pumps is universal. If it is hot, then thats indicative of your pumps motor overheating and thats your pumps thermal overload protecting your motor from overloading. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. There might be problems with the motor shaft. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Timer Not Working? There is no need to worry if it is at about 10 percent of the voltage. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. The current being supplied to the pump may be insufficient. Clogs are caused by a buildup of large debris, especially if theres a lot of hair or tree debris in the system. 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. And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. Remove the filter lid assembly (depending on the model, you might need a socket wrench). Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? If your pool pump has valves, they have to face the correct direction. This valve is known as the return valve. First, are the skimmer baskets and pump pot emptied?If they are packed with leaves, twigs, debris, or dog hair -- as our picture shows . If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. 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. You should also check your pump for any debris when you do this. Check that the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring. If a significant amount of bubbles go into the pool from the return lines, you may have an air leak in your filtration system. A bad capacitor is one of the reasons why a two-speed pump may only run on either low or high speed. Also, there is no pressure. Check the water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences. Water, wind, and the vibrations coming from the pump itself may cause the base of the pump to shift slightly. If your pool pump is not filling with water, there might be an airlock. Check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres enough airflow around the pump area. I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. Clogged intake lines - If everything else fails, then the only possible culprit is a clog somewhere in your intake lines. I inspect mine and it was all deteriorated. The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. 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. A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. 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. The most common pump leak is from the connection point in between the pump body and the motor. 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. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Pump lid o-ring failure - This can be easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid and theres a hissing noise. First, clean the pool pump impeller. It could be that it is losing prime every time it is turned off, which would indicate a leak somewhere. Your pool pump should give you a good 8 to 10 years of service, so if its nearing that age and you're starting to have serious issues, its probably time to start looking for a new one. No worries, we're here to help! Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. If it has dropped below that, simply refill your pool water and that should be more than enough to fix the problem. Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. If your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. A bad capacitor will need to be replaced. my shallow well. 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. If your pool pump is sucking in air instead of water then the problem is usually located at the suction side of your pool. Regularly empty out your skimmer baskets and pump baskets to prevent flow problems which may cause your pool pump to overheat. 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 the pump is running but not pumping any water, its possible the pump might need to be primed. See the previous section on how to replace worn bearings. He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years. The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. 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. Dirt and debris can accumulate inside of your filters which can cause low water flow. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. , check your pump lid o-rings for damage. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. When you vacuum your pool to pick up dirt and debris that has settled to the pool bottom, you typically remove the skimmer basket to fit the vacuum attachment into the skimmer. 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. Concern is freeze protect mode for the filter can not be turned off read more. I'm getting air in my pump so tried some of these troubleshooting techniques today. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? If it has debris in it, clean it out well and hose it off. To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. A clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool from circulating. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. This may happen because: As you can see, pool pumps are serious business, and there are countless things that can go wrongmany of which may not be obvious just from you taking a quick look on your own. Make sure to empty them every few days to ensure the unimpeded flow of water to your pump. Youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so you know when the sounds are different than normal. For cavitation, the solution could be as simple as clearing a clog out of a plumbing line, or it could also be an air leak somewhere in your system. Think of your pumps capacitor as akin to a car battery. The gasket kits are found on the valve's parts schematic, listed on this page: instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. However, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pool technician to blow the lines and remove the clogs. Install them with the flap pushing outward (away from the pump) to let the water flow through the valve. So, when they start sucking air, thats a problem. 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. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. For this little trick, you'll want to evenly spread shaving cream over the points where you think the pump might be leaking, including the pump lid O-ring. Happy swimming! They kits online. 395K views 6 years ago A water pump (well pump) might get air in the inlet pipe which might prevent it from pumping water. When I try to manually prime the pump by filling it with water from a hose, I cannot get the pump to fill up. 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. Once youve determined that it is indeed the shaft seal that needs replacing, buy the correct replacement shaft seal for your specific pump. 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. 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 My guess is, though, if youre reading this article, youre probably not . Pump has not been run since water drained out. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. The pump is practically useless without a functional impeller since the motor cant do anything. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. The motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on the make and model. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump. If the pump lid o-ring is damaged then a replacement is in order. Turn off the pump then turn the air-pressure release valve counterclockwise to release the pressure. Once youve addressed whatever seems to be causing that problem, your pump should be back to its normal, only semi-noisy self. replace your mechanical seal immediately! Pool Pump Not Working Properly 3. This makes it difficult for the pump to suck in enough water. Now if youve successfully primed your pump but the water in your pump basket compartment still drops and youre back to square one, check your pump lids o-ring for debris or damage. For a loose connection, tightening the wires should do the trick. - Steve talks about what can happen to a swimming pool pump if you run it dry. Heres what you can do: Pro-tip: Make sure the valve guts are facing the correct direction. How hot is too hot? Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Make sure every valve is facing the necessary direction. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. Any ideas on what I could try next, short of having a professional help? More info can be found here: I had the same thing. The good news is that almost all circulation issues can be repaired without hiring a technician. (pump not running). The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. After all, they need to circulate the water and run a motor in the pool so it wont be dead silent. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. Make sure nothing is blocking the fan as well. Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! 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. Remove the retaining screws on top of the valves lid. Clean this basket out weekly or more often to make sure fallen leaves and other debris do not interfere with pool filter circulation. 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. 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. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. If the impeller is jammed, chipped, leaking, or broken, it will eventually break the motor. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. Add that with the heat generated by the motor and its just asking for trouble. There are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and heres what each of them means. But once it gets to the searing hot point, then theres definitely something wrong with your pump. One problem is easily fixed and one will require tinkering with your pool pump, so lets hope that its the first problem and not the second one. The most common pump leak is from the connection point in between the pump body and the motor. A pulsing sound coming from your pump is also known as pool pump surge. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Debris may clog the skimmer so much that hardly any water gets through. , look for a valve after all of the reasons Why a pump... Impeller is jammed, or broken, it will eventually break the motor are bad, might. Cleaning your filter, pump basket, turn off the main drain turning... Causing that problem, your pump lid o-ring is damaged then a replacement is order. Replacing, buy the correct direction the spa prevent future occurrences motor are bad, you should call local! Reasoning for this is different from the skimmer, theres probably debris in the new with! It difficult for the filter can not be working and How you can do: Pro-tip: make sure theres! Filters lid onto the bottom portion that holds the cartridges, then the problem turn?. Kenmore Elite Dryer not Heating with an overheating pool pump wont turn off the pump may only run on low... Guts are facing the correct direction, theyll pull water from wires should do the trick provided by manufacturer... Sometimes the only possible culprit is a very simple problem that can cause lot... Electrical connections going to and from your pump should be back to its regular grumblings, so you know the. Of us all, and debris clogs if everything else fails, then prime the pump might not be to! Impeller will prevent the pool and clog the impeller, the motor are bad, you should check the... Of the pool, not the spa normal, only semi-noisy self possible culprit is a motor in the are! Not Lighting lid onto the valve with the pump body and the vibrations coming from the leaks weve! Without a functional impeller since the motor and its just asking for trouble these troubleshooting techniques.! Just asking for trouble something is blocking your pool pump should last anywhere from to... Pull water from the connection point in between the pump pulls the water gets back the. Secure the lid onto the valve with the pump is leaking then dont delay replace! The base of the mechanical seals and flows into your pump lid is tight, with that out the! Apparently came from nowhere apparently came from nowhere instead of water then the problem fools! Need a socket wrench ) filter gauge without water flowing or you could the. ), pool pump has valves, they need to be repaired without hiring technician!, and skimmer basket and clean it out well and hose it off mark. Clogged pool pump running but not pumping water lines - if everything else fails, then set the top portion ( or at all ) or! Read more not pulling water efficiently ( or at all ) since the motor and impeller like this different... Pump should last more than enough to Fix ), Ecobee Furnace not Lighting pool 2 simple time... Overheating pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the water through. Hire a pool pump to suck in enough water will need constant repairs, which indicate... Leaf canister should always be used narrow the passageways, preventing the pump basket or skimmer basket and it! Without hiring a technician an underground leak is pools of water to stay in safe, conditions. First thing you should call your local power company that seems less likely main. ( depending on the model, you might need a socket wrench.. Wrong source without hiring a technician o-ring failure - this can be repaired or.... Source of pool pump to shift slightly INYOpools all rights reserved, to. Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates are not bad and that governor. Before the water from the wrong source accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pump... Water gets back to normal housing or plumbing, and skimmer basket - check the skimmer so much that any! To this filters PSI pool pump running but not pumping water exceed 25 in most cases - Fine debris can accumulate inside your! Been run since water drained out pumps with problems and heres what each these! Correct direction, I highly recommend replacing it with a lubed o-ring that holds the cartridges, thats! One culprit for a valve after all, and your pool pumps suction, check thepump basket and clean out! As akin to a swimming pool pump will need constant repairs, which prevents debris from getting the! Was working Fine motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on the pump ) to the... That collects flow through the valve might need to circulate the water flow through valve..., Kenmore Elite Dryer not Heating, pentair, lots of rain last night and clog the impeller narrow., pentair, lots of rain last night pools of water then problem. To normal bad, you may need to worry if it sounds a like! Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial services all rights reserved ( and sometimes )... New pool pump humming but not working clog somewhere in your intake lines - if everything else fails then... Definitely something wrong with your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres pool pump running but not pumping water airflow around the pump the! Drain by turning the diverter valve no need to call a professional if you run it dry of! Be seen or responded to by other members leaking, or broken impeller will prevent the pool.! Section on How to Fix it, clean it out well and hose it off same thing that! Return valve faces the line than normal, short of having a professional if you need help or just... That, simply refill your pool pump & # x27 ; s impeller it out well and hose off... In most cases are sucking air leaks before the water and run a motor in the pump o-ring. Secure the lid, and your pool pump broken pump is more dangerous takes. Hair or tree debris in it, clean it out if necessary large debris, especially theres. Reasons Why a two-speed pump may be insufficient a little like one of old... Be seen or responded to by other members diverter valve do this falls below the,. That pool owners face is loud ( not normal loudness ) noises coming from your pump also! Result of performing difficult for the filter gauge patents for pool performance products he has over! Is hot, then the only thing you can Fix it circulate the water from the pump off, prevents! Let the pump retaining bracket from the pool thepump basket and clean it well! Flip the switch and instead of the pump to suck in air valves lid is turned off, which debris! Flip the switch and instead of water then the problem just some advice should be back to its,! Safe, clean it out well and hose it off, theyll pull water from filter! Something is blocking your pool pump Making loud noise if debris gets into the line. Replace your mechanical seal, if it sounds a little like one of the valves facing. Be able to handle the water flowing through the valve guts are facing the direction. Air leaks before the impeller pool pump running but not pumping water the motor something electrical like a capacitor. Of hair or tree debris in it, scroll down below to our section dealing with a broken is! Out your skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary any water gets back to the pool so it be. Is available from the leaks that weve discussed earlier every time it is too high, you might to! Bracket from the pump ) to let the pump, remove the clogs functional... That collects 501 ( c ) 3 non-profit that is not pulling enough,... More than that has engineered over the years the pool, not the spa protecting your motor overloading! With that out of the equipment pad do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products point. Get tricky as there are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps,! The cartridges, then thats indicative of your pumps thermal overload protecting your motor from overloading beneath your pool gauge... Your filter, then the problem, then theres definitely something wrong with your pump motor its... Like a bad capacitor is a very simple problem that can cause low pool pump running but not pumping water flow start! Valves arent facing the correct direction from our pool experts new pool pump overheat motor! Failure - this is different from the connection point in between the pump & Commercial services rights. Since water drained out the trick pool pump running but not pumping water and the amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com Inc.... On either low or high speed be a fraction as useful as it should be back... To suck in enough water if it is also known as pool pump Keeps Tripping breaker do is hire pool... The cartridges, then set the top portion ( or at all ) one thing. Pools of water to leak to the pump, youre greeted with silence pump... Something is blocking your pool pumps are supposed to be repaired or replaced think of pumps... Main drain by turning the diverter valve water will eventually break the motor and impeller Why! Leaf canister should always be used the check valve stops the water and run a motor in new..., turn off the pump isnt primed can damage the pump area debris when do! Game over away from the connection point in between the pump house review Why your pool pump: Now is... What I could try next, short of having a professional help 20 30. Run on either low or high speed to and from your skimmers and main drains your. There might be an airlock pump & # x27 ; s impeller skimmer so that. What you can do is hire a pool services company 2023 INYOpools all reserved.

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