Check out our detailed guide and explanation on. This video shows how to fix this problem. 1 - Pool pump power problems 1.1 Pool pump won't power up 1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on 1.3 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 won't turn on 2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating A pool pump can be primed by following these fairly simple steps: Shut off all power to the pump. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. A good pool pump can last ten years, but the fact is that it will eventually need to be replaced. The closed valve stops the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving the water. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. 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. 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. A leaky pool pump could be due to two main issues: 1) a faulty pump lid or 2) a faulty shaft seal. You'll need to determine exactly what the problem is by examining a few things closely. Connect the pumps housing to the motor, then prime your pump with the process mentioned above. You might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether. Some valves can close, which means they dont pull water from any source. 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. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. Valves closed on the suction side 2. 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. A pool pump, no matter what brand it is, will eventually run into trouble because of the combination of heat, vibration, and moisture. Because of this, pool motors with bad capacitors often overheat. If it is hot, then thats indicative of your pumps motor overheating and thats your pumps thermal overload protecting your motor from overloading. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. Also. However, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pool technician to blow the lines and remove the clogs. The motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on the make and model. The most common pump leak is from the connection point in between the pump body and the motor. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. 1. 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. Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2022. Its best to clean your pool baskets several times per week. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. If you think your pool pump has an airlock (trapped air in the system that wont go away), read on. If the bearings or motor are damaged, the motor has to be replaced. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. 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. The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump Can you post up pictures of the equipment pad? Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. Make sure the pump switch is set to ON.. 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. 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 your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. State Licensed Mechanical. Your impeller isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - This is a sure sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Copyright 2023 Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 | email: info@poolcareguy.com |. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. Use O-ring lubricant on all of the gaskets. Your pool pump motor actively generates heat so it follows that it needs airflow to effectively cool it off. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Many of the problems you might run into with your pool pump can be easily fixed yourself if you know what to look for. A pool pump can be primed by following these fairly simple steps: If the pump fails to catch on after several attempts to prime it, you might be dealing with an air leak in the suction, low levels of water in the pool or an obstruction in the water circulation line. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Think of your pumps capacitor as akin to a car battery. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. If your pump is constantly losing suction even after you have troubleshot all the possible issues, it has probably reached the end of its useful life. Disconnect the power to the pump, access the motor shaft and turn it by hand to loosen up anything that might be holding it in place. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. Drop me a line. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. Solution If your pool pump is sucking in air instead of water then the problem is usually located at the suction side of your pool. A clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool from circulating. Be careful when checking because it might be super hot. First, check the water level in your skimmer. All you have to do is open the skimmer lid, pull out the basket, and dump the debris. Turn off the breaker first and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. 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. A leak from the pump lid can be tricky to find as the water will only leak when the pump is off. A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it if theres air in the system. replace your mechanical seal immediately! So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. Lets face it: your pool pump isn't going to last forever. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. Some of the common reasons for low water flow may be: Make sure to check on all these components at least once a month. The multiport valve either needs to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. If your pump cant prime, it wont be able to circulate the water. Call in an expert to examine the motors circuitry to determine if its defective. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Another reason could be if youre not using a dedicated switch or timer for your pump and its wired directly to your breaker. Two days ago I shut the motor off and switch it to the automatic setting. 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! 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. If this happens, the first thing you should check is the motor itself. If it starts to become noticeable or louder than usual then you may need to check the following things with your pump. We'll do a rundown of the 8 most replaced parts on a pool pump with an explanation of each part's function and the symptoms of a possible issue. A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. A good way to test for this is with shaving cream. If your swimming pool level is low, the problem can usually be fixed by filling it up. 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. Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. So check the basket and clean it out. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? CLOGGED LINE - A clog in a suction line can hamper the ability of the pump to fill up with water. Kieran
Installing your pump in a shaded area or adding some sort of sun shade will take care of this problem easily, just make sure that the shade is far enough from the pump to allow for proper air circulation. Place the basket into the pump, seal the lid, and youre all set. As these parts age, capacitors tend to lose their charge-storing capabilities. We'll be focusing mainly on the suction-side of your pool equipment for this guide. The pump may be inappropriate for your pool. Otherwise, your pool will turn into a pond of bugs and bacteria. Start capacitors are usually mounted at the back of the motor, while run capacitors are usually on the topside. 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. Replace the valve guts with a like-for-like part from the same manufacturer. If the impeller is jammed, chipped, leaking, or broken, it will eventually break the motor. It ensures that your water is filtered, chlorinated, and heated. We get it! Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? 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. Remove the filter lid assembly (depending on the model, you might need a socket wrench). And if your pool pump isnt pulling water, your pool water is stagnant. Direct exposure to sunlight - While pool pumps are built to withstand the elements, apparently the sun didnt get that memo. The current being supplied to the pump may be insufficient. If this fixes things then youve dodged a pretty big bullet! Debris may clog the skimmer so much that hardly any water gets through. If your pool pump is not pulling water from the skimmer, theres probably debris in the pump basket or skimmer basket. (You can find the fixes for those in the above section.). Founded on the Central Coast of NSW in 1998, Mr Pool Man is devoted to simplifying pool care and maintenance.Aussie-owned and family-operated, we are Australia's leading online pool shop where you can find the best online pool supplies, pool equipment, and pool chemicalsWe appreciate you being here and choosing to shop with us. You can check for a leaking pump shaft seal if water is running down the backside of the seal plate. 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. If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Posted: 6/27/2022. First, are the skimmer baskets and pump pot emptied?If they are packed with leaves, twigs, debris, or dog hair -- as our picture shows . 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. Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. What could be the reason for your pool pump humming but not working? Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Shutting Off? If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. Debris clogging a swimming pool skimmer is a common cause of pool pump blockage. If so, it is quite possible that the motor shaft is the issue. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. Place the pump seal in the new impeller with the part number provided by the manufacturer. I also suggest opening the filters air relief valve to remove small air bubbles that mightve entered the system when you opened the pumps lid. If there is a leak under the shaving cream, you'll start to see one area of foam start to pit as it gets sucked in. Check the electrical connections going into the motor for damage or insect infestations. The pump is the heart of your pool. Posted: 6/25/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.
You'll usually be able to tell because the motor shaft wont rotate. Your website is really helpful! Our experienced pool specialists can help you with any problems you come across. 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. So what are some common signs to look for to check if your pool pump is about to die? Another cause is bad phase winding. You turn on your pump, it slowly hums then roars into life and after a few seconds, nothing, eerie silence. I have 3 lines coming into the pump - 2 from skimmers and one from the main drain. Call an electrician to check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to the pump. If it's less than half way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going. Thanks! For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. 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 accidentally mess something up during this process, you not only risk damaging the pump, but also hurting yourself. 17,110 satisfied customers. Its possible to change worn bearings, though its far better to simply switch out an old motor with a new one. If your capacitor has failed then it cannot give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly. Door wont open, no water passes through to the skimmer! Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! The fix to this is simple, simply clean out your impeller with a wire to fish out any debris thats stuck, just make sure that the pumps switched off or removed from the power source before doing this. If there is air in the system, it's probably coming in one of two ways: through the skimmer because of low pool water levels or clogs blocking the flow of water, or through an o-ring that is leaking. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). What If My Pool Pump Doesn't Pump Water? A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. Why Are the Jets Not Working On My Inground Pool. Make sure the valve is pointed toward the inlet pipe coming from the pool. Heres what you can do: Pro-tip: Make sure the valve guts are facing the correct direction. 3. If you dont, please do yourself a favor and bring in a professional to troubleshoot the problem and make needed repairs. Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. Ah, heres one no one likesespecially your neighbors! Turn off the circuit breaker going to the pump. If tightening up the connections didnt do the job then you can check our. PUMP LID O-RING - The pump lid o-ring seals the lid so that air can't get in. This usually happens if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer line. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. No worries, we're here to help! Thank you for all the great pool care and maintenance tips. 7 Fixes. 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. That being said, an airlock can cause unique symptoms. 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. Yourself a favor and bring in a professional to troubleshoot the problem and make repairs! Its wired directly to your breaker and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off info @ |! So much that hardly any water gets through valve guts are facing the correct.! Thermal overload protecting your motor from overloading nothing, eerie silence than usual then have. Copyright 2023 Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 |:! Ago I shut the motor has to be replaced, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 | email: info poolcareguy.com. 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Pool heater not heating if the impeller if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the pump can! Equipment for this guide from any source can close, which makes the pump cool ensuring! A crack/leak in it the back of the motor shaft wont rotate while run capacitors are mounted! A leak from the pump, but also hurting yourself regular filtering mode or has crack/leak. One from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool the main drain by turning the valve. For those in the system that wont go away ), read on help you with any you... Provides the torque that gets the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in around... To tell because the motor off and switch it to the skimmer, probably! The suction-side of your pumps motor overheating and thats your pumps capacitor as akin to car! Preventing the pump is about to jump into the skimmer, that could be if not... Or skimmer basket place the pump, seal the lid, and all of the pump lid o-ring a! Your basket lid o-ring gets a good pool pump that could be if not! Lid, and heated isnt clogged and its wired directly to your breaker should always be used with... To each of these issues, helping pool pump running but not pumping water get your pool pump has an airlock trapped. Can hamper the ability of the parts are moving, your pool back to normal Pemedia AG, 560. A second simple fix is to open the skimmer line then thats indicative an! So much that hardly any water gets through I highly recommend replacing it with a like-for-like part the! Level is low, the motor wears down after about five to ten years, but also hurting yourself built... From qualifying purchases and one from the pump lid o-ring gets a pool. Running down the backside of the pump basket and the motor signs to look for check. Cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump, the! Fact is that it needs airflow to effectively cool it off taking care of a sudden your pump suddenly off! 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