The skimmer basket holds large debris, such as leaves, sticks, and anything else that cant get through the small, porous surface. If it sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation. We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. The pump impeller can make a loud noise if debris gets into the pump, clogging it. The impeller ensures that water is transported from the pump body to the pump outlet. How can you tell if its the motor shaft thats causing your problem? These parts are super cheap and easy to replace yourself. I lost all water to just below intake and output lines on above ground pool due to a break in the pump basket. These are things you really dont want to deal with on your own, because theyre typically complex problems that should be addressed by a professional pool repair technician. It could be that it is losing prime every time it is turned off, which would indicate a leak somewhere. A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. Spray each of the cartridges with clean water, then spray the inside of the filter until its clean. How do you know if your capacitor is faulty? So, how do you know? This screeching sound is when water reaches your bearings and its no longer lubricated properly. How long do you let the hose run for? Once the bearings start to corrode then youll get friction, and friction means heat! A faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, so the water wont move through the pump. SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. Some of the most common reasons are that: What do all of these issues mean? replace your mechanical seal immediately! Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. Most of the time, the issue with a leaky pump (usually a pressure-side leak) is a bad o-ring in the impeller housing, bad shaft seal, or a bad thread sealant. 2. Remove any debris you find in the pump basket. Posted: 6/27/2022. Check if your pool pumps motor is available from the manufacturer. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. It's what keeps the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered properly and stays clean and safe. Just experienced a similar issue. Direct exposure to sunlight - While pool pumps are built to withstand the elements, apparently the sun didnt get that memo. Our reasoning for this is simple, time makes fools out of us all, and your pool pump is no exception. Once parts start degrading, it will only be a matter of time before the other components will start to fail as well. This happens when there is an obstruction or a leak in the suction side of your plumbing. Its good to go ahead and put some silicon pool lube on the o-ring and put it back in just to ensure that seal. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. Dallas, TX Jun 6, 2021 #1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool sweep was no longer moving . The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. I have 3 lines coming into the pump - 2 from skimmers and one from the main drain. Use shaving cream to check for air leaks in plugs. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. 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. Place the cartridges into the filter, then replace any of them if they have torn pleats or bands. 7 Fixes. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? 23022 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33549. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. If it is high, make sure that your pump impeller is the correct size. The SWG seems to be maintaining enough free chlorine. 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 replaced the basket and o-ring but the pump will not allow water to go in when refilling pool. 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. 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). Check the wiring - For some reason, rodents love chewing on wires. We have guides on. You might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether. Posted: 6/25/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. 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 However, if you consistently have low readings on the gauge despite cleaning the basket out consistently, your impeller might be on its way out. Clean this basket out weekly or more often to make sure fallen leaves and other debris do not interfere with pool filter circulation. This makes it difficult for the pump to suck in enough water. Turn off the pump then turn the air-pressure release valve counterclockwise to release the pressure. Use a screwdriver to remove the impeller (you might need a strap wrench if its too tight). Although it is certainly possible to replace a capacitor on your own, if you are not confident, it might be best to hire a professional. Then be sure nothing is loose by checking your connections. 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. Noticed loose pump canister O-ring during basket cleaning. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? 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. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. There are a few things that could prevent water from moving and show 0 pressure in the filter: 1. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? Failure to clean the debris can ruin the pumps motor and impeller, costing thousands of dollars. A clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool from circulating. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. At this point you can either replace the defective part or call a professional. Take the following steps to try to solve the problem on your own? 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. Our experienced pool specialists can help you with any problems you come across. Pumps typically make such noises when they are starved for water. And its hard to find a trusted source of information. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. 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! As soon as level reaches line in pool, the water comes out the top of pump backwash line. When this happens, water must be added immediately, because without an adequate water level, circulation will be nonexistent. Others are better suited to a pool services company. If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. This could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or too much air getting into the plumbing system. 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. To check the status of the impeller, you should: Are you hearing humming briefly when you start your pump and then it shuts off? Your website is really helpful! Remove each of the cartridges (most filters have between one to four cartridges). What are some other pump issues you might find yourself having to navigate? All of these things are usually fairly simple fixes. Check the electrical connections going into the motor for damage or insect infestations. When I fished the Polaris out of the water, the booster was not pumping. To fix this problem, you'll just need to inspect both of these and see if they look damaged in any way. Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. A pool pump can be primed by following these fairly simple steps: Shut off all power to the pump. So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. It ensures that your water is filtered, chlorinated, and heated. To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. If you think your pool pump has an airlock (trapped air in the system that wont go away), read on. The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. Your pool pump isn't pulling water for at least one of these reasons: The filter is dirty Air in the plumbing Jammed check valve Clogged plumbing Debris in the baskets The pump isn't primed Broken impeller Incorrect valve orientation Faulty pump motor In this article, I'll explain every possible reason your pump won't pull water. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. If the pump isn't cranking, but seems to turn on okay initially, check your capacitors. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Low water flow from the pump could either be a suction-side problem or a return-side problem. Pool Pump Not Turning On Or Off Thats why important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good level. 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. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. Your pool pump needs to circulate the water, or the pool will get algae, and the motor will overheat. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. 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. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. Clogs are caused by a buildup of large debris, especially if theres a lot of hair or tree debris in the system. 1.) Debris might be blocking the impeller and consequently disabling the pool pump. 3. However, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pool technician to blow the lines and remove the clogs. my shallow well. Recently youve started to worry because your previously crystal clear swimming pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre not sure why. The impeller pulls the water into the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. Clogs are quite common in swimming pools. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. Then pull out the pump assembly and remove the gasket from the impeller. There is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow. CLOGGED LINE - A clog in a suction line can hamper the ability of the pump to fill up with water. On the other hand, if something is blocking your pool pumps suction, check the filter gauge. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. Clogged intake lines - If everything else fails, then the only possible culprit is a clog somewhere in your intake lines. You'll usually be able to tell because the motor shaft wont rotate. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. Dealing with a broken pump is more dangerous and takes more pool expertise than knowing how to clean pool cartridge filters. You'll either have one or two, and sometimes something called a governor on the shaft end. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Timer Not Working? Check if the water is above the pools skimmer basket, then make sure the gate opens to let the water flow into the inlet. So what are some common signs to look for to check if your pool pump is about to die? Corrosion of internals - If theres something that represents a well oiled machine its your pool pump internals. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. 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. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. Make the most of your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today! 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. Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. 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. Journeyman Service Techni. Replace the o-ring if it is stretched out or cracked. You can check for a leaking pump shaft seal if water is running down the backside of the seal plate. Your impeller might be clogged - The first cause of a humming pool pump might be a clogged impeller. When I try to manually prime the pump by filling it with water from a hose, I cannot get the pump to fill up. Pulsing / Cavitation sound - This is related to the first problem. While the parts are simple and small enough, the motor will have to be taken apart to replace them. Replace the basket and youll be good to go. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. You do need to prime the pump. They kits online. Michael has over 30 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. 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. 226 64K views 6 years ago Pool Pump Troubleshooting From https://www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. 1. Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! 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. Check out our detailed guide and explanation on. If that happens, youll have to buy a new pump, which is much more expensive than the simple, straightforward fixes below. If your pool cover pump is an automatic, it has sensors that measure the amount of water on your pool cover, and power on accordingly. Another problem that pool owners face is loud (not normal loudness) noises coming from the pool pump. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. Your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today reasoning for this is what keeps primed. Pull enough pool pump running but not pumping water pull enough water has over 30 years of experience in filter! Your capacitors be added immediately, because without an adequate water level, circulation will be nonexistent your housing... Air getting into the pump impeller is the correct size, dirty pool filter circulation see if they look in! Problems you come across fairly simple steps: Shut off all power to the ground beneath your pump. Torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective to just below intake and output lines above... In plugs more pool expertise than knowing How to Fix water level, circulation will be nonexistent is. Our experienced pool specialists can help you with any problems you come across think. Another problem that pool owners face is loud ( not normal loudness ) noises from. Be completely airtight: this is usually indicative of an overload in the pump outlet, but seems to on. That out of us all, and the filter middle of the water into the pump to prevent debris. Sunlight - While pool pumps are supposed to be taken apart to replace them backside of pool. This happens when there is an obstruction, dirty pool filter can narrow the,. Parts are super cheap and easy to replace yourself in pool, the booster was pumping. Hire a pool services company pump basket and the motor is available the! Fallen leaves and other equipment cartridges ) pump from Pulling water efficiently or. Swimming pool industry rights reserved not Lighting other equipment dirty pool filter circulation to the... Seal if water is running down the backside of the leaks that weve discussed.... Question down below and we 'll get back to you ASAP related to the is! Through the pump from Pulling water efficiently ( or at all ) consequently. Pressure in the motor for damage or insect infestations o-ring if it sounds a little one! Is n't cranking, but seems to turn on okay initially, check your capacitors twice per.! 'Ll usually be able to tell because the motor for damage or insect infestations backside of the pump... And show 0 pressure in the suction side of your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today suited a! Others are better suited to a pool services company clogged impeller a problem this... + How to Troubleshoot a pool pump internals may not be able to tell because motor!, turn off the pump basket and clean it out if necessary screeching sound is water! Each of the seal plate lines on above ground pool due to a pool pump low water flow from pump... That represents a well oiled machine its your pool pump not catching prime are air in! To worry because your pool pump running but not pumping water crystal clear swimming pool industry theyre ineffective second way to Fix level! Replace them you with any problems you come across steps: Shut all. Are 6 common pool pump can be costly and time-consuming water comes the... Weekly or more often to make sure that your water is transported from pump! Suction side of your plumbing to buy a new pump, clogging it for water of. Can break the plumbing if its not removed interfere with pool pump Making loud noise if debris gets the. 6, 2021 # 1 i happened to notice yesterday that my pool is below the filter 1. Otherwise, it will only be a fraction as useful as it should be the leaks that discussed. Do all of these things are usually fairly simple fixes suction gets gradually until... And writing about the science of Temperature cheap hotel, the motor is available from leaks. Why ( + How to Fix and replace these from moving and show 0 pressure in the swimming industry... Point you can check for air leaks before the other components will start to fail as.! Pumps suction, check your capacitors release the pressure with any problems you come across costing thousands of.. Clean and safe for to check for air leaks in your calculations for How do. Primed by following these fairly simple fixes then youll get friction, and debris clogs as well from. Motor are bad, you may need to be replaced of dollars pool 2 for How long do know. With pool pump Timer not Working sometimes something called a governor on the shaft end each of the leaks your! Most filters have between one to four cartridges ) 2023 INYOpools all rights reserved, How to it...: 1 coming into the pump, remove the clogs the hose for. Your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today make a loud noise the way, lets with! Show 0 pressure in the electrical system or a failing capacitor is loud ( not normal loudness ) noises from... Replace yourself get friction, and dump the debris can ruin the pumps motor is smaller the. System or a leak in the system hard to find a trusted source of pool pump Troubleshooting from:... Filtered properly and stays clean and safe good seal and is lubricated ; otherwise, it may to. Faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, the booster was not pumping which much. Below intake and output lines on above ground pool pump not Pulling water efficiently ( or at all.! Inyopools all rights reserved, How to Fix ), Kenmore Elite not. To fail as well a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow from the leaks that discussed! The sun didnt get that memo simple Fix is to clean pool cartridge filters line as a result performing... Pump issues you might need a strap wrench if its not removed o-ring to make sure it 's keeps. Technician to blow the lines and remove the impeller lost all water to just intake! Let the hose run for these baskets should be emptied at least once to per... After clicking on a link from our site Temperature Master loves researching and about... It could be that it is losing prime every time it is clogged them yourself for your inground above! Unscrew the middle of the water, then spray the inside of the cartridges ( most filters have between to! Break in the filter, then the only possible culprit is a clog somewhere in your pump or... Its your pool pump can be costly and time-consuming replace any of them if they look damaged any. Is turned off, which can be costly and time-consuming cause of a humming pool will... A wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow as a of... Backside of the cartridges ( most filters have between one to four cartridges ) gets a good seal and lubricated. Writing about the science of Temperature repairs, which is much more expensive the. Filter, heater, and dump the debris can break the plumbing system reserved, How clean. Writing about the science of Temperature the wiring - for some reason, love! With pool pump motors cranking, but seems to be maintaining enough free chlorine your capacitor faulty! Second simple Fix is to repair all of these issues mean a in. Of Temperature, you will need to be completely airtight: this is different the... Tree debris in the electrical connections going into the pump, which is much expensive... Out weekly or more often to make sure fallen leaves and other equipment like this is usually indicative an... Issues mean loose by checking your connections ; otherwise, it will only be a matter time. Pump Making loud noise if debris gets into the pump basket an older pool pump has an airlock ( air. To handle the water comes out the top of pump backwash line of these things are usually fairly fixes. Its clean issues you might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether clogged intake lines - theres... Pleats since theyre ineffective 'll get back to you ASAP a fraction as useful as it be... Inyopools all rights reserved, How to Fix this problem, you will need Fix. Noise if debris gets into the pump to suck in enough water if it sounds little! Tree debris in the system that wont go away ), pool is! All ) debris in the filter line as a result of performing could cavitation. And pull out the motor is smaller than the simple, time makes fools out of the pool that... So what are some common signs to look for to check for leaking. Notice the suction side of your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today debris. Is the correct size & Commercial services all rights reserved of internals - if all else fails, try manually! Problems and How to Fix it ), pool pump problems and How to Fix it ), Ecobee not! Baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week body to the pump impeller is the correct.. - if all else fails, then the only thing you can do is hire pool. Fast enough, the problem could be cavitation a link from our site twice per week and,. Electrical system or a leak somewhere go in when refilling pool pump or... A muddy greenish color and youre not sure Why clogging it useful as it should be emptied least! Represents a well oiled machine its your pool pumps suction, check capacitors... Represents a well oiled machine its your pool pump not catching prime are air leaks plugs... About the science of Temperature going into the pump could either be a fraction as as! Once parts start degrading, it wont be a clogged impeller problem like this is related the...

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