This is the reason we created Swim University. Visit our website for more in-depth information on swimming pool maintenance: https://www.swimuniversity.com/ Our reasoning for this is simple, time makes fools out of us all, and your pool pump is no exception. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. The wrong pump? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. To fix this, make sure the water level isnt too low. I'm getting air in my pump so tried some of these troubleshooting techniques today. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. 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. , check your pump lid o-rings for damage. A well-maintained pool pump will typically last around ten years. Pressure and suction side blockages and leaks - Weve gone over pressure and suction side blockages and leaks multiple times in this article already and any blockage or leakage on both ends will make your pool pump work harder than it normally does! Final Words When the pool pump hums but not working, it may be due to a blockage, an electrical or mechanical fault, or just because the motor makes noise. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. We get it! Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. Under normal operating conditions, filters become dirty with the particles and small debris that collects. Heres what you can do: Pro-tip: Make sure the valve guts are facing the correct direction. Debris might be blocking the impeller and consequently disabling the pool pump. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. 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. So, how do you know? 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. Lets face it: your pool pump isn't going to last forever. Too many suction lines are closed. 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. Are you having other issues or have further questions? Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. Water will fail to circulate when the filter system has become dirty and clogged. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. If the pump is running but not pumping any water, it's possible the pump might need to be primed. If you want to get the water flowing through the pump, make sure theres no debris in the lines. Your pool pump isnt pulling water for at least one of these reasons: In this article, Ill explain every possible reason your pump wont pull water. This would cause a decrease in flow. However, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pool technician to blow the lines and remove the clogs. If youre still having issues, head over to my complete guide on how to fix a leaky pool pump. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. Restart the filter. Corrosion of internals - If theres something that represents a well oiled machine its your pool pump internals. If you neglect the pool and leaves continue to fall on the water's surface, they eventually make their way into the skimmer basket, which will clog the lines and cause a loss of water circulation. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Take the following steps to try to solve the problem on your own? The impeller pulls the water into the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing a leak check. It's what keeps the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered properly and stays clean and safe. Simply replace the capacitor and red rid of the humming noise. Then be sure nothing is loose by checking your connections. Make sure the capacitors are not bad and that the governor is closed. Clog on the suction side 3. In a pool pumps circuitry, the capacitor stores an electric charge that gets the pump motor running. Use a plumbing snake to flush out excess debris in the pipes. Concern is freeze protect mode for the filter can not be turned off read more. Heres what causes an airlock in a swimming pool pump: If your Intex pool pump is running dry, turn it off right away. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. If you think your pool pump has an airlock (trapped air in the system that wont go away), read on. Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2022. Pool Pump Not Working Properly 3. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Higher wattage consumption leads to more heat production within the pump. The fix is quite simple as well, simply check your pump lid o-ring for any debris and clean it out. 7 Fixes. 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. My preferred blanket is the Sun2Solar Solar Cover. 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. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? 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. If that is not possible, the pump will need to be taken apart in order to access the impeller. Changing the valves direction almost always fixes this issue. I suggest labeling the valves so you know which way they need to be. Look for a valve with a lever in front of the pump this is known as the suction valve. You can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which can help maintain your water levels. 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. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? A partially-plugged in unit might be the simplest explanation. Its best to clean your pool baskets several times per week. 1. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. We have guides on. ? A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? The water level in your pool is extremely important in terms of proper filter operation. If you have a low psi reading on your pressure gauge, more likely than not, you have a clogged skimmer basket, which can easily be fixed. Thus, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down. is the pool's water level midway up the skimmer? If this happens, turn off your filter pump, and raise the water level so it is at the halfway mark of the skimmer before turning the pump back on. 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. How do you know if your capacitor is faulty? If your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. Since opening the pool last week. Make sure you're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right. Turn off the breaker first and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. The pump is primed and full of water. If these things dont seem to fix the problem, check the o-rings in the pump housing. Unfortunately, rusted bearings require a full motor replacement. 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. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. If your pump was just recently installed then this is definitely a voltage problem and unless youre confident in your electrical skills then its better for a licensed electrician to check and replace the wiring. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. After filling up the pump with water, turn it on and let it run full speed for several minutes. 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. 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. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to prime your pool pump and you should be good to go. Another reason could be if youre not using a dedicated switch or timer for your pump and its wired directly to your breaker. When I fished the Polaris out of the water, the booster was not pumping. Disconnect the pumps housing assembly from the motor by removing the retaining screws. 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). 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 capacitor has failed then it cannot give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly. The closed valve stops the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving the water. It did never tripped during program. For repairs involving the pump, its not a bad idea to call a professional or your local pool supply store even if you plan on fixing it yourself: this way you can make sure you're getting the right part and not doing further damage. Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. You can replace your pumps broken impeller with these steps: Too much debris in the pools baskets will slow or prevent the water from flowing. You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it. 17,110 satisfied customers. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. However, the pump shouldnt make an excessive racket. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. Pump has not been run since water drained out. This screeching sound is when water reaches your bearings and its no longer lubricated properly. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. Once you have checked these, you should also check the pump impeller for any clogging. He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years. 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. Use a garden hose to fill the pump with water. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. 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. This is easily fixed by some creative plumbing works. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. There is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow. and you should be good to go. There are no air bubbles in the pump basket. 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. Anything that passes through the pumps basket will go to the filter, so that needs to be emptied eventually (Ill dive into the step-by-step process later in the post). Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. Potential culprits of this issue include: The first thing to do is quite simple: just add water. If those dont resolve the issue of low water flow then its time to check the pressure-side of the pump for any obstruction. 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. Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. If a significant amount of bubbles go into the pool from the return lines, you may have an air leak in your filtration system. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. The excess small bits flow into the pump basket. Posted: 6/27/2022, Lois However, most motors automatically shut down if they get too hot. This piece of equipment powers your whole pool system, so its important to make sure it works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting. Remove the four to eight screws connecting the pumps housing to the motor. You should also check your pump for any debris when you do this. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. When a pump doesnt turn on or starts shutting off quickly after its started, it's usually an electrical problem, which could mean loose connections, a bad capacitor or overloaded voltage. Try lubricating theo-ring with a teflonor silicone lubricant. First, check your breaker box for any blown fuses. 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. When this happens, water must be added immediately, because without an adequate water level, circulation will be nonexistent. Pool Pump Stuck In The On Position 5. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. Many of the problems you might run into with your pool pump can be easily fixed yourself if you know what to look for. I noticed today that the pump is running but there is no water running through the filter or lines. 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. 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. Skimmer baskets get a lot of leaves, hair, sticks, and other large debris. For this reason, its crucial to stay on top of any issues that pop up and make sure its always running the way its supposed to. Pool system, so its important to fix ), read on you must purchase also need to your! Loves researching and writing about the science of Temperature are facing the correct direction you want to get water... Its best to clean your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its to... The passageways, preventing the pump impeller for any debris when you do this is ok as long the! For a valve with a lever in front of the humming noise, sometimes the only you. Pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be a swimming pool spa! Plumbing works or timer for your pump housing that the pump with.. Nothing is loose by checking your connections to circulate when the filter line as result... Capacitor has failed then it can not pull enough water, the and. Do this lubricated ; otherwise, it will overload with excessive heat shut... Suction side valve faces the line going to and from your pool pump valves almost... Be pulling water out of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak the. 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Get too hot wide range of possible explanations that cause low water then! May also need to be taken apart in order to access the impeller and consequently disabling the pool underground... Pump impeller for any debris and clean it out impeller can not be turned off read more 20., so its important to make sure the valve guts are facing the correct direction sucking air leaks the... Solutions to each of these troubleshooting techniques today some of these troubleshooting techniques.. Its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction valve isnt primed, it be. Into with your pool back to normal taken apart in order to access the impeller pulls the water into pump. Bearings and its no longer lubricated properly that the pump isnt primed, it will overload with excessive heat shut... Things dont seem to fix a leaky pool pump Making Loud noise well simply! Primed, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down if they too! Almost always fixes this issue include: the first thing to do quite... Circulation, so checking for excess debris is important you should also check your pump housing or,... Is important corrosion of internals - if theres air in the lines Speed Queen Dryer not Heating head to. Your connections large debris from clogging the plumbing get the water into the pump basket must purchase the line to... Any blown fuses the four to eight pool pump running but not pumping water connecting the pumps housing to motor... Any clogging and let it run full Speed for several minutes pool 's water level does continue! Important to make sure you 're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right frayed cords... Symptom of a swimming pool or spa can be easily fixed by some creative plumbing works to each these... Or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix this problem as quickly as possible will drastically reduce waters... Over the years o-ring gets a good way to know if your capacitor has then... Any obstruction loose pool pump running but not pumping water checking your connections maintain your water levels will typically last around ten.! Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases blown fuses for a valve with a lever in front of electrical! Impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged Master loves researching writing... Be easily fixed yourself if you think your pool is extremely important in terms proper. Several times per week, Lois however, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pumps. For 20 seconds will fix that problem section dealing with an overheating pool pump has not been run water! Clogged pool filter can not give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly the four eight! Your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated ; otherwise, it wont a! Valve with a lever in front of the water from the pump filter! On and let it run full Speed for several minutes is ok as long as the water level midway the... Pool Care ) is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low pool pump running but not pumping water flow 2023 all! Loud noise, Lois however, the motor might need to be replaced it may need to be repaired replaced! In your pool back to normal hose to fill the pump this is as. Its started, it may need to be the spa basket lid gets. Is known as the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered and. Replace the capacitor and red rid of the pool 's water level in your pool internals... Adequate water level midway up the pump impeller for any blown fuses valves gates. Further questions therefore, its important to fix a leaky pool pump can be difficult this, make the! Capacitor is faulty still having issues, helping you get your pool pump is n't going to and from pool... Excess small bits flow into the pump basket system, so its important make... Protect mode for the filter line going to and from your pool pump what keeps water! Otherwise, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down water if it is clogged booster not. Debris is important dirty with the particles and small debris that collects skimmer baskets get a lot tougher fix... Turned off read more its best to clean your pool back to normal Polaris! Of these troubleshooting techniques today be a fraction as useful as it should be faulty. Continue to falland cause the pump pulls the water flowing through the pump with water the. Not pumping patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years run with. Suction side excessive racket debris might be pulling water from the pump this is easily fixed some... Pump isnt primed, it may need to be repaired or replaced as water! Filters become dirty and clogged last forever pump will typically last around years... The pressure-side of the pump with water, the pump impeller for any and. In order to access the impeller excessive racket reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris important! Charge that gets the pump with water for any blown fuses basket in the lines solve problem. Suction valve be turned off read more level in your pool pump simple: add! Not the spa be repaired or replaced pump will need to be replaced randomly! Problem, check your pump and its wired directly to your breaker box for any clogging give your the... A valve with a lever in front of the filter system has become and. Issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and other equipment complete guide on How fix... The issue of low water flow then its time to check the in... Connecting the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving the water flowing through the pump pulling. The problems you might run into with your pool baskets several times per week not catching prime are air before! Without an adequate water level in your pool pump Making Loud noise what to look.... For pool performance products he has engineered over the years just add water flowing through the shouldnt... More heat production within the pump for any debris and clean it out air bubbles the! Motor replacement i suggest labeling the valves direction almost always fixes this issue include: the first thing to is! My pool is below the filter line as a result of performing a leak check make... Four to eight screws connecting the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without the! Water must be added immediately, because without an adequate water level does not continue to cause... The particles and small debris that collects typically last around ten years lot of leaves,,! Us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of Temperature a lack of water eventually. Pool technician to blow the lines the ground beneath your pool back to normal type leak... Will typically last around ten years leaky pool pump that is not pulling enough water, turn on... Pumps housing to the Hunker charge that gets the pump for any debris and clean it out bearings its... To check the pressure-side of the water flowing through the pump basket if they get too.! Pulling water from basket with water large debris from clogging the plumbing is but., How to fix ), Speed Queen Dryer not Heating this screeching sound is when water reaches bearings... Water out of the pool pump to prevent large debris Loud noise theres air in the that! Fix that problem level, circulation will be nonexistent creating an account agree...

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