Everything You Need to Know About Pool Pump Issues

09/06/2012 | Categories: Pool Maintenance

Everything You Need to Know About Pool Pump Issues | Sunshine Fun

Your pool filter and your pool pump are a crucial element to your pool’s overall health. Together, they keep water in your pool circulating, which prevents buildup of bacteria and algae. If the pump isn’t working properly or if the filter isn’t working properly, your pool will quickly become the breeding ground of all kinds of unwanted organisms.

Here are some of the most common pool filter and pump issues you’ll frequently encounter.

==> The Pump Isn’t Pumping

This is a common occurrence that could be cause by a whole host of different things.

One common issue is that your skimmer basket could be clogged. Simply emptying your skimmer might be all you need to get your pool running again.

If it’s not the skimmer being clogged, you’ll have to check just about everything in your pump system. Water might not be getting into the strainer basket properly. It’s also possible that your pump basket got damaged, which allowed dirt or other debris from the outside into the pump system. This can cause jams, which makes it hard for the impeller to move.

If you can’t properly diagnose why the pump isn’t functioning, you may have to call a repairman.

==> Pump is Leaking Water

This is usually an easy problem to fix. The most common cause of this issue is the thread on the fitting getting smaller over time. Redoing the fitting is very inexpensive, easy and can be done in about 45 minutes.

It’s also possible that your mechanical seal is damaged. Again, replacing this is easy, inexpensive and takes about 45 minutes.

==> Motor Turns On and Off Randomly

If your motor turns on and off all on its own, it probably means that your motor is overheating. Motors have internal systems that shut itself down whenever things overheat.

If your motors are old and it starts turning on and off on its own, that means it’s time to replace your motors. If your motors are new, it’s usually an electrical issue. If the electricity’s voltage is too low, it generates more heat.

Also make sure that there isn’t anything getting in the way of the pump’s cooling vents.

==> Whining Noise

If your motors are making scratching or whining noises, then chances are you need to replace your bearings. Unlike a door hinge, you can’t just apply lube or grease; the bearings have to actually be replaced.

Fortunately, this procedure is relatively inexpensive, generally coming in at under $150 for both labor and parts.

These are some of the most common issues you’ll run into with your pool’s pumps and your pool’s filtration system. Keeping your pool circulating up is crucial to the overall health of your swimming pool.

---