Home » Having Problems with Your Pool Pump?
Is Your Pump Giving You Trouble?
Below are some problems that pool owners may run into with their pumps and how to solve them! You can always go back and see our collection of top brand brand name Pool Pumps by clicking Here.
1. Is your Pump not pumping water like it used to?
Check to make sure your skimmer basket is clear; it may be full of leaves, sticks, and other heavy material that could slow down your flow. Also check the pump basket to make sure it is clear and in the right position. If everything looks clear, then the pump itself may be clogged. *Important* Make sure you turn the motor OFF first, and then reach inside to see if there is anything that could be clogging it. If everything still seems clear, you’ll have to remove the motor from the pump and further inspect it to see what could be slowing it down.
2. Is your motor not turning on?
Nine times out of ten, this is an electrical problem. It sounds very simple, but go back and check all the electrical connections to make sure everything is plugged in properly – including your pump, your breaker, your timers, and any other switches. If everything is plugged in correctly and none of your outlets seem corroded or inhibited, test the power going to the motor with an electric meter.
If you see that power is still going all the way to the pump, it’s likely that something within the motor itself has shorted out and is preventing it from starting or turning on.
3. Is your motor turning itself on and off?
If your pump motor is going through a cycle of turning itself on and off, it is probably overheating. It shuts itself off to prevent a fire or other damage. Motors that are not receiving the proper voltage may overheat. Typically this is when a more powerful motor is trying to run off of a lower voltage than recommended.
It’s also important to check for ventilation. Not enough air flow around the motor can also cause it to overheat; so be sure to clear all the air vents. If you have an old motor that’s turning on and off, you’re just about out of luck. Old motors that are overheating will typically need to be replaced.
4. Is your motor noisy?
Your pump’s motor gets noisy due to the bearings found in the front and back of the motor. If the pump has been run dry or it frequently overheats, the bearings can easily get damaged and produce an awful screeching sound. These bearings cannot be fixed and will need to be replaced. Typically a machine shop can take care of this problem at a very affordable price.
If your motor is making more of a grinding noise, this is usually a sign that it is running dry. Not enough water is being pump through, so the pump makes a grinding, gurgling sound as it runs dry. Check to see if anything is blocking the flow of water and open more valves if possible. This is a problem that needs to be taken care of ASAP, as running a pump dry will cause long term damage.
Is your Pump leaking?
Most leaks are caused by the small fitting that takes the water out and away from the pump. The fitting may shrink ever so slightly over time, eventually causing water to drip and/or spray out of it. The mechanical seal could also be the problem. This is the seal between the wet and dry end of your pump and it is not uncommon that it will wear out over time and allow water to slip through it. Both the threaded fitting and mechanical seal can cheaply be replaced for around $10 each.
Go back and see our Pool Pumps! We carry only the top brand names at the lowest possible prices - guaranteed. Click here to see them.
