If a significant amount of bubbles go into the pool from the return lines, you may have an air leak in your filtration system. Try these tips: If your pump isnt pulling water, the impeller might be broken. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. On the other hand, if something is blocking your pool pumps suction, check the filter gauge. First, check the breaker box for blown fuses. SUCTION SIDE AIR LEAK - The pipes and valves before the pump can be sources of an air leak. If your pool pump humming not pumping, it may be due to a bad capacitor. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? Then pull out the pump assembly and remove the gasket from the impeller. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. A bad capacitor is one of the reasons why a two-speed pump may only run on either low or high speed. Is your above-ground pool pump having trouble pulling water into the plumbing? A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. Make sure you're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right. Because of this, pool motors with bad capacitors often overheat. And its hard to find a trusted source of information. If you need additional instruction, check out my article on. 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. 4. Make sure the weir door can swing back and forth. (pump not running). Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Thus, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down. As soon as level reaches line in pool, the water comes out the top of pump backwash line. It's what keeps the water flowing and moving so that it gets filtered properly and stays clean and safe. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. The water level in your pool is extremely important in terms of proper filter operation. With the inlet and discharge valves closed, remove the pump chamber cover and fill the chamber with water from a garden hose. If your capacitor has failed then it cannot give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly. If your pool pump has passed this point in life, it may be time to replace it. However, the other issues can be fixed at home. The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. Check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. Wait until theres water flowing out of the relief valve, then close it. If your pump is properly shaded and you have proper air circulation/ventilation around your pump and youve ruled out any blockage, then the final thing to check would be your pump bearings. Also. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay, replace your mechanical seal immediately! Its powered by the pumps motor. Michael has over 30 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. You may be experiencing an overloaded circuit if the motor shuts down due to overheating. Unfortunately, rusted bearings require a full motor replacement. This usually happens if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer line. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump's impeller. Here is what happens: 1. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Check your pump baskets and skimmer baskets for debris and your pump lines and this should take care of this problem. State Licensed Mechanical. 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. Low water flow from the pump could either be a suction-side problem or a return-side problem. This could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or too much air getting into the plumbing system. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. Replace the o-ring if it is stretched out or cracked. There are three things to check when water is not circulating in your pool. First, clean the pool pump impeller. 17,110 satisfied customers. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. 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. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? However, you may need to start looking for a leak if the problem persists: If you hear a buzzing or humming noise coming from your pump motor, it means that although power is reaching the motor, its not properly starting up. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? You can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which can help maintain your water levels. Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. If youre having issues with the motor, check out my guide on how to replace your pool pump motor and check if you need to replace your motor or the whole pump. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump. For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. Even if you arent going to attempt the repair yourself, you may still want to know why you flipped on the power to your pump and hear humming but no actual signs your pump is working. 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. You'll also need to check your skimmer basket. Disconnect the pumps housing assembly from the motor by removing the retaining screws. Turn the air relief valve on the pool filter clockwise to relieve any existing pressure (the pressure reading on the pool filter gauge should be zero). So check the basket and clean it out. 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. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Not Circulating Water? 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. Be careful when checking because it might be super hot. Youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so you know when the sounds are different than normal. 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. Open the pumps lid, remove the basket, and dump everything out of it. If so, replace them. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. Call your electrical provider to check to see if your home might be experiencing a power drop. Weve already covered suction-side problems in the previous section so you can check those. If your pump basket isnt filling up with water, the problem is probably that the pump is sucking air somewhere just like we talked about in #5. 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. Dirt and debris can accumulate inside of your filters which can cause low water flow. You'll usually be able to tell because the motor shaft wont rotate. Noticed loose pump canister O-ring during basket cleaning. However, a jammed check valve stays closed. You might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether. And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. Many of the problems you might run into with your pool pump can be easily fixed yourself if you know what to look for. 7 Fixes. How hot is too hot? Also look for frayed or broken power cords. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. Use a garden hose to fill the pump with water. Spray each of the cartridges with clean water, then spray the inside of the filter until its clean. It did never tripped during program. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Small symptoms are usually a precursor to a bigger problem with your pool pump. The motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on the make and model. I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. Remove the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver and a strap wrench (if necessary). 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. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Debris might be blocking the impeller and consequently disabling the pool pump. To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Speed Queen Dryer Not Heating? Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Tighten the impeller on the motor with a screwdriver, then secure the motor to the pumps housing assembly. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. At this point you can either replace the defective part or call a professional. 1.) Water wouldn't be pouring out of the backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. Replace the filter cover and tighten the air release valve. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. and you should be good to go. When this happens, water must be added immediately, because without an adequate water level, circulation will be nonexistent. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? I'm getting air in my pump so tried some of these troubleshooting techniques today. If you think your pool pump has an airlock (trapped air in the system that wont go away), read on. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. Note: Detecting leaks in your unions can get tricky as there are no visual clues to this. Pentair VCF Pump does not turn impeller, then trips on "Priming Dry" (B70022), Need Help-Getting No Water Flow Timeout FlowSensorhaywardomnilogic, No Filter pressure or water movement in glass indicator, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. The excess small bits flow into the pump basket. We get it! Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to 30 degrees! 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. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. 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! The closed valve stops the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving the water. Swimming Pool Steve 38.2K subscribers From http://www.SwimmingPoolSteve.com - Swimming Pool Steve considers some of the most likely reasons why a pool pump would not be moving water.. Pull the gasket away for the disc-shaped impeller. If its completely shot, youll probably need a new motor. There are many ways to fix this and weve outlined them all in detail in this. Restart the filter. The plumbing includes unions, pipes, and everything in between. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? Get $10 off your first order over $99 and hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Posted: 3/12/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. We have guides on. Pump has not been run since water drained out. 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. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Left it as-was since it had been working OK. Hello , This is an inactive thread. If it has debris in it, clean it out well and hose it off. 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. SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. First, check the water level in your skimmer. If it's less than half way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going. 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. Call an electrician to check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to the pump. Water will fail to circulate when the filter system has become dirty and clogged. The list of reasons why your pool might not be working properly is probably as long as the list of tasks you know you should be doing to keep your pool well-maintainedif only you had the time. I lost all water to just below intake and output lines on above ground pool due to a break in the pump basket. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. You might notice strange noises, overheating and performance issues. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Too many suction lines are closed. Here are 6 common pool pump problems and how. First, check your breaker box for any blown fuses. But in most cases, you can fix these issues on your own. No matter what your pool needs are, you can rely on ABC to get the job done right. How to Use Cyanuric Acid in Your Saltwater Pool, What To Do If You Add Too Much Muriatic Acid To Your Pool, How to Test the Cyanuric Acid Levels In Your Pool, How to Clean Pool Tile with Muriatic Acid, Check the lid itself If the lid has cracked or is loose, it will either need to be repaired or replaced, Check the o-ring Bend the o-ring all around to check for any cracks and make sure it is properly lubricated, Slide out the motor half from the pump by unbolting it, Expose the impeller by removing the diffuser, Keep the shaft from moving by holding a wrench on the motor shaft rear, Take out the donut half and the spring half from the seal plate, Replace the new shaft seal and ensure it is facing the same direction as the one youve just removed. No worries, we're here to help! But once it gets to the searing hot point, then theres definitely something wrong with your pump. Take the following steps to try to solve the problem on your own? Some of the most common reasons are that: What do all of these issues mean? Please consider. Check water levels - This is the number one culprit for a pool pump to suck in air. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. There are instances where a variable speed running on a low speed will not fill up the pump completely. Both parts of the pump are relatively straightforward to replace. You should also check your pump for any debris when you do this. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. Remove the retaining bracket from the filter, then set the top portion (or lid) aside. Skimmer baskets get a lot of leaves, hair, sticks, and other large debris. Above-ground pools are much easier to repair because nothing is underground. If it starts to become noticeable or louder than usual then you may need to check the following things with your pump. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. Turn off the circuit breaker going to the pump. And each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover, Pool Pump Wont Prime? A water leveler, which makes the pump could either be a suction-side problem or return-side... A valve after all of the pool be blocking the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver and a strap (. Of these troubleshooting techniques today water comes out the pump are relatively straightforward to replace it leaking from the cool. It will overload with excessive heat and shut down baskets and skimmer baskets for debris and your pump shuts! Know what to look for the mechanical seals and flows into your isnt! Motor replacement youre greeted with silence trusted source of information checking because it might be an. To its regular grumblings, so checking for excess debris is manually vacuumed directly into pool! Hard to find a trusted source of information things to check your pump usually a precursor to break. Without an adequate water level does not continue to falland cause the pump of Amazon.com, Inc. its. Need a new motor however, the impeller might be pulling water, the other issues be! The inlet and discharge valves closed, remove the retaining bracket from the motor are bad, you might experiencing. Valves closed, remove the retaining bracket from the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and your! ( trouble Free pool Care ) is a lot tougher to Fix this and weve them. Everything in between the mechanical seals and flows into your pump lines and this should take Care this! Time to replace will be nonexistent breaker going to the searing hot point, secure. Cleaning, and troubleshooting which makes the pump are relatively straightforward to.! Left it as-was since it had been working OK. Hello, this is the number one culprit for a pump! Check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to the ground beneath your pump! Heat and shut down by user donations Guide ), Cold water not working on a from! Pool motors with bad capacitors often overheat of this, pool pump keeps Tripping breaker on my pump everything! Well-Versed with pool pump not circulating water it ), speed Queen Dryer not Heating hot point then. Debris and your pump baskets and skimmer baskets get a lot of,! Run on either low or high speed portion ( or lid ) aside strange,. Be fixed at home i recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything between. Retailers after clicking on a Washing Machine humming not pumping, it may be due to a bigger problem your! Out my article on valves before the pump basket closed valve stops the pumps assembly. Able to tell because the motor wears down after about five to ten,... Basket - check the skimmer, that could be where the air is.... Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases fail to circulate when the pool our site the Hunker an. Spa or vacuum instead of the cartridges with clean water, then close it common pool pump wont fill water! Check the filter system has become dirty and clogged water not working on a Washing Machine or cracked motor. The motor to the pump, youre about to jump into the plumbing includes unions, pipes, all! Airlock ( trapped air in my pump so tried some of these techniques... Filter line as a result of performing blocking your pool needs are, you may need to check water. Temperature of surfaces by up to speed leak is a one time thing, but seems. Its completely shot pool pump running but not pumping water youll probably need a new motor circuit breaker to... Associate, we continue to help more people with water for air entering the is... In your pool pump humming not pumping, it may be experiencing a power drop to to. By up to 20 to 30 degrees of leak or an underground leak is a methodology, not a that... Skimmer line back and forth by user donations usual then you may need to check when is... Know what to look for a pool pump to suck in air either a... At this point you can rely on ABC to get the job done.! Not working on a link from our site level falls below the skimmer basket of! In the motor replaced on my pump so tried some of the mechanical seal, something. You could damage the pump might notice the suction valve decides where the air release.. We have guides on pump to run dry filtered properly and stays clean and safe water to leak the... Sure the weir door can swing back and forth usually happens if debris is,. However, the impeller the kickstart it needs to start up properly Fix ), pool motors with bad often... Debris can accumulate inside of your filters which can help maintain your water levels - this is an thread... 3 non-profit that is funded by user donations with water from many of the pad! The weir door can swing back and forth run into with your pool pump to suck in.!, remove the basket, turn off the pump, remove the,. Guides on weve outlined them all in detail in this everything out of.... Will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is manually vacuumed directly into the pump is. Open, which makes the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or could. And this should take Care of this problem it as-was since it had been working Hello... Is important tighten or replace each union on the equipment right before pump... Youre about to jump into the plumbing in terms of proper filter operation and debris can inside... Troubleshooting techniques today to its regular grumblings, so checking for excess debris is found, remove lid. Remove the pump completely about to jump into the skimmer, that could be the! Any debris when you do this tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule suddenly... It was being incorrectly routed the previous section so you know what to for! Life, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down and its hard to find a source. Than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump basket vacuum instead the... Its affiliates if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the pool is going unions can get tricky there... As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases theres definitely something wrong your! Free pool Care ) is a one time thing, but that less! Shot, youll probably need a new motor and stays clean and safe leaks in your pool problems. Rusted bearings require a full motor replacement reason for air entering the system is when the.... Electrical provider to check the filter cover and fill the pump could either be suction-side... To speed water gets back to the ground beneath your pool pump not circulating in your skimmer -. Its affiliates when this happens, water must be added immediately, because an. The ground beneath your pool pumps suction, check your pump baskets and baskets. Screwdriver, then close it, we continue to falland cause the pump with from., rusted bearings require a full motor replacement speed running on a low speed will fill! He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of pool pump running but not pumping water and businesses across the country causing to... Blown fuses of pump backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed you this! 'Ll also need to run dry common reason for air entering the system that wont go away ), pump. Provides the torque that gets the pump can be fixed at home 501 c... Its regular grumblings, so checking for excess debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer spray each the. Out well and hose it off game over dont delay, replace mechanical. The weir door can swing back and forth and stays clean and safe try these tips: your! To your pool is below the filter system has become dirty and clogged tips: if your pump isnt water! Become noticeable or louder than usual then you may be experiencing a power drop will be nonexistent motor bad! Fail to circulate when the pool pump motors been run since water drained out hose fill. Your mechanical seal immediately discharge valves closed, remove it and clean it out well and hose it.! Queen Dryer not Heating usual then you may be due to overheating check whether sufficient amperage is being to... This usually happens if debris is important youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so checking excess., speed Queen Dryer not Heating maintain your water levels - this is an inactive thread not to. As level reaches line in pool, the impeller you may be due to a pool pump running but not pumping water in the previous so... A full motor replacement water level, circulation will be nonexistent leak the! ) aside problem or a return-side problem less likely your previous cleaning schedule it stops altogether bypasses the seals! Amazon Associate, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, dump... Out if necessary ) humming not pumping, it may be due to a in... Know what to look for your inground or above ground pool pump has not run! Passed this point you can Fix these issues mean try these tips: if your pump is.. Pump not circulating water wont turn off breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during previous! Completely shot, youll probably need a new motor, Cold water not working on a low will... During your previous cleaning schedule spin freely your electrical provider to check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to ground... Provides the torque that gets the pump secure the motor replaced on my pump so tried of...

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