If there is a leak under the shaving cream, you'll start to see one area of foam start to pit as it gets sucked in. These parts are super cheap and easy to replace yourself. Connect the impeller to the new motor, then connect the motor to the pump housing. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. Recently youve started to worry because your previously crystal clear swimming pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre not sure why. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). Look for a valve with a lever in front of the pump this is known as the suction valve. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. It might seem overwhelming to deal with a pool pump that simply wont turn on. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? If so, it is quite possible that the motor shaft is the issue. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. You will get much more visibility by. If something strange seems to be going on with your pump, do yourself a favor and get in touch with the pool pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services. 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. In this article, I will cover some common pool pump problems and recommend some fixes to keep your pools filtration system running strong. If its anything above 10psi from the normal range, clean the filter. Look for blown fuses or tripped breakers on your homes electrical service panel. 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! Its possible to change worn bearings, though its far better to simply switch out an old motor with a new one. Make the most of your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today! 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. If youre still having issues, head over to my complete guide on how to fix a leaky pool pump. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. If this problem continues, check out my article on air bubbles in your pool for a more thorough guide. The pump may be inappropriate for your pool. WATER LEVEL - The water level of the pool should be at least halfway up the skimmer door opening. Posted: 3/14/2022, Frank You are using an out of date browser. A bad capacitor will need to be replaced. Check the pump basket, impeller, shaft seal, diffuser and diffuser gaskets. Unfortunately, rusted bearings require a full motor replacement. Use a garden hose to fill the pump with water. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! Pro-tip: Never let your pump get above 25 PSI. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. 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. Clogs are caused by a buildup of large debris, especially if theres a lot of hair or tree debris in the system. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. So take an overheating pool pump as a symptom of a blockage or leak somewhere. Add that with the heat generated by the motor and its just asking for trouble. If you are still having problems even after consistently troubleshooting all of the issues for your pool pump losing prime, it might be time to get a new one. To fix this, make sure the water level isnt too low. Be sure to examine the pump closely to determine the exact problem. If you accidentally mess something up during this process, you not only risk damaging the pump, but also hurting yourself. Uneven base - Your pump should be on a level surface. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. Capacitors are the small, black cylinders in your pump that look like batteries. There are a few things that could prevent water from moving and show 0 pressure in the filter: 1. In these circumstances, there are several things you can do to troubleshoot this problem. Check if your pump timer is set properly and that youre within the operating times. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. Disconnect the motor from the pump housing. Check the water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences. If your pool pump suddenly shuts down while running, you may have an issue with the pump motor overloading. Once your pool filter reaches 25 PSI, follow these instructions: If you have a sand or DE filter, you can review this helpful YouTube video: Air in the system will slow the priming process. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump's impeller. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. Lack of air circulation - If your pump is in a restricted area then it may lack the required air circulation to cool off the motor properly. This can happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump. The check valve stops the water from flowing backward, which prevents debris from getting into the pumps impeller. With the inlet and discharge valves closed, remove the pump chamber cover and fill the chamber with water from a garden hose. It could be because the pump isnt primed. If your pool pump starts, but then shuts off on its own moments later, its often due to overheating. I'm getting air in my pump so tried some of these troubleshooting techniques today. Otherwise, your pool will turn into a pond of bugs and bacteria. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. There is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow. More info can be found here: I had the same thing. Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. As these parts age, capacitors tend to lose their charge-storing capabilities. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. Its best to clean your pool baskets several times per week. If something doesnt sound or feel right, investigate immediately and dont ignore the problem and hope that it will go away by itself. I turn the blower on for a half a second and then off. Call an electrician to check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to the pump. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. If it's less than half way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going. Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? This pressure limit will stop the pump from overheating and the plumbing from cracking or warping. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. When I fished the Polaris out of the water, the booster was not pumping. To check the status of the impeller, you should: Are you hearing humming briefly when you start your pump and then it shuts off? In other words, if the pump aint happy, aint nobody happy! Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. Installing your pump in a shaded area or adding some sort of sun shade will take care of this problem easily, just make sure that the shade is far enough from the pump to allow for proper air circulation. Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. If you dont, please do yourself a favor and bring in a professional to troubleshoot the problem and make needed repairs. In a pool pumps circuitry, the capacitor stores an electric charge that gets the pump motor running. If its completely shot, youll probably need a new motor. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Make sure to empty them every few days to ensure the unimpeded flow of water to your pump. Dallas, TX Jun 6, 2021 #1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool sweep was no longer moving . Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to. 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. Once parts start degrading, it will only be a matter of time before the other components will start to fail as well. We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. If tightening up the connections didnt do the job then you can check our. Posted: 6/27/2022. Follow this step-by-step guide to check if this is the case: Measure the level of the motor terminal to the voltage. I tried backwashing and I cleaned the skimmer and the pump basket of debris. You might notice strange noises, overheating and performance issues. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Pool Pump Stuck In The On Position 5. If you notice that the pumps position has shifted then its a pretty easy fix. Pump has not been run since water drained out. I tried closing valves to from the different locations to fill up one line at a time, but could never get the lines or the pump to fill up. Its important to open the valves going into and out of the pump before running it. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. Your pool pump basket may not be filling with water as it is sucking air from somewhere somehow. Circuit breaker switches are not designed to be used as on-off switches and they will wear out faster than normal. The o-ring is the rubber ring that forms a seal where the pipes are connected. 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. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. Pool Pump Leaking Water Into The Pool 4. An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. Replace all of the cracked or warped O-rings. And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. Variable Speed for Maximum Efficiency: This pool water pump features 3 speeds, 1500RPM (Eco), 2400RPM (Clean), and 3250RPM (Boost), making it perfect for pools, spas, waterfalls, and more ; Mode Switch: Switch up how long your pool pump runs with the easy mode switch; Mode 1 runs 16hr clean cycles, Mode 2 runs 24hr clean cycles Check that the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Not Pulling Water? Posted: 6/27/2022, Lois If your pool pump isnt circulating water, here are the probable causes: In this post, Ill cover the primary reasons your pool pump cant circulate the water. A pool pump can be primed by following these fairly simple steps: Shut off all power to the pump. Make sure the pump switch is set to ON.. Pool Pump Not Turning On Or Off These three factors coupled with daily use will eventually lead to problems that will need to be troubleshot down the line. The best way to fix this common issue is to get a solar blanket. We overthought it and searched high and low for the possible causes when we found out that it was just a stuck weir door! Open the filter cartridge and remove the filter. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. Debris may clog the skimmer so much that hardly any water gets through. Clogged filters can also cause leaky cartridges, unions, O-rings, plumbing, and more. ? However, the other issues can be fixed at home. replace your mechanical seal immediately! How can you tell if its the motor shaft thats causing your problem? Ideally, your pool pump should only be sucking in water consistently but for those situations where you have pool pump flow problems, its best to know how to identify them so you can fix them as soon as they start to prevent them from causing more problems down the line. Well, at full load, you should still be able to touch the motor end of the pump without burning yourself. Heres Why (+ How to Fix). Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. If your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you might be wondering what went wrong. 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). If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. Pull the gasket away for the disc-shaped impeller. Secure the drain plug on the pump. During the hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of water from the pool. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. Check to see if something is inhibiting the fan in the bottom vents, like leaves or mulch. 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. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Higher wattage consumption leads to more heat production within the pump. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump Can you post up pictures of the equipment pad? Our experienced pool specialists can help you with any problems you come across. Thanks! Its highly recommended that you hire a professional to test and/or replace your pump capacitor. For a loose connection, tightening the wires should do the trick. 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