The Most Common Pool Pump Problems/Faults
Anybody who has had a pool appreciates how easy it can make it to have a great time with family or friends. The popularity of pools has steadily grown in the past, and all signs are that it will continue to grow into the future. Every year, the industry for swimming pools grows by more than 3%!
On the other hand, nothing ruins a good pool like a broken pump. And unfortunately, pool pump problems can be somewhat common. Fortunately, most of these problems tend to be caused by the same few things, so it is often easy to figure out how to fix them.
So what exactly are the most common pool pump problems? Read on to learn all about the most important things to understand about common pool pump problems and how to fix them!
The Pool Pump Is Making Loud Sounds
Some people ask, "What is a pool pump?", while others appreciate how essential it is to the enjoyment of your pool. Any good pool pump guide will point out common pool pump faults to keep a lookout for.
One of the most common pool pump problems is that it is making loud sounds. You might hear screeching sounds coming from it or grinding sounds.
There are a few different problems that can lead to these kinds of sounds. For one thing, your pool pump might not be getting enough water. That might mean that the suction lines are blocked or otherwise not functioning.
It is also possible that your skimmers are not allowing water to flow through them.
In some cases, the problem is actually the result of having a pump that is too powerful. In that case, you will need a less powerful pump that is more suitable for your pool.
You may also hear screeching sounds if your pool pump has worn out bearings. In that case, you will either need new bearings or a new motor. Some people choose to spring for a whole new motor so that they can enjoy improvements in performance.
Your Pool Pump Has a Leak
If you notice that your pool pump is not working, examine it closely. If you discover that it is leaking water, then that suggests that one of the sealing mechanisms is not working properly. That might be the result of a cracked o-ring.
The Pool Pump Basket Does Not Fill Up
If your pool pump basket is not filling up, your pool pump is not actually broken. In fact, you can probably get it working quite quickly. In order to get the pool pump basket to fill up properly, you will need to prime the pump.
This is a somewhat complex procedure that often requires the help of the professionals.
The Pool Pump Makes a Humming Sound
If your pool pump is making a humming noise and will not turn on, then there is a good chance that it is simply blocked with debris. In particular, the impeller may have collected small amounts of debris over time until it becomes has become too clogged.
The Pool Pump Has Air in It
Pool pumps are designed to be airtight. Unfortunately, airtight seals are constantly subject to pressure and wear and tear. The end result is that it is almost inevitable that your airtight seal will develop leaks over time.
When that happens, your pool pump can end up sucking in air as well as water. Unfortunately, if your pump takes in air, then the pump will not be able to prime itself.
As with many pool pump problems, you might be able to solve this by clearing out any debris in the system. However, there is also a good chance that you'll need to replace a gasket or an O-ring.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to detect exactly which part of the seal is not working. If you cannot visibly detect where air is getting in, there is a pool pump tip you can follow to identify the leak.
If you spray shaving cream around your pool pump system, wherever the leak is will start to suck the shaving cream in. You should start to notice that the surface of the shaving cream starts to bend inward, creating a little hole.
Once you have identified the leak, all you need to do is seal it with a new part.
The Pool Pump Does Not Stay On
If your pool pump keeps turning off, it might be losing access to power. Check the power source and confirm that it is working correctly.
You might also have a broken capacitor. The capacitor starts the pump, so without it, it will not turn on at all.
Replacing a capacitor can be somewhat complicated and even dangerous. It is generally better left to the professionals.
If your pump does turn on at first, but then turns itself off, it could be suffering from excess heat. In that case, you will want to examine the fan for debris. Clearing out debris in the fan will allow it to cool the motor off more easily.
Understanding just a little bit about pool pump problems can help you identify when you need to call for maintenance help or when you can fix a problem yourself.
Understand the Most Common Problems With a Pool Pump
We hope learning about common pool pump problems has been helpful. Many people love their pool when it is working, but do not know what to do when it stops working perfectly. Unfortunately, the problem often comes down to the pool pump.
To learn more about how to keep your pool working in perfect condition or to speak with experts in the pool maintenance industry, feel free to reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!
