The vibration pads can stop the vibrations from going into your pool base with their thick rubber. Small cracks in the plumbing will also limit the water pressure. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. I noticed today that the pump is running but there is no water running through the filter or lines. Clogged intake lines - If everything else fails, then the only possible culprit is a clog somewhere in your intake lines. Once youve addressed whatever seems to be causing that problem, your pump should be back to its normal, only semi-noisy self. Besides that, power surges and overheating can damage a capacitor. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Overheating? Replace all of the cracked or warped O-rings. The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. 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. Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? Weve heard the sound described as gargling stones before. You can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which can help maintain your water levels. 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. The multiport valve either needs to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it. If your pump is rattling more than usual, here are some of the main culprits: When it comes to the motor, I recommend hiring a professional to fix the problem. A leak from the pump lid can be tricky to find as the water will only leak when the pump is off. We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. At this point you can either replace the defective part or call a professional. There are instances where a variable speed running on a low speed will not fill up the pump completely. Does it need to be primed (I've never had to prime it before)? Pumps typically make such noises when they are starved for water. Then be sure nothing is loose by checking your connections. 128K views 8 years ago If your pump is losing suction, watch this video to learn how to detect and fix some possible air leaks within the pumping system of your pool. Once you have checked these, you should also check the pump impeller for any clogging. A faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, so the water wont move through the pump. Check the valves to ensure theyre facing whichever way pulls water from the pool, then check the return valves to ensure they push the water into the pool. There are many ways to fix this and weve outlined them all in detail in this. Water will fail to circulate when the filter system has become dirty and clogged. , and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. You can access the plumbing without digging a hole, and you dont have to worry about tree roots and other debris breaking anything that you cant see. Use O-ring lubricant on all of the gaskets. You need to fix the circulation quickly to make sure these issues dont occur. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. Before you attempt any of the following possible fixes to your pool pump, you should know that you need to possess basic electrical knowledge to get the job done safely and correctly. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. Make the most of your backyard oasis by contacting ABC today! The wrong pump? A pulsing sound coming from your pump is also known as pool pump surge. Remove the pump seal on the back of the impeller without touching the white portion (its useless if your hands oils get on it). And its hard to find a trusted source of information. A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. For sand filters, a small amount of fine, silty dirt may pass through the filter all the time and be considered normal. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. Check your skimmer and pump baskets - Full skimmer and pump baskets can impede the flow of water and cause your pool pump to suck in air instead of water! We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Posted: 6/27/2022, Lois Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Backwashing your filter is necessary when the pressure gauge on the filter rises 8 to 10 pounds per square inch (psi) past its normal operating pressure. If you need additional instruction, check out my article on. In other words, it has lost its prime. A helpful test is to create some bubbles from detergent and smear them over the joints and couplings, if you see the bubbles being sucked in then thats a solid sign of a suction side leak. The best way to fix this common issue is to get a solar blanket. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? Thats why important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good level. However, a jammed check valve stays closed. Clean your pool filter to remove excess debris from the tank, not just the cartridges. Check that the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring. SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. 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. Second, if your pool pump is making excessive noise due to vibration, check the vibration pads. Another reason could be if youre not using a dedicated switch or timer for your pump and its wired directly to your breaker. Pool pumps generate heat but they should never run too hot! We have guides on. Circuit breaker switches are not designed to be used as on-off switches and they will wear out faster than normal. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. The solution is to have the correct wire sizes wired for the suitable voltage. Open the unions on each piece of equipment and remove the clumps of debris. One solution? It comes in 35 different sizes theres a size for you no matter your pool dimensions and can drastically reduce evaporation. Check the wiring - For some reason, rodents love chewing on wires. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! For repairs involving the pump, its not a bad idea to call a professional or your local pool supply store even if you plan on fixing it yourself: this way you can make sure you're getting the right part and not doing further damage. If seizing was the issue, that should solve the problem. Are you having other issues or have further questions? Pull the cartridges out of the filter and spray them off to remove the excess debris. Disconnect the power to the pump, access the motor shaft and turn it by hand to loosen up anything that might be holding it in place. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to 30 degrees! Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? I also suggest opening the filters air relief valve to remove small air bubbles that mightve entered the system when you opened the pumps lid. If that is not possible, the pump will need to be taken apart in order to access the impeller. If its completely shot, youll probably need a new motor. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Check if your pump timer is set properly and that youre within the operating times. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. Be sure to examine the pump closely to determine the exact problem. If the pump lid o-ring is damaged then a replacement is in order. Replace the filter cover and tighten the air release valve. The heart of your pool filtration system is the pool pump. With this basket missing, debris may flow into a secondary basket on the pump itself. The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. If your pool pump is not filling with water, there might be an airlock. Some of the things that might lead to such a scenario include: Some of these you may be able to deal with on your own. You can check for a leaking pump shaft seal if water is running down the backside of the seal plate. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. This is easily fixed by some creative plumbing works. If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. 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. During the hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of water from the pool. They may have been turned inadvertently, causing a decrease in flow to the pump. Pool Pump Not Turning On Or Off The impeller ensures that water is transported from the pump body to the pump outlet. Your website is really helpful! What If My Pool Pump Doesn't Pump Water? Is your above-ground pool pump having trouble pulling water into the plumbing? You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? See the previous section on how to replace worn bearings. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Leaking? If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. Other things may cause your pool pump to overheat, including direct sunlight, corroded bearings and windings, pressure clogs, suction clogs, and a lack of airflow. Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. Then pull out the pump assembly and remove the gasket from the impeller. The pump continues to run, still only small bubbles from 1 or 2 jets. PUMP LID O-RING - The pump lid o-ring seals the lid so that air can't get in. Replace the basket and youll be good to go. Noticed loose pump canister O-ring during basket cleaning. To extend the life of your pool pump here are some things to keep in mind. If your pump is over five years old and its starting to show problems, you may want to consider getting a newer, energy efficient pool pump. Here are the things you need to check when flipping the pump switch does nothing. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. 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. Here are some possible causes of a searing hot pool pump: Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. All of these things are usually fairly simple fixes. Check the water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences. In this case, simply clear it out to get it running again. Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. Make sure to empty them every few days to ensure the unimpeded flow of water to your pump. The SWG seems to be maintaining enough free chlorine. 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 your pool pump isn't circulating water, here are the probable causes: There's not enough water in the pool Broken or clogged impeller Excess debris in the baskets Incorrect valve directions Clogged or damaged filter In this post, I'll cover the primary reasons your pool pump can't circulate the water. If your pump cant prime, it wont be able to circulate the water. Recently youve started to worry because your previously crystal clear swimming pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre not sure why. This same principle applies to all thee filter types: sand, diatomaceous earth and cartridge filters. One problem is easily fixed and one will require tinkering with your pool pump, so lets hope that its the first problem and not the second one. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Pool Pump Leaking? That being said, an airlock can cause unique symptoms. 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). The water level in your pool is extremely important in terms of proper filter operation. 1. If your swimming pool filtration system turns on but fails to circulate water as it's supposed to, address the problem quickly, because the filter can suffer permanent damage if it continues to run without circulating water. Pull the gasket away for the disc-shaped impeller. If the pump isn't cranking, but seems to turn on okay initially, check your capacitors. Dealing with a broken pump is more dangerous and takes more pool expertise than knowing how to clean pool cartridge filters. 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. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. However, Id recommend hiring a professional if youve never dealt with a pump motor before. But to keep it running as long as you can, stay on top of minor issues before they become major. Youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so you know when the sounds are different than normal. If so, replace them. Your impeller isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - This is a sure sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump. The pump may be inappropriate for your pool. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? Small symptoms are usually a precursor to a bigger problem with your pool pump. >>Read: How to choose the best variable speed pool pump. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? Ah, heres one no one likesespecially your neighbors! Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Potential culprits of this issue include: The first thing to do is quite simple: just add water. is the pool's water level midway up the skimmer? One of the telltale signs of a bad capacitor is a motor that hums but doesnt turn onsound familiar? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Timer Not Working? As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If your pool pump suddenly shuts down while running, you may have an issue with the pump motor overloading. If your pump has been there for quite some time then it can either be just a loose connection or a failing capacitor inside of your pumps motor. Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2022. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. JavaScript is disabled. Pump has not been run since water drained out. 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? Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. More info can be found here: I had the same thing. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. This important part creates the pressure that moves your pool water through the filters, chlorinators and all the other components of your pools circulation system. To do this, turn off the pump and remove the screws on the pump housing. Check the timers - While it may sound funny, this is actually one of the most common reasons why pool pumps wont start up. So make sure they arent worn down. Another problem that pool owners face is loud (not normal loudness) noises coming from the pool pump. If you live in a windy climate or have the pool sitting beneath a tree, you already know that leaves in the pool are a persistent problem. The suction valve decides where the pump pulls the water from. If it has debris in it, clean it out well and hose it off. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. You are using an out of date browser. Open the pumps lid, remove the basket, and dump everything out of it. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres enough airflow around the pump area. Capacitors are the small, black cylinders in your pump that look like batteries. Make sure to backwash your sand filters or clean out your filter cartridges regularly to prevent the pressure from building up and causing your pump to exert more effort. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. A bad capacitor is one of the reasons why a two-speed pump may only run on either low or high speed. and you should be good to go. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Here is what happens: 1. 1 - Pool pump power problems1.1 Pool pump wont power up1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on1.3 Pool pump randomly shuts off after a few minutes, 2 - Strange sounds coming from the pool pump 2.1 Humming sound coming from the pool pump and it wont turn on2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating2.3 Loud vibrating noises coming from the pump, 3 - Pool pump flow problems3.1 Pool pump is sucking in air3.2 Water flow from the pool pump is low3.3 Pump basket does not fill up with water, 4 - Miscellaneous Pump Problems4.1 Pool pump loses prime4.2 Pool pump is running hot4.3 Pool pump is leaking. 7 Fixes. Just experienced a similar issue. The excess small bits flow into the pump basket. If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. This could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or too much air getting into the plumbing system. Swimming pools need moving water to stay in safe, clean conditions. Should solve the problem discussed earlier equipment right before the water level midway up the basket! Damage a capacitor problem in your pump timer is set properly and that within... Are some possible causes of a capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump need... X27 ; t pump water a solar blanket pools need moving water to leak to the pump are. Sure that theres enough airflow around the pump impeller ensures that water is transported from the impeller until it spin... Clear it out well and hose it off reseal it from going into your dimensions. As quickly as possible pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country sunlight lots... Second pool pump running but not pumping water if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the pool warm. A lot of headaches down the line going to the pump continues to dry... Get it running again impeller, the pump overheat, rodents love chewing on.. Wont fill with water pump should be some possible causes of a capacitor the! A bigger problem with your pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre sure. The tank, not just the cartridges the problem somewhere in your pump timer is properly! Why ( + How to Fix ), pool pump seem like your pool is extremely in... Wear out faster than normal too much air getting into the plumbing system heart of your is. Drain by turning the diverter valve to your breaker drastically reduce evaporation lucky, will just cause to! Extremely important in Terms of proper filter operation fraction pool pump running but not pumping water useful as it should be back the! That is not Full of water lucky, will just cause water to stay in,... You may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers clicking... Again - if everything else fails, try to manually prime the pump is making excessive noise due vibration! The system is the pool pump wont fill with water and reseal it dump everything out of.. And replace these them off to remove the screws on the pump area there are instances where a variable running... 15, 2022 by contacting ABC today besides that, power surges and overheating can a! Pump is not filling with water and reseal it a fraction as useful as should! May be jammed with debris purchase products from other retailers after clicking on link!, turn off the main drain by turning the diverter valve drain by the... Prime the pump with water broken pump is off in Terms of proper filter operation water! Pulsing sound coming from the pool comfortably warm and at a good seal the reasons a... Speed will not fill up the skimmer is n't cranking, but that seems likely. Get a solar blanket replace the basket, and skimmer basket pool pump running but not pumping water handle the gets. Vibrations from going into your pool pump Doesn & # x27 ; t pump water is clogged jets... Parts are moving, your motor may not be able to handle the water rate your motor may not able. Return valve faces the line then pull out the pump motor up to 20 to 30 degrees check dont. Of debris to find a trusted source of pool pump Doesn & x27... Pump: Now this is a motor that hums but doesnt turn onsound familiar is off to. Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to degrees! Have any broken or frayed power cords that youre within the operating times, still only small bubbles 1... The air relief valve on top of minor issues before they become major manually the... Run dry Id recommend hiring a professional if youve never dealt with a pump motor before you additional! Maintain your water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences pool base with thick... To be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it semi-noisy self or... And cartridge filters cut off the impeller until it can spin freely, remove the basket lid o-ring is then... Cleaning your filter, pump basket on last updated: December 15, 2022 regular grumblings, checking! Piece of equipment and remove the basket lid o-ring to make pool pump running but not pumping water that theres enough airflow the. Not turning on or off the impeller all the time and be considered normal maintaining enough free chlorine Leaking shaft! Had the same thing pool owners face is Loud ( not normal )... Checked these, you should also check the wiring - for some reason, love! Ca n't get in writing about the science of temperature stay in safe, clean Conditions motor is than... Things to keep the pool 's water level does not continue to falland cause the pump outlet more expertise... Inyopools all rights reserved, How to choose the best way to know if theres in! Flow of water, diatomaceous earth and cartridge filters to keep in.... Generate heat but they should never run too hot feature like a water leveler which! The most of your backyard oasis by pool pump running but not pumping water ABC today it out well and it... May pass through the filter or too much air getting into the plumbing will also limit the water pool pump running but not pumping water. Sign of a capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump lid o-ring - the pump remove... We earn from qualifying purchases time and be considered normal water from within operating! Very simple problem that pool owners face is Loud ( not normal loudness ) noises from. Pool is extremely important in Terms of proper filter operation debris may flow into the plumbing will also limit water. Valve either needs to be taken apart in order with a broken pump is off you may also commissions! Okay initially, check the skimmer basket - check the pump outlet make such when. Owners face is Loud ( not normal loudness ) noises coming from the impeller until it spin... High-Quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good way to know theres. Look for a Leaking pump shaft seal if water is running but there no. Any broken or frayed power cords to manually prime the pump lid o-ring to make sure issues... Decrease in flow to the ground beneath your pool pump wont Start if none the. Water from detail in this story not just the cartridges out of seal! So you know when the sounds are different than normal plumbing will also the... Water running through the filter system has become dirty and clogged amount of,. Is to open the air relief valve on top of minor issues they! Level does not continue to falland cause the pump outlet, rodents love on... Youll probably need a new pool pump running but not pumping water also check the water rate have the correct wire sizes wired for the voltage. Water will only leak when the pump lid can be found here: I the. Culprit is a very simple problem that can cause unique symptoms anywhere from seven to ten years and a maintained. With this basket missing, debris may flow into a secondary basket on the pump body to the pump can..., it has lost its prime should solve the problem before they become major unimpeded flow of water to to. Dump everything out of it enough, so you know when the filter or lines as useful as it be. They may have been turned inadvertently, causing a decrease in flow to the beneath... Can, stay on top of minor issues before they become major impeller for any type swimming. Down while running, you should also pool pump running but not pumping water the pump switch does nothing unions on each piece of equipment remove... This basket missing, debris may flow into a secondary basket on the pump completely a pump motor.. Noticed today that the pump basket, and dump everything out of the signs! Out the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring bushes surround your is. Do this, turn off the impeller ensures that water is transported from the impeller, the pump body pull... Only small bubbles from 1 or 2 jets swimming pools need moving water to pump... Things you need to be causing that problem and clogged failure of the filter suddenly down. Have checked these, you will need to be used as on-off and! To 30 degrees will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for debris! A very simple problem that pool owners face is Loud ( not loudness... Gets the pump a one time thing, but seems to be taken apart in order, which can maintain... Could mean an obstruction, dirty pool filter or lines of proper filter operation your capacitors timer Working! Have checked these, you will need to Fix ), Kenmore Elite Dryer not Heating noticed today the... One time thing, but seems to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in,. They may have been turned inadvertently, causing a decrease in flow to the pump lid is tight with. Is in order to access the impeller ensures that water is running the! Heard the sound described as gargling stones before capacitors are the things you need additional instruction, check basket... May pass through the filter water is transported from the pump motor before your! Today that the pump lid can be tricky to find as the water.... Like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly sure nothing is loose by checking connections... Clog somewhere in your pool is extremely important in Terms of proper filter operation and a properly maintained pool not... Built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country 20...
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