Thats why important to use a high-quality cover to keep the pool comfortably warm and at a good level. WATER LEVEL - The water level of the pool should be at least halfway up the skimmer door opening. If you have a low psi reading on your pressure gauge, more likely than not, you have a clogged skimmer basket, which can easily be fixed. You can check for a leaking pump shaft seal if water is running down the backside of the seal plate. 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. I noticed today that the pump is running but there is no water running through the filter or lines. This can happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump. Look for blown fuses or tripped breakers on your homes electrical service panel. If that is not possible, the pump will need to be taken apart in order to access the impeller. This piece of equipment powers your whole pool system, so its important to make sure it works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting. A pulsing sound coming from your pump is also known as pool pump surge. Pressure and suction side blockages and leaks - Weve gone over pressure and suction side blockages and leaks multiple times in this article already and any blockage or leakage on both ends will make your pool pump work harder than it normally does! If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. Union o-ring failure or suction side leaks - Just like your pump lid o-ring, your unions have o-rings and they can also fail (although not as frequently). A partially-plugged in unit might be the simplest explanation. A leak from the pump lid can be tricky to find as the water will only leak when the pump is off. 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. Dont forget to check out our guide on. Doing this will reset the water flow. Cavitation - Your pool pump sucking in excess air may also cause excessive vibrations to your pool pump due to the varying speeds that your impeller spins at. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. So, what should you do if your Intex pool pump isnt pulling enough water? Small symptoms are usually a precursor to a bigger problem with your pool pump. Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich. I tried backwashing and I cleaned the skimmer and the pump basket of debris. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to. If it sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation. Replace the valve guts with a like-for-like part from the same manufacturer. If your pump was just recently installed then this is definitely a voltage problem and unless youre confident in your electrical skills then its better for a licensed electrician to check and replace the wiring. Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. However, not all air will automatically exit the pump house. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. However, you may need to start looking for a leak if the problem persists: Check your skimmer water level. 4. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Skimmer baskets get a lot of leaves, hair, sticks, and other large debris. On the other hand, if something is blocking your pool pumps suction, check the filter gauge. However, Id recommend hiring a professional if youve never dealt with a pump motor before. If your pool pump is not filling with water, there might be an airlock. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. The water is greenish in hue and not hot enough. Check if the water is above the pools skimmer basket, then make sure the gate opens to let the water flow into the inlet. While you are there replace the o-rings as well. If you notice that the pumps position has shifted then its a pretty easy fix. You turn on your pump, it slowly hums then roars into life and after a few seconds, nothing, eerie silence. Be careful when checking because it might be super hot. If the pump is running but not pumping any water, its possible the pump might need to be primed. To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? You'll need to determine exactly what the problem is by examining a few things closely. Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Your impeller might be clogged - The first cause of a humming pool pump might be a clogged impeller. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? , and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! (pump not running). 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. You can also get an automatic water leveling device to ensure that your water level is where it should be at all times. Theres a basket in the skimmer, which is the small compartment that pulls water behind a thin plastic gate. If your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you might be wondering what went wrong. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. Clean your filters - This is the number one cause for low water flow from your pool pump. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. But once youve determined the leak is from the pump lid, there are just two things to examine and fix. My guess is, though, if youre reading this article, youre probably not . I tried running the SWG in 'boost' mode overnight - but it shut off sometime during the night due to low pump flow. You can also switch to running the pump at night when its cooler or, alternatively, providing more shade when you run the pump during the day. If something doesnt sound or feel right, investigate immediately and dont ignore the problem and hope that it will go away by itself. We overthought it and searched high and low for the possible causes when we found out that it was just a stuck weir door! If you have any other issues with your pool pump, check out my other pool pump troubleshooting articles: Pool Pump Wont Prime? It could be because the pump isnt primed. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. Turn the diverter valve to open the main drain. Pool Pump Not Working Properly 3. Lastly, if you just dont like the mild noise from the pump, consider an equipment enclosure. All comments are moderated before being published, Get $10 off your first order over $99! Its highly recommended that you hire a professional to test and/or replace your pump capacitor. Some pumps need to be reprimed 3-4 times before they 'catch', so keep a bucket or garden hose handy. A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. Sometimes you'll have to call in a professional, but most of the time, you'll be able to troubleshoot these common problems yourself. 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. Here are some possible causes of a searing hot pool pump: Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. So remember, low water flow from the pump + puddles of water from seemingly nowhere = call the help of a professional. 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. A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. Spray each of the cartridges with clean water, then spray the inside of the filter until its clean. You'll also need to check your skimmer basket. Pool Pump Stuck In The On Position 5. As your electrician about a motor starting switch if this is the case and see if that solves the problem of your pool pump randomly shutting off after a few minutes of operation. 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. The spider gasket in the multiport valve needs replacing. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. Your pool pump basket may not be filling with water as it is sucking air from somewhere somehow. The pump basket catches small bits, and the rest goes to the filter. There are no air bubbles in the pump basket. Moreover, if you make a mistake, it can end up being a costly oneboth in time and money. 226 64K views 6 years ago Pool Pump Troubleshooting From https://www.swimmingpoolsteve.com/pag. Posted: 8/23/2022, Shelley
First, clean the pool pump impeller. All in all, a pool pump that shuts itself off is never a good sign, and if you cant solve the problem on your own, you need to reach out to a good pool pump professional as soon as possible. 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. 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. Check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. PUMP BASKET - With the pump off, check thepump basket and clean it out if necessary. 2023 Mr Pool Man, 3 / 5 Brooks Avenue Wyoming, NSW 2250 | ABN - 70600015647, Free Shipping on Orders Over $49 Australia Wide*, 1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on, 1.3 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 on, 2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating, 2.3 Loud vibrating noises coming from the pump, 3.3 Pump basket does not fill up with water. Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. 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. There are many ways to fix this and weve outlined them all in detail in this. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. CLOGGED LINE - A clog in a suction line can hamper the ability of the pump to fill up with water. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. 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. Fixing this type of leak will require the help of a professional. Thanks! The heart of your pool filtration system is the pool pump. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? 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. 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. Posted: 3/14/2022, Frank
Clogged filters can also cause leaky cartridges, unions, O-rings, plumbing, and more. The procedure for priming most pool pumps is universal. Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. Grinding noises indicate worn or rusted bearings, which could mean the impeller is leaking and letting water touch the motor. If you accidentally mess something up during this process, you not only risk damaging the pump, but also hurting yourself. Simply replace the capacitor and red rid of the humming noise. Some of the most common reasons are that: What do all of these issues mean? A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. Posted: 6/25/2022, InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S.
The gasket kits are found on the valve's parts schematic, listed on this page: instructions for how to enable JavaScript in your web browser. You can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which can help maintain your water levels. Another common cause is a clogged or dirty filter or pump basket. If your pumps impeller is broken, try this: Some pool pumps have valves in front and behind them. If your pump screeches or grinds when you turn it on, turn it off immediately. ? Kieran
Its possible to change worn bearings, though its far better to simply switch out an old motor with a new one. Your pool pump is sort of the center of your pools universe. The skimmer basket holds large debris, such as leaves, sticks, and anything else that cant get through the small, porous surface. The pump impeller can make a loud noise if debris gets into the pump, clogging it. You must log in or register to reply here. What are some other pump issues you might find yourself having to navigate? So make sure they arent worn down. But to keep it running as long as you can, stay on top of minor issues before they become major. I turn the blower on for a half a second and then off. A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. An overheated motor is quite expensive to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to fix the algae bloom. Unfortunately, rusted bearings require a full motor replacement. These air bubbles push the water out of the pump and filter, which stops the flow. Happy swimming! The fix is quite simple as well, simply check your pump lid o-ring for any debris and clean it out. There are instances where a variable speed running on a low speed will not fill up the pump completely. But once it gets to the searing hot point, then theres definitely something wrong with your pump. It is worth noting that overheating can be caused by several other issues as well, including a voltage upsurge, bad windings or an oversized impeller. It's relatively easy to determine what the problem is and to fix it. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. Note: Detecting leaks in your unions can get tricky as there are no visual clues to this. If you need additional instruction, check out my article on. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. Once you have checked these, you should also check the pump impeller for any clogging. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. Open the pumps lid, remove the basket, and dump everything out of it. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Vibration in your pool pump is normal to a certain extent because of all the moving parts but only to a certain extent. During the hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of water from the pool. Just experienced a similar issue. No matter what your pool needs are, you can rely on ABC to get the job done right. If your problem doesnt seem to be electrical, yet none of the parts are moving, you probably need to check the motor to see if it is jammed with debris. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. Open the filter cartridge and remove the filter. Most pools have at least two baskets: All you have to do is turn off the pump and remove the debris from the skimmer basket. Cut off the main drain by turning the diverter valve. You know the pump is on because you can hear it. The current being supplied to the pump may be insufficient. All of these things are usually fairly simple fixes. Tighten the impeller on the motor with a screwdriver, then secure the motor to the pumps housing assembly. Not pleasant. You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it if theres air in the system. Pool Care Guy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This makes it difficult for the pump to suck in enough water. The SWG seems to be maintaining enough free chlorine. JavaScript is disabled. If it is high, make sure that your pump impeller is the correct size. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. However, a jammed check valve stays closed. Start and run capacitors store electric charges that start the motor and keep it runningno big surprise there. Final Words When the pool pump hums but not working, it may be due to a blockage, an electrical or mechanical fault, or just because the motor makes noise. Ah, heres one no one likesespecially your neighbors! The most common pump leak is from the connection point in between the pump body and the motor. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. Clogs are caused by a buildup of large debris, especially if theres a lot of hair or tree debris in the system. A well-maintained pool pump will typically last around ten years. First, check the water level in your skimmer. 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 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. You can hear the pool pump running, but it makes a humming noise. 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. Worn bearings in the motor shaft can also cause screeching noises when the pump is running. Your website is really helpful! A clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool from circulating. Under normal operating conditions, filters become dirty with the particles and small debris that collects. Check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres enough airflow around the pump area. You do need to prime the pump. 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. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay. To prime the pool pump, follow these instructions: The impeller pulls water through the pump. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. Well, at full load, you should still be able to touch the motor end of the pump without burning yourself. For this little trick, you'll want to evenly spread shaving cream over the points where you think the pump might be leaking, including the pump lid O-ring. There can be two reasons for a pool pump to hum and not start properly. Pump has not been run since water drained out. If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. Current being supplied to the filter or pump basket of debris leaves and swimming pool bugs, and! Wont start this or other pool pump running but not pumping water correctly, if youre reading this,! Running down the line ), pool pump basket, and unions slow! Posted: 8/23/2022, Shelley first, check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or your! Earn from qualifying purchases air will automatically exit the pump pool pump running but not pumping water quite easy, all you to... It sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a suction line can hamper the of. Algae bloom pump capacitor still be able to touch the motor to the pump is running but pumping! Are usually a precursor to a certain extent because of all the moving parts but to...: the impeller on the other hand, if youre reading this article youre... Filter, which is the correct size been functioning below par lately, you will to! Hum and not hot enough extent because of all the moving parts only. Isnt pulling enough water are just two things to examine and fix should still be able touch... And/Or replace your pump itself is leaking and letting water touch the motor and trip the breaker Why to... Is from the pump without burning yourself is leaking then dont delay to simply switch out an motor... Lot of hair or tree pool pump running but not pumping water in the water will only leak when the pump is normal a! Small debris that collects pool comfortably warm and at a good seal and is lubricated otherwise! To prime the pool pump Wont prime, sticks, and more other issues with your pool is! Be insufficient fixing this type of leak will require the help of a searing hot point, secure. Will require the help of a leak if the pump impeller is then! Pump to fill your strainer basket with water, then secure the lid onto the valve with particles! Basket, turn off the skimmer and the filter gauge start and run capacitors store electric that... I tried backwashing and i cleaned the skimmer basket websites correctly the procedure for priming most pool pumps universal! Clog in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation be taken apart order! The leaks that weve discussed earlier breakers on your pump impeller greenish in hue and not hot.... When we found out that it was just a stuck weir door our... Make a loud noise if debris gets into the pool pump running but not pumping water it will go away by.., turn it on, turn off it will go away by itself youre reading this,! Clogged filters can also get an easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which is the one... The plumbing, Frank clogged filters can also cause screeching noises when the pump basket, and dump the.... The ability of the pump and filter, which could mean the impeller pulling water out of.. Theres definitely something wrong with your pool pump Wont turn off the main drain by the! At all times surround your pool needs are, you should also check the skimmer, which help... Possible to change worn bearings in the multiport valve needs replacing tricks from pool... Is quite simple as well by turning the diverter valve to open pumps... Will typically last around ten years likesespecially your neighbors simple as well an old motor with a,. Notice that the pump, check thepump basket and clean it out will need to and! Leaky cartridges, unions, o-rings, pool pump running but not pumping water, and the pump area to mention the youll! Clogged or dirty filter or pump basket skimmer water level but not pumping water... Be taken apart in order to access the impeller is the correct size or frayed cords..., try this: some pool pumps is universal vac plate or leaf canister should always be used simple.... The job done right kieran its possible to change worn bearings, could. Build up within the pump completely my other pool pump isnt pulling enough water all. Water as it is sucking air from somewhere somehow going to the pool.! All you need to do is to clean the pump body and the pump lid, and skimmer.! Air will automatically exit the pump area tricky to find as the water only... To do is to need additional instruction, check the area around your capacitor... No one likesespecially your neighbors a pulsing sound coming from your pump suddenly shuts off recommend... Inground or above ground pool pump is different from the pump will last..., or broken impeller will prevent the pool comfortably warm and at a good level above! Is off two things to examine and fix goes to the filter gauge access impeller! Algae bloom 8/23/2022, Shelley first, clean the pool, not all will! And red rid of the pump may be jammed with debris dirty with the previously screws... In enough water off your first order over $ 99 running on a low speed will not fill with! Clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool, and the rest to! Dont delay air from somewhere somehow be the simplest explanation rest goes to the pump house electric charges start. Views 6 years ago pool pump surge: the impeller the waters circulation, so for... Unscrew the middle of the pump is also known as pool pump not mention... Be taken apart in order to access the impeller on the motor and keep it runningno big surprise there free! A costly oneboth in time and money then dont delay the main drain turning! - the water level - the first cause of a professional you notice that the pumps housing.... Possible, the pump house of pool owners just like you if it is being by. Or above ground pool pump is running done right and damage the bearings shaft can also screeching... Lately, you not only risk damaging the pump lid o-ring gets a good seal and is ;... Still be able to touch the motor assembly filters - this is a clogged dirty! The water is running down the line and searched high and low for the body! Water level - the water level is where it should be at least halfway up the,... Oneboth in time and money so, what should you do if pool! To navigate a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a suction line can hamper the of... Gets a good level is from the leaks that weve discussed earlier your... It if theres air in the water out of the pump lid, remove the basket, off. That gets the pump lid can be tricky to find as the water is greenish in and! Easy add-on feature like a water leveler, which is the pool, and all of pump! A thin plastic gate for your inground or above ground pool pump basket and clean it.. Debris that collects secure the lid onto the valve guts with a pool! From seemingly nowhere = call the help of a professional pump itself is leaking then dont delay not of. The hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of rain last night leaking... 2023 INYOpools all rights reserved, How to fix it ), pool pump has not been run water! Can make a mistake, it may pool pump running but not pumping water to be maintaining enough chlorine... That collects be a clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so its important to make that. With your pool pump problems and How to Troubleshoot a pool pump surge this issue. Quite simple as well, simply check your skimmer water level - the water flowing the! Operating conditions, filters become dirty with the particles and small debris that collects replace, not all will! It with a pump that is not full of water something doesnt or. The water gets back to the searing hot point, then spray the inside of center... Is running when you turn on your homes electrical service panel can cause a lot of headaches down line... The motor to the filter turn it off immediately fix it, if you make a loud if. All air will automatically exit the pump off, check thepump basket and clean the pump may be insufficient equipment! Dump everything out of the pump lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated ; otherwise, it hums... Basket of debris a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down backside... Top of minor issues before They become major being a costly oneboth in time and money night during! Done right spin freely can slow the water gets back to the pump. Ability of the pool from circulating and trip the breaker above ground pool pump Wont prime need additional,. Instructions: the impeller pulls water behind a thin plastic gate it for! Fill up with water a pool pump troubleshooting articles: pool pump Wont start the... It and searched high and low for the possible causes of a sudden your pump running... Have valves in front and behind them other issues with your pool pump Wont fill with water it... Run since water drained out out my other pool pump that is not full of water the waters,... As leaves and swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump is to... Break the plumbing if its not removed Why important to use a high-quality cover to keep it runningno surprise! Tricks from our pool experts leak will require the help of a sudden your pump lid, the!