A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. Not only can we help with any repairs that need to be done, but we can also perform regular pool cleanings and give your pool a refreshed look by replastering or renovating it. Kieran 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. Once youve addressed whatever seems to be causing that problem, your pump should be back to its normal, only semi-noisy self. Get $10 off your first order over $99 and hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. You may also need to fill your strainer basket with water and reseal it. If your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. But once it gets to the searing hot point, then theres definitely something wrong with your pump. There is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow. Could this be a clog in the line? If you need additional instruction, check out my article on. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. Wait until theres water flowing out of the relief valve, then close it. Lastly, if you just dont like the mild noise from the pump, consider an equipment enclosure. Usually, its because of a bad thread sealant, crack in the pump, an air leak in the suction line, a plumbing issues on the suction side of the pump, or a leaky valve stem. You might notice strange noises, overheating and performance issues. Check to see if something is inhibiting the fan in the bottom vents, like leaves or mulch. 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. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. Your pool pump basket may not be filling with water as it is sucking air from somewhere somehow. How do you know if your capacitor is faulty? Disconnect the motor from the pump housing. If the bearings in the motor are bad, you may need to call a professional unless you're well-versed with pool pump motors. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. 7 Fixes. Failure to clean the debris can ruin the pumps motor and impeller, costing thousands of dollars. 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. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? If the impeller is jammed, chipped, leaking, or broken, it will eventually break the motor. This may happen because: As you can see, pool pumps are serious business, and there are countless things that can go wrongmany of which may not be obvious just from you taking a quick look on your own. It is very important to reduce vibrations as much as possible because vibrations can cause damage not only to your pool pump, but to all of the plumbing attached as well. You can also get an automatic water leveling device to ensure that your water level is where it should be at all times. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. Sometimes, the pump might be running, but the resultant flow rates are lower than normal. Check the drain plug on the pump. The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. So make sure they arent worn down. Are you having other issues or have further questions? Posted: 8/23/2022, Shelley Remove the filter lid assembly (depending on the model, you might need a socket wrench). If this problem continues, check out my article on air bubbles in your pool for a more thorough guide. So, what should you do if your Intex pool pump isnt pulling enough water? If that's not the issue, check your connections to make sure nothing is loose. Bad bearings are also a sign of a leaky shaft seal. For sand filters, a small amount of fine, silty dirt may pass through the filter all the time and be considered normal. If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. The pump may be inappropriate for your pool. A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. WEIR DOOR - The pool skimmer weir door can get stuck in the upwards position. If your pool pump is not filling with water, there might be an airlock. We have guides on. Here are some other pump problems that dont fit into the other categories and can be considered symptoms or warning signs of bigger problems to come. 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. So remember, low water flow from the pump + puddles of water from seemingly nowhere = call the help of a professional. Water wouldn't be pouring out of the backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. , check your pump lid o-rings for damage. The impeller pulls the water into the pump, filter, heater, and other equipment. Connect the impeller to the new motor, then connect the motor to the pump housing. Unclog your pools filter with this process: Check out Swim Universitys video tutorial to learn how to clean a DE or sand filter: If you have any other issues with your pool pump, check out our other pool pump troubleshooting articles: Pool Pump Keeps Shutting Off? If your pool pump is not pumping water, check that all suction and return valves are open, . Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? You know the pump is on because you can hear it. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. Above-ground pools are much easier to repair because nothing is underground. Start capacitors are usually mounted at the back of the motor, while run capacitors are usually on the topside. Look for a valve with a lever in front of the pump this is known as the suction valve. Priming the pump drains all of the air out of the system, increasing the water pressure (PSI). Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Take note, touch, not hold. Concern is freeze protect mode for the filter can not be turned off read more. Once youve done this, you can easily remove any debris you see before reassembling the pump. 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. An air leak will cause the pump not to fully prime. What could be the reason for your pool pump humming but not working? Water, wind, and the vibrations coming from the pump itself may cause the base of the pump to shift slightly. You'll either have one or two, and sometimes something called a governor on the shaft end. The impeller ensures that water is transported from the pump body to the pump outlet. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Shutting Off? Using the multiport valve Rinse setting for 20 seconds will fix that problem. Many inground pool pumps have trouble from time to time getting the water moving. This valve is known as the return valve. If seizing was the issue, that should solve the problem. Capacitors are the small, black cylinders in your pump that look like batteries. Although it is certainly possible to replace a capacitor on your own, if you are not confident, it might be best to hire a professional. I have 3 lines coming into the pump - 2 from skimmers and one from the main drain. To fix this problem, you'll just need to inspect both of these and see if they look damaged in any way. If your pool pump has valves, they have to face the correct direction. Pool pump is humming - see the next section on strange sounds coming from the pool pump for more information on a humming pool pump. What are some other pump issues you might find yourself having to navigate? Your pool pump should give you a good 8 to 10 years of service, so if its nearing that age and you're starting to have serious issues, its probably time to start looking for a new one. Another common cause is a clogged or dirty filter or pump basket. The check valve stops the water from flowing backward, which prevents debris from getting into the pumps impeller. Motor Symptoms Grinding or Screeching - A sign of bad bearings caused by age or rusting. Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? 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. Any ideas on what I could try next, short of having a professional help? The pump is the heart of your pool. Direct exposure to sunlight can raise the temperature of surfaces by up to 20 to 30 degrees! Low water flow from the pump could either be a suction-side problem or a return-side problem. The pump impeller can make a loud noise if debris gets into the pump, clogging it. Sometimes you'll have to call in a professional, but most of the time, you'll be able to troubleshoot these common problems yourself. Debris clogging a swimming pool skimmer is a common cause of pool pump blockage. For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. Remove any debris you find in the pump basket. Pump is not Pumping Water. Pool pumps generate heat but they should never run too hot! If its anything above 10psi from the normal range, clean the filter. It might seem overwhelming to deal with a pool pump that simply wont turn on. I turn the pump on, small bubbles come out 1 or 2 jets only. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. Does it need to be primed (I've never had to prime it before)? Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool. 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. Make sure that the pump is balanced and in the center of the cover. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. 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. A well-maintained pool pump will typically last around ten years. Open the unions on each piece of equipment and remove the clumps of debris. 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