pool pump running but not pumping water

If the pump is running but not pumping any water, it's possible the pump might need to be primed. Make sure the weir door can swing back and forth. Above-ground pools are much easier to repair because nothing is underground. Install them with the flap pushing outward (away from the pump) to let the water flow through the valve. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing. Please consider. Hire a plumber or pool service technician to fix leaky couplings and pipes. Pool Pump Stuck In The On Position 5. 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. If theres not enough water in the pool, the water wont flow into the inlet suction line and wont circulate water in the pool. Under certain conditions, your pool pump can make loud screeching noises when its running. However, you may need to start looking for a leak if the problem persists: If you hear a buzzing or humming noise coming from your pump motor, it means that although power is reaching the motor, its not properly starting up. When working correctly, pool pumps should be completely full of water. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Shutting Off? Turn the diverter valve to open the main drain. 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. Add that with the heat generated by the motor and its just asking for trouble. See the previous section on how to replace worn bearings. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. You may be experiencing an overloaded circuit if the motor shuts down due to overheating. There are a few things that could prevent water from moving and show 0 pressure in the filter: 1. And if you notice weird sounds or leaky parts, you need to get on that ASAP! The skimmers are clogged. Check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. 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. 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. Now if youve successfully primed your pump but the water in your pump basket compartment still drops and youre back to square one, check your pump lids o-ring for debris or damage. The most common pump leak is from the connection point in between the pump body and the motor. 4. It may not display this or other websites correctly. 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. Pump lid o-ring failure - This can be easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid and theres a hissing noise. Pool Pump Not Working Properly 3. 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. And if your pool pump isnt pulling water, your pool water is stagnant. 7 Fixes. One solution? 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. Turn off the breaker first and check all of the electrical connections going to and from your pool pump. Michael has over 30 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. Check the wiring - For some reason, rodents love chewing on wires. 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. A well-maintained pool pump will typically last around ten years. But in most cases, you can fix these issues on your own. These air bubbles push the water out of the pump and filter, which stops the flow. For sand filters, a small amount of fine, silty dirt may pass through the filter all the time and be considered normal. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Skimmer baskets get a lot of leaves, hair, sticks, and other large debris. First, check the breaker box for blown fuses. You should also check each of the pressure side valves (behind the pump) to see if theyre going to the heater, spa, solar, or pool. explaining what pool pump surge is and how to deal with it here. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. 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). Get $10 off your first order over $99 and hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Remove the retaining bracket from the filter, then set the top portion (or lid) aside. To prime the pool pump, follow these instructions: The impeller pulls water through the pump. When I went to the booster pump it sounded a little different but it appeared to be running. Grinding noises indicate worn or rusted bearings, which could mean the impeller is leaking and letting water touch the motor. 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! The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. The heart of your pool filtration system is the pool pump. You do need to prime the pump. JavaScript is disabled. You know the pump is on because you can hear it. Posted: 6/27/2022. Pulsing / Cavitation sound - This is related to the first problem. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. Dirty, uncleaned baskets can slow the pump drastically. If it gets too high, the water wont circulate, and the pumps motor will overheat. And as a shameless plug, this is why pump warranties are as important as the features of a pump when considering a pool pump purchase! Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! 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. If this happens, the first thing you should check is the motor itself. Make sure you're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right. So, when they start sucking air, thats a problem. Follow this step-by-step guide to check if this is the case: Measure the level of the motor terminal to the voltage. is the pool's water level midway up the skimmer? Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. Airlocks prevent water from circulating in the pool. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. Your impeller isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - This is a sure sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. Youve probably gotten used to its regular grumblings, so you know when the sounds are different than normal. 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. 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. This is ok as long as the water level does not continue to falland cause the pump to run dry. But in reality, once the mechanical seal starts to degrade, its not long before it totally fails, its just a matter of time. Many inground pool pumps have trouble from time to time getting the water moving. Journeyman Service Techni. Finally, if none of the parts are moving, your motor may be jammed with debris. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Pool Pump Leaking? 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. The solution is to have the correct wire sizes wired for the suitable voltage. Pro-tip: Never let your pump get above 25 PSI. This would cause a decrease in flow. If you think your pool pump has an airlock (trapped air in the system that wont go away), read on. Theres a basket in the pool pump to prevent large debris from clogging the plumbing. Priming the pump drains all of the air out of the system, increasing the water pressure (PSI). 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. If youre having trouble removing it, read my guide on removing a pool pump impeller and replacing your pool pump impeller if needed. In this guide, we discuss different tips on how to diagnose and correct the issue of a pump that is not filling up all the way.Note: This guide is meant forpool owners who are used to seeing a full pump and a half-empty pump is out of the norm. If youre still having issues, head over to my complete guide on how to fix a leaky pool pump. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. Turn off the circuit breaker going to the pump. The wrong pump? If the impeller is jammed, chipped, leaking, or broken, it will eventually break the motor. I turn the blower on for a half a second and then off. Tighten the impeller on the motor with a screwdriver, then secure the motor to the pumps housing assembly. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Leaking? Moreover, if you make a mistake, it can end up being a costly oneboth in time and money. Its important to open the valves going into and out of the pump before running it. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? WEIR DOOR - The pool skimmer weir door can get stuck in the upwards position. If this pump basket becomes clogged after vacuuming, it must be cleaned out, because larger pieces of debris may have migrated here. 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. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. Wait until theres water flowing out of the relief valve, then close it. A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. 3. Secure the drain plug on the pump. , and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! Kieran Its good to go ahead and put some silicon pool lube on the o-ring and put it back in just to ensure that seal. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. You turn on your pump, it slowly hums then roars into life and after a few seconds, nothing, eerie silence. When I fished the Polaris out of the water, the booster was not pumping. 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. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Overheating? If your motor sounds a little off, it could be a problem. Make sure the valve is pointed toward the inlet pipe coming from the pool. Heres Why (+ How to Fix). 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. So once you reach that 10-year mark, I highly recommend replacing it with a new pool pump. Quick clean which is how you would clean your pool outside of a schedule. Screeching sound - If your pump is starting to sound like a banshee released from the depths of hell then you have a definite bearing and shaft seal problem. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. If your pool pump is sucking in air instead of water then the problem is usually located at the suction side of your pool. If your pool pump is not pulling water from the skimmer, theres probably debris in the pump basket or skimmer basket. 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. Three Reasons Why Your Pool is not Circulating. PUMP BASKET - With the pump off, check thepump basket and clean it out if necessary. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. If it sounds a little like one of those old vibrating beds in a cheap hotel, the problem could be cavitation. If your pumps impeller is broken, try this: Some pool pumps have valves in front and behind them. The SWG seems to be maintaining enough free chlorine. This valve is known as the return valve. State Licensed Mechanical. If your pump cant prime, it wont be able to circulate the water. 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. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. A faulty impeller doesnt rotate fast enough, so the water wont move through the pump. Once all of these things have been taken care of, you'll probably then need to prime the pump to get it going again. Unlog your pool lines, check your pump lid o-rings for damage, check for leaks, and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to prime your pool pump and you should be good to go. Clean the cartridge with a garden hose and reinsert it into its housing. Even if you arent going to attempt the repair yourself, you may still want to know why you flipped on the power to your pump and hear humming but no actual signs your pump is working. When you vacuum your pool to pick up dirt and debris that has settled to the pool bottom, you typically remove the skimmer basket to fit the vacuum attachment into the skimmer. However, a jammed check valve stays closed. 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. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Pressure side leaks - There are a couple of pressure side leaks that can cause a low water flow from your pump. Take note, touch, not hold. Why Are the Jets Not Working On My Inground Pool. He has built pools and natural landscapes for hundreds of homes and businesses across the country. Call an electrician to check whether sufficient amperage is being delivered to the pump. Once youve determined that it is indeed the shaft seal that needs replacing, buy the correct replacement shaft seal for your specific pump. 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. Any ideas on what I could try next, short of having a professional help? Check the timers - While it may sound funny, this is actually one of the most common reasons why pool pumps wont start up. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. Dirty filters can ruin a pool pump in no time. Does it need to be primed (I've never had to prime it before)? Not pleasant. A capacitor provides the torque that gets the pump motor up to speed. 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. A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. 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. If it is, follow this method: If youre trying to get water to flow through the pool pump, your main action should be to remove clogs, trapped air, and jammed components. For a loose connection, tightening the wires should do the trick. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. Heres why your above-ground pool pump isnt pulling water: Whether your pool is above or below the ground, too much air in the system will affect its performance. Pump has not been run since water drained out. Check out our guide titled "How to Clean Out a Pool . This screeching sound is when water reaches your bearings and its no longer lubricated properly. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. For cavitation, the solution could be as simple as clearing a clog out of a plumbing line, or it could also be an air leak somewhere in your system. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. Its powered by the pumps motor. Make sure to empty them every few days to ensure the unimpeded flow of water to your pump. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). 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. Thus, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down. 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.

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