It’s not uncommon for pool pumps to fail. However, when it does fail, you want to know why and be able to fix the problem on your own. It’s important to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and user manual for troubleshooting guidance. If the problem persists, it’s best to contact a professional pool service company to diagnose and repair the issue. For people who are not sure what’s wrong with your pool pump or how best to fix it, contacting professionals is the best move forward. However, if you are not a novice, you can try troubleshooting the problems yourself.
There are several reasons why a pool pump may not be starting. Here is a handy troubleshooting guide to help diagnose and fix the problem.
Impeller Is Jammed
If you’ve tried to start your pool pump, but it won’t turn on, the impeller is probably jammed. The impeller is located at the bottom of the pump, and it’s responsible for moving water through your pool filter or skimmer basket. This can get jammed by leaves and debris in addition to broken leaves (though they’re not always responsible).
If you suspect that this is what’s happening with your pool pump, you have to follow two steps to fix it. First off, try cleaning out any debris that may be blocking its path through water channels. It should be possible to remove them with some force if needed. Second, after removing any obstructing items from inside the motor housing itself (by unscrewing screws), try turning on the power again until it begins working properly. Maintaining proper pool pump care can mean less of these troubleshooting guides and more time in the pool!
Motor Is Overheated
If you’re experiencing a lack of power but the motor is still running:
- Check for any debris in or around your pump. Make sure that there are no foreign objects in your pool pump’s water flow path.
- Is there a clog somewhere? A clogged drain line can cause low water volume and power problems with your pool pumps. Use an auger to remove all objects from the drain line before attempting to clean it out again. This may be what’s causing low water volume and/or power issues with your pump.
The Pump Is Not Receiving Electricity
Check if the power cord is plugged in. If you have a pool pump that requires electricity, make sure it’s plugged in and turned on before moving on to any other troubleshooting steps.
You should also check the breaker switch on your electrical panel. If this does not solve your problem, then try switching off the circuit breakers for each outlet.
Seal or O Ring Failure
If you can’t find the seal or O ring, it may be time to replace your pool pump. Follow these steps to do the same:
- Turn off the power to the pool pump.
- Locate the seal or O-ring. It is typically located where the pump motor connects to the pump housing.
- O-ring: Carefully remove the old seal or O-ring by gently pulling it out from the groove. Be careful not to damage the groove or the surrounding area.
- Use a clean cloth or brush to remove any debris or debris from the groove and surrounding area.
- Carefully insert the new seal or O-ring into the groove, making sure it is seated properly and not twisted.
- Carefully reassemble the pump, making sure all connections are tight and secure.
- Turn the power back on to the pool pump and test to see if it is working properly.
Pump Lid Cracked or Broken
If your pool pump lid is cracked, it can cause a number of problems. The most common symptom of a cracked pump lid is that the water won’t stay in the pool, and the pool will dry out quickly.
You should check the following areas to see if there are any signs that your pump lid may be broken:
- Check for cracks around the edges of your pool filter housing (the part where all of your filtrations happen). If you find any cracks, get them fixed right away.
- At all times, make sure none of your pumps is leaking, as you don’t want any liquid coming into contact with metal parts.
Seized Bearings
Bearings are the stationary parts of your pool pump that move the water through the impeller. They can sometimes seize due to debris or wear, which causes them not to work properly. If one of your bearings has seized, it is important to replace it as soon as possible before you have a problem with your pool pump.
To fix a seized bearing:
- Make sure the pump is unplugged or the circuit breaker is turned off before starting any repairs.
- Carefully remove the pump housing by removing the bolts or screws that hold it in place. Be sure to keep track of any washers or gaskets that may be removed.
- Carefully remove the motor from the pump housing.
- Inspect the bearings for any signs of wear or damage, such as rust or discolouration.
- Remove the seized bearing from the motor.
- Replace the seized bearing with a new one that matches the size and specifications of the original.
- Reassemble the pump, making sure all connections are tight and secure.
- Turn the power back on and test to see if it is working properly.
Pool Filter Issues
Pool filters are an important part of a pool’s filtration system. If the filter is clogged, it can cause the pump to overheat and stop working. To prevent this from happening, you’ll want to clean your pool’s filter regularly. The frequency with which you change or replace your filter depends on how often you use your swimming pool and how many people use it. If more people use your swimming pool, your filter will need a cleanse more frequently.
Talk to a professional
Keep in mind that some issues are best left to a professional. If you’re not sure of the cause, it’s always better to contact a professional. They can quickly and accurately diagnose and fix the issue with your pool pump.
If you’re having a problem with the pool pump, there are a few things you can do to help diagnose the issue. We have mentioned some of these problems and how to fix them above.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many reasons why a pool pump might stop working. We hope that this guide has helped shed some light on the most common issues and how to fix them. If you are unsure of what the problem could be, it is always best to contact a professional for further help.