Common Pool Pump Problems And How To Fix It

The pump is one of the most vital components of your swimming pool’s circulation and filtration system, regardless of whether it is in ground or above ground. The basic job of a pool pump is to create pressure inside the pool, following which the water will be forced by way of the filter. This way, the water in your pool will get purified. A pool pump works well in getting rid of debris, dirt, and other foreign particles from a pool, makes the water clean and clear, and fills the pool with clean and fresh water again. In simple words, the pool pump is the heart of your pool and has to be cared for the right way.


Unfortunately sometimes, even if you have been maintaining it properly, the pool pump can stop functioning properly. This can cause accumulation of dirt and debris in your pool, making it stink, and also your pool will get a weird texture. While you can hire a professional to look into and rectify the issue, many pool pump problems are often easy to fix, so you can first try your hand in rectifying the issue before contacting a pool repair and maintenance service provider.

Pool Pump Parts
Before we actually start discussing about the different pool pump issues, it is essential that you are aware of the basic parts of the pump and have a clear understanding of their functions. This will be of great help if this is your first time trying to troubleshoot a pool pump.
Pool filter: This component removes all forms of smaller dirt and debris from water as it passes through the filter before it flows back to the pool.
Strainer basket: Helps by catching large debris and leaves in order to prevent them from clogging the pool pump. Before water reaches the pump it flows through this basket.
Electric motor: Contains an impeller that spins continuously to move water from the drains of the pool by way of the filter and again back to the pool.

Now, read on to know about some of the most common pool pump problems and also the ways to fix the same.

The Pool Pump Makes a Noise
Nobody likes a noisy pool pump, especially your neighbors. However, it is natural for the pump to make a noise at some point or the other. Mostly, the noise will be the result of a vibrating pump. In that case, check to see if there are any loose screws in the base of the pump. If you find any, tighten them immediately. Sometimes you may find a gap between the base and the pump itself; in that case, use a rubber mat or pad to fill the gap and stop the vibration.


One other cause for a noisy pump can be cavitation. It happens when there is no sufficient supply of water to the pump within a particular timeframe, or simply put, cavitation happens when the pool pump starves for water. The impeller will start to spin fast but with insufficient water, thus producing a loud noise. This type of noise usually stops on its own after some time.


The Pool Pump Doesn’t Pull Water
If your pump doesn’t pull water, the first thing you need to check is to see if anything is stuck in the pump and skimmer basket. It is common for mud and other dirt to get deposited in these areas of the pool pump over time. When too much mud or dirt gets accumulated, the flow of water will get affected and as a result the pool pump will stop pulling water. In this case, clean the baskets to get rid of all the mud. The next thing you should check to rectify this pool pump issue is the pump impeller. Basically the impeller will be connected to the motor that is responsible for the flow of water. Impellers usually get jammed over time, especially during spring. Any dirt in between the impeller can cause it to jam. Therefore, open the pump and clear away all debris.


In addition to these causes, air leak in the line of suction can also cause this issue. It is in the suction line where water is supplied to the pump. You will be able to identify this cause when your pool pump stops working at high capacity. In this case, instead of sucking water the pump will start sucking air. So if you think that the problem with your pool pump is air leak, we’ll be discussing more about it later in the article.


The Pump Doesn’t Work
The most common reason for this issue happens to be a loose connection. Additionally, there are some other causes which include lack of electricity, voltage fluctuations, and a blown fuse. Before you proceed to check any of these issues, make sure you are completely dry and wear slippers made of rubber. Take a voltmeter with you, check all sources of power supply and try to identify the exact source of the issue. If all the power points, wiring, and power supplies are working just fine, then you may have to consider other possibilities.


The next thing you should look for is sounds from the pump motor. See if you hear a clicking or humming sound from the motor. If yes, then it can probably be caused by the capacitor. The capacitor basically works like a battery that initiates the spinning of the motor. It stores some electricity for this process. Try changing it to see if the problem gets rectified.


The Pool Pump Turns Off By Itself
Sometimes, it is possible for your pool pump to turn off by itself after a specific timeframe. This can be due to over-heating. Generally, pool pumps use a lot of electricity and often require constant supply of the same to function properly. However, if there is a power drop at some point, it can cause it to overheat. The chances of power drop are high during summer because you and your neighbors will have ACs turned on in your houses at all times. During such times, try running the pump at night as it will be much cooler.


Another reason for this issue happens to be a blockage in the vent or failure of the motor fan. The vents are present under the motor, which can get clogged easily due to leaves and dirt. To avoid this, always make sure that the area is clean and clear of any dirt or debris. If you happen to live in a region where the climate tends to be extremely hot, cover your pump with a pool pump cover to reduce its exposure to the sun, which may also cause it to overheat.



The Pump or Motor Sucks Air
It is essential for any pool pump to be air tight. However, in rare cases, you will be able to notice air bubbles in the pump basket. When the air leak grows, it can result in circulation issues. Some of the most common causes for air leaks in pool pumps include a plumbing break, leaving valves, or bad thread sealant. In some cases, old or loose pumps can also cause air leaks.


An easy way to identify air leak in your pool pump is by spreading shaving foam all over the pump and look for places where the foam is sucked. Once you identify the leak, inspect the level of damage. If the leak is small, you can use a waterproof adhesive to seal the area. However, if it appears bigger, you will have to replace the part.


These details should be sufficient to help you identify and fix common pool pump problems. However, if the problem persists or is bigger than you expected, seek help from a professional.