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.

Maintenance And Cleaning Of Pool Filters

While most people know that a filter is a key component of a swimming pool's filtration system, quite a few do not realize that the filter needs to be cleaned periodically to insure proper equipment performance and cleanliness of the pool water. This article will discuss why maintenance cleaning is a good idea, then tell how to clean each of the 3 types of filters; cartridge (or cart), sand and finally both types of the Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters.


When your filter was new the water could easily pass through it - the pounds of pressure per square inch (psi) shown on the filter's pressure gauge probably reads somewhere around 8 to 25 psi, depending on your pool and plumbing set up. As the filter does its job and filters, the debris in the water accumulates in the filter, the filter slowly gets clogged with debris and the pressure rises. When the pressure rises by 25% over your starting pressure it's time to clean out the debris that has been collected by the filter so you have room to catch any new debris that enters the pool. Failure to keep the pressure in the normal range can greatly reduce your water flow, resulting in cloudy water, poor circulation and excessive wear on the pool equipment.


How long you can go between backwashings/cleanings of the filter varies quite a bit from pool to pool, depending on the relative size of the filter and the pool. Some people need to clean their filters weekly, others can go an entire season without needing to clean the filter. It is always a good idea to clean the filter at least once a year, even if the pressure doesn't go up.


Cartridge

To clean a cartridge filter, the pump must be turned off. If the filter is below the water level of the pool, there should be valves that have to be closed to prevent the pool from draining when the filter is opened. Open the air bleed valve on the top of the filter and the drain port on the bottom of the filter and allow the water to drain out. Then open the body of the filter (this may involve unscrewing some knobs, removing a nut at the top, or removing a bracket) and remove the cart or carts. Make sure you note their position and orientation so you have no trouble reassembling the unit! Rinse out the filter tank and take the carts to where you want to clean them. All you need is a garden hose with a nozzle. A small fixed brass nozzle, sold by many hardware stores, works best. Wash the carts from the top to the bottom aiming ~ 45 degrees down at them. Please remember to wash both the outside portion and the inner portion - it's a good idea to start at an identifying point on the cart and wash all the way around, then repeat on the inside. Once finished, reassemble the filter, close the drain port, open any valves you might have closed, turn the pump back on, when water runs steadily out of the air bleed valve close it, and you're good to go until the pressure raises again. If the pressure after cleaning does not return to your standard starting pressure you will need to do a more through cleaning.


Sand

Sand filters will have either a push/pull main valve or a multiple position valve (multiport) for cleaning the debris trapped by the sand. Whenever changing the position on the main valve, you MUST have the pump off or you will break something. First make sure that any valve on the discharge/waste line is open and any discharge hose is attached and rolled out to where you want the dirty water to go. After turning off the pump, move the lever to the "BACKWASH" position and restart the pump. Most multis have a view glass so that you can see the debris coming out of the filter, other filters will have a section of transparent pipe on the backwash line. The water will run clear for a moment, then get dirty, and finally run clear again. When the water in the glass is ~ clear, turn off the pump. If you have a multiport valve with a "RINSE" setting, switch the multiport to "RINSE", otherwise switch to "FILTER", and run the pump for about 15 seconds. Repeat the backwash cycle. Finally, reposition the valve back to the normal "FILTER" position, and you're all set until the unit needs to be cleaned again. Please note that this process removes water from the pool, so be sure to keep an eye on the water level and don't start the cleaning process if the water is already low!

DE

DE filters come in 2 varieties, the first makes use of a push/pull or multiport valve for the cleaning. With this kind of DE filter, the cleaning procedure is exactly the same as cleaning a sand filter. The only difference is that much of the DE is removed along with the dirt, and therefore you have to add more after cleaning the filter (sand is not removed when backwashing, so doesn't need to be replaced). Because the backwashing doesn't remove all of the DE, only add ~80% of what the filter calls for when new or fully clean so that the filter doesn't clog with clean DE. Once in a while it is necessary to open up a DE filter and do a much more through cleaning.


The other kind of DE filter utilizes a handle on top of the filter to shift the internal assembly up and down, or "bump" it. This knocks the DE and dirt off of the filter and down to the bottom, reducing the filter pressure and is known as a "bump filter". To clean a bump DE filter, turn off the pump, open the air valve on the top for about 5 seconds and close it again. Now slowly push the handle down and quickly raise it up 5 times. Restart the pump and check to see that the psi dropped more than 2 psi. If it did, you're all set and you don't need to add any new DE to the filter. If it didn't drop enough, repeat the bumping procedure, remove the plug from the bottom of the filter and run the pump another 30 seconds. Replace the plug, open the air valve on top and run the pump until water is coming out of the air valve. Do this whole process twice and you'll be all set to add ~80% of what the filter calls for when new, just like the other type of DE filter. Once in a while it is necessary to open up the filter and do a much more through cleaning.


Whichever type filter you have, if you remember to keep an eye on the pressure gauge and perform the backwashings/cleanings as needed so that you never encounter poor filtration, cloudy water nor costly equipment repair/replacement. It only takes a few minutes a month to keep the filter working perfectly, prevent these issues, and allow you to enjoy a Trouble Free Pool!

 

Pool Chemical Safety

While pool chemicals are available to solve almost all water problems, they can be dangerous to humans and animals if handled improperly.

Chemicals can cause skin and eye damage and can be fatal if swallowed. To keep yourself and your pool safe, follow these pool chemical safety precautions:

Keep all pool products away from children and animals.

Wear rubber gloves and goggles, and wash clothes and hands immediately after handling chemicals. If your skin comes in contact with any chemicals, flush immediately with cold water for 15 minutes and call a physician.

Follow the dosage directions and safety precautions listed on the pool product label.

Store chemicals according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Never return spilled material to the original container or place in the household garbage.

Use clean, dry measuring equipment for chemicals. Rinse all measuring equipment after using.

Don't mix spa, pool or household chemicals together.

Add chemicals to water. Don't add water to chemicals. Adding water to chemicals contaminates the entire container.

Don't allow dry chlorine to become damp or wet.

Keep open flames away from pool chemicals.

Don't reuse empty containers. Check with local, state and federal regulations for proper disposal.

Discard any unused chemicals after closing your pool. Follow local ordinances for disposing of hazardous materials. Buy new chemicals when you reopen the pool.

Maintaining Your Pool

Whether you maintain your pool yourself or use a pool professional maintaining proper pool chemistry can help you save time and money while enjoying your backyard paradise. Accurate pool maintenance can do more than just prolong your fun in the sun. It also can extend the life of your pool’s external parts and interior pool finish.

How To Raise PH In A Pool

One of the most important activities of pool care is ensuring the chemical balance in the water is well maintained. A well balanced chemistry is vital in keeping your pool clean and also ensuring it is safe for swimming. Chemicals such as chlorine are used in controlling the growth of bacteria and algae in the pool while chemicals such as muriatic acid keep the pH levels of your pool water well balanced.

To maintain your pH levels, you need test strips and a drop kit. It’s also crucial that you keep a consistent volume of water in your pool. A low than normal level of water can make the chemicals high while a higher than normal level can dilute the chemicals and make them less effective. In addition, incorrect water levels also have dangerous effects on circulation and filtration.

The perfect range for pH in the swimming pool water is usually 7.4 to 7.8. If the pH level is kept at that range, the chances of it irritating our eyes when swimming is low. If you have tested you pH and realized that it is low, then you will need to raise it. Your pool water has become acidic and can easily corrode metal surfaces, dissolve concrete and masonry surfaces and strip vinyl pools of their ability to stretch and decrease their lifespan.

Why should you raise pH in pool?

 As earlier stated, if your pool pH is low, then you are exposing your pool equipment to damage. Here are some other problems that low pH in pool water can result to:
• Metal surfaces in your pool such as ladders, railings, screws, pool cover components and light fixtures and any other metal surfaces in the pump and filter are at a risk of corrosion. Plaster gunite, concrete and fiberglass pools can all be affected in different ways such as pitting, etching and delaminating due to low pH. Pools that are vinyl line may become brittle and finally end up cracking and tearing. In addition, stone, coping, masonry surfaces and décor tiling in the pool can dissolve due to the acidity in the pool water as a result of low pH.
• Are you wondering where all the dissolved cement and metal corrosion goes? Well, it gets right into your pool water! Still, the water cannot hold so much contamination and at some point it will show it is totally contaminated. When the water gets completely contaminated, extra metals and dissolved minerals start forming on the walls of the pool as stains and discolorations.
• Low pH in pool water decreases your ability to control total alkalinity since low pH decreases the efficiency of chemicals that are used in balancing alkalinity.
• Swimmers will start complaining about irritation on the eyes and nasal passages due to the low pH levels of the pool water. Furthermore, they will experience dry, itchy and cracked skin as acidic water tends to strip the body of its natural oils.