A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. Copyright 2023 Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich | phone +41-79-3212197 | email: info@poolcareguy.com |. The wrong pump? Check out our detailed guide and explanation on. Could this be a clog in the line? Check the drain plug on the pump. On the other hand, if something is blocking your pool pumps suction, check the filter gauge. 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. However, if you consistently have low readings on the gauge despite cleaning the basket out consistently, your impeller might be on its way out. Recently youve started to worry because your previously crystal clear swimming pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre not sure why. Otherwise, your pool will turn into a pond of bugs and bacteria. Small symptoms are usually a precursor to a bigger problem with your pool pump. If your pump cant prime, it wont be able to circulate the water. A good way to know if theres air in the system is to open the air relief valve on top of the filter. 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. If youre having trouble removing it, read my guide on removing a pool pump impeller and replacing your pool pump impeller if needed. First, you should never let the pump run for more than a couple minutes without water flowing or you could damage the pump Can you post up pictures of the equipment pad? Water will fail to circulate when the filter system has become dirty and clogged. When a pump doesnt turn on or starts shutting off quickly after its started, it's usually an electrical problem, which could mean loose connections, a bad capacitor or overloaded voltage. Check whether water flow is restored to the strainer box at the top of the pump. Skimmer baskets get a lot of leaves, hair, sticks, and other large debris. Do you have any broken or frayed power cords? Pump is not Pumping Water. Next, look for a valve after all of the equipment right before the water gets back to the pool. Be sure to examine the pump closely to determine the exact problem. The spider gasket in the multiport valve needs replacing. If the pump isnt primed, it wont be a fraction as useful as it should be. We'll be focusing mainly on the suction-side of your pool equipment for this guide. A pool pump, no matter what brand it is, will eventually run into trouble because of the combination of heat, vibration, and moisture. If your problem doesnt seem to be electrical, yet none of the parts are moving, you probably need to check the motor to see if it is jammed with debris. This usually happens if debris is manually vacuumed directly into the skimmer line. This pressure limit will stop the pump from overheating and the plumbing from cracking or warping. Its best to clean your pool baskets several times per week. Others are better suited to a pool services company. 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. Your pool pump is sort of the center of your pools universe. The first type is visible or aboveground, which can be identified by, well, water around the pipes coming from your pool pump. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. And each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. 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. If you need additional instruction, check out my article on. Check the valves to ensure theyre facing whichever way pulls water from the pool, then check the return valves to ensure they push the water into the pool. First, clean the pool pump impeller. Its powered by the pumps motor. Use a screwdriver to remove the impeller (you might need a strap wrench if its too tight). - Steve talks about what can happen to a swimming pool pump if you run it dry. Pump has not been run since water drained out. Lets face it: your pool pump isn't going to last forever. Wait until theres water flowing out of the relief valve, then close it. Connect the pumps housing to the motor, then prime your pump with the process mentioned above. Now, with that out of the way, lets proceed with the guide! JavaScript is disabled. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? One solution? A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. 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. Jammed check valves dont open, which makes the pump overheat. If tightening up the connections didnt do the job then you can check our. If this fixes things then youve dodged a pretty big bullet! An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. Remove the impeller with a Phillips screwdriver and a strap wrench (if necessary). 1.) We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. If your pool pump starts, but then shuts off on its own moments later, its often due to overheating. However, the other issues can be fixed at home. I mean, a good one should last quite a few years, but even the best will eventually go bad. Check the breakers - They might have tripped during the night or during your previous cleaning schedule. Variable Speed for Maximum Efficiency: This pool water pump features 3 speeds, 1500RPM (Eco), 2400RPM (Clean), and 3250RPM (Boost), making it perfect for pools, spas, waterfalls, and more ; Mode Switch: Switch up how long your pool pump runs with the easy mode switch; Mode 1 runs 16hr clean cycles, Mode 2 runs 24hr clean cycles Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. 2. In this situation, something has interrupted the suction or the water flow that causes the system to work properly. Three Reasons Why Your Pool is not Circulating. He also holds multiple patents for pool performance products he has engineered over the years. As these parts age, capacitors tend to lose their charge-storing capabilities. They may have been turned inadvertently, causing a decrease in flow to the pump. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. The pump runs, but isn't pumping In this situation, something has interrupted the suction or the water flow that causes the system to work properly. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Not Pulling Water? 1. If your pool pump isn't circulating water, here are the probable causes: There's not enough water in the pool Broken or clogged impeller Excess debris in the baskets Incorrect valve directions Clogged or damaged filter In this post, I'll cover the primary reasons your pool pump can't circulate the water. Thanks! The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. Pentair VCF Pump does not turn impeller, then trips on "Priming Dry" (B70022), Need Help-Getting No Water Flow Timeout FlowSensorhaywardomnilogic, No Filter pressure or water movement in glass indicator, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. If none of those seem to be the culprit, use the shaving cream test to check for air leaks in all the obvious places like pipe joints, valves and plugs. WATER LEVEL - The water level of the pool should be at least halfway up the skimmer door opening. Get $10 off your first order over $99 and hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. However, if it is too high, you should call your local power company. 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. I lost all water to just below intake and output lines on above ground pool due to a break in the pump basket. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover, Pool Pump Wont Prime? So make sure they arent worn down. Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. Small cracks in the plumbing will also limit the water pressure. Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. If it starts to become noticeable or louder than usual then you may need to check the following things with your pump. Pump lid o-ring failure - This can be easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid and theres a hissing noise. Doing this will reset the water flow. If your pump is properly shaded and you have proper air circulation/ventilation around your pump and youve ruled out any blockage, then the final thing to check would be your pump bearings. 4. Start capacitors are usually mounted at the back of the motor, while run capacitors are usually on the topside. Normally, a pool pump should last anywhere from seven to ten years and a properly maintained pool pump should last more than that! Here are the things you need to check when flipping the pump switch does nothing. Make sure the capacitors are not bad and that the governor is closed. There might be problems with the motor shaft. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. Check water levels - This is the number one culprit for a pool pump to suck in air. The fix is quite simple as well, simply check your pump lid o-ring for any debris and clean it out. What If My Pool Pump Doesn't Pump Water? 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. 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