5 Signs That Your Pool Pump Is On The Fritz
Your pool’s pump is probably the most important component out of all of its operating equipment. Without a well functioning pump, all you have is a pond full of stale, sedentary water just waiting to grow all kinds of things from mosquitoes to algae. The good news is that pumps are fairly easy to repair when they have issues and they are even easier for the layperson to diagnose. Here are five indicators to look out for to spot a failing pool pump.
#1. The motor turns on and runs and then shuts off.
This is usually an indication of your pump motor overheating, which can happen often during peak summer months, or if your neighborhood experiences power surges when the entire city is running ACs at full blast. To fix this problem, consider changing your timing program to run the pump at night when there is less stress on your area’s electrical system. If that doesn’t work, you might have a bad capacitor, which means your motor is not getting the needed jolt of electricity to get moving.
#2. The motor is making weird noises.
Diagnosing mechanical equipment is often done by sound because when a motor is functioning correctly, it hums at a consistent volume and pace. If you listen carefully, a rumbling noise can mean that there is a clog somewhere in your lines that is not allowing enough water to enter the pump and that the impeller is spinning dry. Additionally a high-pitched, screeching sound can mean bad bearings in the motor shaft area.
#3. The pump is leaking.
A leaky pump can mean a number of things from cracked housing to bad seals. Most pump manufacturers sell seal kits that come as a set so you can replace them all whenever this type of maintenance is necessary.
#4. The pump is sucking in air.
Pumps are meant to be airtight and whenever something happens that allows air to enter the system, its ability to circulate the water effectively becomes critically impaired. Most air leaks are caused by water leaks, bad seals or a cracked pipe or housing that lets air into wherever it should not be. Most pool technicians can diagnose and identify the location of air leaks quite easily so take advantage of someone else’s expertise when trying to figure this one out.
#5. The pump is on but it is not moving water.
A clog somewhere in your pool lines between the pool and the pump usually causes this. Checking and cleaning out your skimmer baskets often is a great way to make sure that you avoid blockages. It can also be caused by a clogged impeller inside the pump housing, which might require professional assistance to repair.
The bottom line is, the best way to take care of your pump is to get to know it. Even if you call a technician out each time there is a problem, it is always helpful to be able to identify problems before they compound and do real damage. Blue Water partners with Swimming Pool Repair and Service to handle any major equipment repairs for our clients. For over 35 years we have been working with them to provide proactive pool repair services that address pool maintenance to head off repairs before they become major problems.