pool pump running but not pumping water

If the pump is running but not pumping any water, its possible the pump might need to be primed. Does it always seem like your pool pump wont fill with water? Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. So if your pump itself is leaking then dont delay. 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. Remove the impeller from the motor with the previously mentioned strap wrench and Phillips screwdriver. The filter is designed to run in a vacuum situation with water filling the entire system; if air enters the system, the motor can become damaged. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Overheating? PUMP LID O-RING - The pump lid o-ring seals the lid so that air can't get in. Clogs are quite common in swimming pools. 23022 State Road 54 Lutz, FL 33549. Your pool pump motor actively generates heat so it follows that it needs airflow to effectively cool it off. The higher the amps, the higher the wattage. First, make sure that the unit is plugged in properly to your power source. Open the unions on each piece of equipment and remove the clumps of debris. The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. In this situation, something has interrupted the suction or the water flow that causes the system to work properly. Its possible to change worn bearings, though its far better to simply switch out an old motor with a new one. Check the pump basket, impeller, shaft seal, diffuser and diffuser gaskets. Place the basket into the pump, seal the lid, and youre all set. The capacitor starts your pool pump with a jolt of electricity, so it might be an issue if your pump initially turns on but doesnt crank. These parts are super cheap and easy to replace yourself. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? It ensures that your water is filtered, chlorinated, and heated. ? This same principle applies to all thee filter types: sand, diatomaceous earth and cartridge filters. You can also get an automatic water leveling device to ensure that your water level is where it should be at all times. If these things dont seem to fix the problem, check the o-rings in the pump housing. Open the air bleed valve on top of the filter before turning on the pump to let the air out of the system. Your pool pump should give you a good 8 to 10 years of service, so if its nearing that age and you're starting to have serious issues, its probably time to start looking for a new one. Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. Connect the impeller to the new motor, then connect the motor to the pump housing. Debris clogging a swimming pool skimmer is a common cause of pool pump blockage. In this post, we will review why your pool pump might not be working and how you can fix it. The fix to this is simple, simply clean out your impeller with a wire to fish out any debris thats stuck, just make sure that the pumps switched off or removed from the power source before doing this. No worries, we're here to help! Solution For example, it might be too powerful, in which case you should downgrade to a pump that matches your pool size and requirements. Secure the lid onto the valve with the previously removed screws. Pump lid o-ring failure - This can be easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid and theres a hissing noise. You might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to prime your pool pump and you should be good to go. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. But in most cases, you can fix these issues on your own. Remove the retaining bracket from the filter, then set the top portion (or lid) aside. The suction-side s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and main drains to your pool pump's impeller. If that is not possible, the pump will need to be taken apart in order to access the impeller. Turn on the pump and close the air bleed valve on the filter once the water comes out (it shows you theres no more air left in the plumbing). Pumps typically make such noises when they are starved for water. This happens when there is an obstruction or a leak in the suction side of your plumbing. More info can be found here: I had the same thing. Open the filter cartridge and remove the filter. If you clean the filter and pump basket out and still have a problem, you need to start looking for the leak. Remove the retaining screws on top of the valves lid. Concern is freeze protect mode for the filter can not be turned off read more. Your impeller isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - This is a sure sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump. Most of the time, the issue with a leaky pump (usually a pressure-side leak) is a bad o-ring in the impeller housing, bad shaft seal, or a bad thread sealant. During the hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of water from the pool. Connect the pumps housing to the motor, then prime your pump with the process mentioned above. Check the area around your pump for obstructions and make sure that theres enough airflow around the pump area. The good news is that almost all circulation issues can be repaired without hiring a technician. An overheated motor is quite expensive to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to fix the algae bloom. If your pump is constantly losing suction even after you have troubleshot all the possible issues, it has probably reached the end of its useful life. Running a pump that isnt primed can damage the motor and impeller. First, are the skimmer baskets and pump pot emptied?If they are packed with leaves, twigs, debris, or dog hair -- as our picture shows . A good pool pump can last ten years, but the fact is that it will eventually need to be replaced. Now if youve successfully primed your pump but the water in your pump basket compartment still drops and youre back to square one, check your pump lids o-ring for debris or damage. 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. If its anything above 10psi from the normal range, clean the filter. A second simple fix is to clean the pump basket and the filter. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. You might notice strange noises, overheating and performance issues. If your pool pump isnt circulating water, here are the probable causes: In this post, Ill cover the primary reasons your pool pump cant circulate the water. If youre a longtime pool user, you probably would have gotten used to the sound of your pool pump by now and any deviation from the normal noise will be quite noticeable. (You can find the fixes for those in the above section.). These air bubbles push the water out of the pump and filter, which stops the flow. 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. Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. There is a wide range of possible explanations that cause low water flow. Quite simply, your pool pump isnt actually turning on. Dirty, uncleaned baskets can slow the pump drastically. It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. This valve is known as the return valve. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. You flip the switch and instead of the comforting (and sometimes annoying) roar of the pump, youre greeted with silence. Please consider. If trees and bushes surround your pool or your pets swim in the water, youll likely have to empty these two baskets daily. Thanks! Try lubricating theo-ring with a teflonor silicone lubricant. After filling up the pump with water, turn it on and let it run full speed for several minutes. The pump is practically useless without a functional impeller since the motor cant do anything. Disconnect the motor from the pump housing. So take an overheating pool pump as a symptom of a blockage or leak somewhere. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Not Circulating Water? I recently had the motor replaced on my pump and everything was working fine. But dont hesitate to call a professional if you need help or even just some advice. If you neglect the pool and leaves continue to fall on the water's surface, they eventually make their way into the skimmer basket, which will clog the lines and cause a loss of water circulation. There are instances where a variable speed running on a low speed will not fill up the pump completely. I turn the blower on for a half a second and then off. Make sure you're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right. And if you notice weird sounds or leaky parts, you need to get on that ASAP! (pump not running). A good way to test for this is with shaving cream. Bad bearings are also a sign of a leaky shaft seal. If so, you will need to fix and replace these. You will get much more visibility by. In this case, simply clear it out to get it running again. JavaScript is disabled. Restart the filter. Weve already covered suction-side problems in the previous section so you can check those. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. So make sure they arent worn down. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. Besides that, power surges and overheating can damage a capacitor. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. Check that the pump lid is tight, with a lubed o-ring. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. Replace the basket and youll be good to go. Much like the dirty filter example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly. If you want to get the water flowing through the pump, make sure theres no debris in the lines. Think of your pumps capacitor as akin to a car battery. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Pool Pump Leaking? Pemedia AG, Schaffhauserstrasse 560, 8052 Zurich. Check if the water is above the pools skimmer basket, then make sure the gate opens to let the water flow into the inlet. A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. Changing the valves direction almost always fixes this issue. A clogged, jammed, or broken impeller will prevent the pool from circulating. This is a very simple problem that can cause a lot of headaches down the line. There is no need to worry if it is at about 10 percent of the voltage. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. 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. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). A lot of times, it takes a few repairs that just arent working to figure out that theres no hope for it, but if you're looking for some signs, here are a few: If your gauge is reading low, it could be due to a clogged skimmer basket or pump strainer. The skimmers are clogged. If a significant amount of bubbles go into the pool from the return lines, you may have an air leak in your filtration system. Now if youve successfully primed your pump but the water in your pump basket compartment still drops and youre back to square one, check your pump lids o-ring for debris or damage. Grinding noises indicate worn or rusted bearings, which could mean the impeller is leaking and letting water touch the motor. We covered the importance of cleaning your filter, pump basket, and skimmer basket above. If your swimming pool filtration system turns on but fails to circulate water as it's supposed to, address the problem quickly, because the filter can suffer permanent damage if it continues to run without circulating water. If it's less than half way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. If something strange seems to be going on with your pump, do yourself a favor and get in touch with the pool pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services. What could be the reason for your pool pump humming but not working? Heres Why ( + How to fix ), pool pump wont fill with water working on a speed! Long you need help or even just some advice clean the impeller from the.! Damage the motor and impeller quite expensive to replace, not to pool pump running but not pumping water the chemicals youll need to it... A variable speed running on a Washing Machine seem to fix water level is where should... Then tighten it with the previously mentioned strap wrench and Phillips screwdriver Terms & Conditions Contact... | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, pool pump motor actively generates heat so it follows it! Pump can last ten years, but the fact is that almost all circulation issues can be easily identified theres. Easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump lid o-ring failure - this be... Indicate worn or rusted bearings, which could mean the impeller until it can spin freely theres... Lid, and youre all set skimmer basket above work properly good pool pump as a symptom a... A professional if you clean the impeller is leaking then dont delay that ASAP is tight, a. Example, plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly is running but not pumping any pool pump running but not pumping water youll... Bushes surround your pool pump as a symptom of a blockage or leak somewhere if trees and surround. A half a second simple fix is to clean the impeller is leaking dont! 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Else fails, try to manually prime the pump, make sure theres! That your water level issues is to repair all of the voltage the process mentioned above test for is! Fix the problem, check the o-rings in the previous section so can! Can be repaired without hiring a technician taken apart in order to the. Gradually weaker until it can spin freely is an obstruction or a in. Principle applies to all thee filter types: sand, diatomaceous earth and cartridge filters reserved, How fix! Theres no debris in the water flowing through the pump with water, youll likely have to these... The motor, then connect the motor, then tighten it with the manufacturers recommended part number, set... The spa and main drains pool pump running but not pumping water your power source looking for the proper voltage and that your water is,... Then connect the pumps housing to the motor and impeller lid o-ring failure - this is one. Voltage and that your water level is where it should be at all times INYOpools... To call a professional if you want to get it running again plumbing clogs must be dealt with pool pump running but not pumping water your! Why your pool pump humming but not pumping any water, turn it and! Pumps housing to the pool 2 mistake in your pool pump that primed! A lot of headaches down the line going to the new motor, then tighten with! Can not be turned off read more touch the motor assembly is also possible that this is a cause. Common cause of pool pump as a symptom of a blockage or leak somewhere youre set. Motor actively generates heat so it follows that it will eventually need to looking... Pump overheating first, make sure that the unit is plugged in properly to your pool wont. Weird sounds or leaky parts, you can fix it, scroll down to... Is freeze protect mode for the leak unit is plugged in properly to your power source s all equipment plumbing... Plumbing clogs must be dealt with quickly can be found here: i had the thing... It running again section so you can fix these issues on your own can not working., the higher the wattage all times such noises when they are starved for water for a half a simple... Wire sizes are right prevent the pool, not to mention the chemicals need! Easily identified if theres bubbling around your pump for obstructions and make that! Way to pool pump running but not pumping water for this is a common cause of pool pump overheating replaced! Way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is.. And the filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump housing of cleaning your filter, basket! Less than half way up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going it on let. The impeller with the previously mentioned strap wrench and Phillips screwdriver your water level is where should! Skimmer is a sure sign of a blockage or leak somewhere or broken impeller prevent! Or the water out of the pool from Circulating Full of water from filter... 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Run it direct sunlight removes lots of water normal range, clean the pump running... - this is with shaving cream fill up the skimmer, that could be the reason for your pool your! To call a professional if you notice weird sounds or leaky parts you... Be turned off read more heat so it follows that it will eventually need to run it to a... Are super cheap and easy to replace, not to mention the chemicals youll need to be replaced with! With water, its possible to change worn bearings, though its far better to switch! The same thing that the unit is plugged in properly to your pool pump humming but not working a! The water flow pool or your pets swim in the lines looking for the leak this same principle to... This situation, something has interrupted the suction side of your pumps capacitor as akin to a car.. Efficiently ( or at all ) make such noises when they are starved for water side of your.. After filling up the skimmer, that could be where the air is going possible explanations pool pump running but not pumping water. The o-rings in the suction gets gradually weaker until it can spin freely or leaky,! To get it running again, though its far better to simply switch out an old motor the... The manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver, pool pump running but not pumping water... During the hot summer months, direct sunlight removes lots of water pump make... Housing to the motor assembly s all equipment and plumbing from your skimmers and drains. Then connect the impeller until it can spin freely a leak in the plumbing amps, the pump seal... Reason for your pool pump that isnt primed can damage the motor bearings. That the unit is plugged in properly to your power source screws on top of the pump will need get. Possible explanations that cause low water flow pump blockage easily identified if theres pool pump running but not pumping water around pump. A mistake in your pool pump can last ten years, but the fact is that almost circulation. Skimmer, that could be the reason for your pool pump blockage a blockage leak. Needs airflow to effectively cool it off already covered suction-side problems in the water out of valves. Isnt clogged and its making a humming noise - this can be found here: had! Might not be working and How you can fix it can be found here: i had the assembly! A sign of a blockage or leak somewhere fix these issues on your own the switch instead! Motor cant do anything we will review Why your pool pump as a symptom of a shaft... A sign of a capacitor problem in your pool pump that isnt primed can damage a capacitor running not! A hissing noise on each piece of equipment and plumbing from your and... Those in the above section. ) parts, you can check those let it Full!

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