November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
in Maintenance
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Your pool pump is an important part of your pool since it keeps your water fresh and clean. The pool pump pulls dirty water and sends it to the filter, and returns clean water to your pool for uninterrupted fun.
But a noisy, leaky or altogether broken pool pump can disrupt this cycle—and a relaxing afternoon. To help you address the warnings signs of trouble, Danny Crump, national training manager for Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc., offers advice on diagnosing and addressing five of the most common pool pump problems:
Problem: You see a large amount of air bubbles in your pump pot.
Solution: Identify where air is entering the system.
There are several ways air can get into your pump pot, including:
- The o-ring is not seated correctly or is damaged
- The pool water level is too low
- A fracture in the plumbing has caused a leak on the suction side of the pump.
- The skimmer basket is too full of debris.
If the pool water level is too low or the skimmer basket needs to be emptied, try adding water and removing the debris to see if that fixes the problem. If you can’t identify where the air is coming from and resolve the problem on your own, contact your authorized Arch dealer for assistance.
Problem: The pool pump turns on and off intermittently.
Solution: Identify why the pump is overheating.
When a pool pump cycles on and off, it generally means something is causing it to overheat. This can be caused by:
- A jammed impeller. The impeller is the device on the front of the pump that pulls water in through the center and then sends it out through its veins.
- Wiring that is too small. This generally occurs in pumps that have just been installed.
- Bad bearings. This is typically caused by age.
“Normally if a motor is cycling on and off, the homeowner will really need to consult a pool professional because it will require pump disassembly,” Crump says.
Problem: Your pool pump is leaking.
Solution: Identify the component that’s letting water out.
There are several reasons a pump could develop a leak, including:
- The seal plate O-ring is bad.
- A bolt or clamp is loose.
- The drain plugs are leaking, which means there is a faulty seal where it meets the pump.
If you can see where a bolt or clamp is loose you may be able to tighten the piece and stop the leak. If it seems like an internal part is causing the leak, you should contact your authorized Arch dealer.
Problem: Your pool pump will not turn on.
Solution: Determine whether the problem is internal or external.
When a pump won’t turn on, there is often a faulty power source at play. Check all relevant circuit breakers or switches to make sure the pump is getting power. If that doesn’t work check to see if there are any timers or automated controls connected to the pump. If the pump is on a schedule, it may not respond to manual commands.
If you still get no response, your pump may have experienced a mechanical failure. At this point is it best to consult your authorized Arch pool & spa professional.
Problem: Your pool pump is noisy.
Solution: Ensure the pump has not been disturbed.
If your pump is making a vibrating sound, make sure there is nothing leaning against or touching the pump. If the area is clear, or the pump is making a high-pitched squealing noise, you will want to consult your authorized Arch dealer as soon as possible to make sure the problem doesn’t worsen.
Whether you’re able to fix your pool pump problem on your own or you need to call a pool professional, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
“You need to address all equipment related failures immediately to prevent further failures,” Crump says. The quicker your pump problems are addressed, the sooner you will be able to relax and enjoy a clean and healthy pool.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pool Pump
- Always keep your pump uncovered — even in colder weather. “It’s designed to be outside in the elements,” says Crump.
- Don’t plant shrubs or trees close to your pump. “Pool pumps need unobstructed circulation air around them,” he says.
- Check your pump’s lid O-ring on a regular basis to ensure it is in good condition.
- Never use Vaseline on O-rings; Use only approved O-ring lubricants.
