I noticed today that the pump is running but there is no water running through the filter or lines. All of these things are usually fairly simple fixes. The impeller can not pull enough water if it is clogged. If the bearings or motor are damaged, the motor has to be replaced. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved. If any debris is found, remove it and clean the impeller until it can spin freely. When a pump is placed in water, the pump house first fills with air, which replaces the water. To fix it, scroll down below to our section dealing with an overheating pool pump. What are some other pump issues you might find yourself having to navigate? Not only can we help with any repairs that need to be done, but we can also perform regular pool cleanings and give your pool a refreshed look by replastering or renovating it. No matter what your pool needs are, you can rely on ABC to get the job done right. The list of reasons why your pool might not be working properly is probably as long as the list of tasks you know you should be doing to keep your pool well-maintainedif only you had the time. Place the cartridges into the filter, then replace any of them if they have torn pleats or bands. 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. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? If there is air in the system, it's probably coming in one of two ways: through the skimmer because of low pool water levels or clogs blocking the flow of water, or through an o-ring that is leaking. The fix is actually quite easy, all you need to do is to. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Check the water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences. A bad capacitor may lead to the motor running at a higher amperage than it should. Dallas, TX Jun 6, 2021 #1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool sweep was no longer moving . To prime the pool pump, follow these instructions: The impeller pulls water through the pump. Keep the pump cool by ensuring proper ventilation and shading in and around your pump area. The impeller ensures that water is transported from the pump body to the pump outlet. Moreover, if you make a mistake, it can end up being a costly oneboth in time and money. If your pool pump isn't working, you may actually be able to troubleshoot it yourself. For example, it might be too powerful, in which case you should downgrade to a pump that matches your pool size and requirements. A problem like this is usually indicative of an overload in the electrical system or a failing capacitor. With this basket missing, debris may flow into a secondary basket on the pump itself. A pump that runs dry will overheat the motor and damage the bearings. Once youve determined that it is indeed the shaft seal that needs replacing, buy the correct replacement shaft seal for your specific pump. 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. Dirty filters can ruin a pool pump in no time. You may be experiencing an overloaded circuit if the motor shuts down due to overheating. Jammed valves, gates, and unions can slow the water flowing through the pump. Ensure your basket lid o-ring gets a good seal and is lubricated; otherwise. Pool Pump Not Pulling Water Out Of The Pool 2. Theres a basket in the skimmer, which is the small compartment that pulls water behind a thin plastic gate. If a significant amount of bubbles go into the pool from the return lines, you may have an air leak in your filtration system. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. Any ideas what could cause this? In this post, we will review why your pool pump might not be working and how you can fix it. A bad start capacitor is incapable of kickstarting the motor, while a bad run capacitor cant keep it running. Clogs are caused by a buildup of large debris, especially if theres a lot of hair or tree debris in the system. If so, replace them. It is worth noting that overheating can be caused by several other issues as well, including a voltage upsurge, bad windings or an oversized impeller. When a submersible pump is immersed, water runs into its pump body, which is fitted with an impeller. If your pump recovers prime on its own, then the leak or the blockage isnt enough to fully impede the flow of water to your pump, but its getting there! Make sure the valve is pointed toward the inlet pipe coming from the pool. Finally, the pump might also turn itself off if its receiving inadequate power, or if some of its wires are loose or broken. Doing this will reset the water flow. You might notice the suction gets gradually weaker until it stops altogether. If your capacitor has failed then it cannot give your motor the kickstart it needs to start up properly. SUCTION SIDE AIR LEAK - The pipes and valves before the pump can be sources of an air leak. Lastly, if you just dont like the mild noise from the pump, consider an equipment enclosure. When I try to manually prime the pump by filling it with water from a hose, I cannot get the pump to fill up. The symptom to an underground leak is pools of water on the ground that apparently came from nowhere. Tighten or replace each union on the equipment pad. Why Are the Jets Not Working On My Inground Pool. Something went wrong. 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. These baskets should be emptied at least once to twice per week. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. Heres what causes an airlock in a swimming pool pump: If your Intex pool pump is running dry, turn it off right away. In this article, I will cover some common pool pump problems and recommend some fixes to keep your pools filtration system running strong. Heres what you can do: Pro-tip: Make sure the valve guts are facing the correct direction. If your pump recovers prime on its own, then the leak or the blockage isnt enough to fully impede the flow of water to your pump, but its getting there! You can check for a leaking pump shaft seal if water is running down the backside of the seal plate. However, not all air will automatically exit the pump house. However, Id recommend hiring a professional if youve never dealt with a pump motor before. If that happens, youll have to buy a new pump, which is much more expensive than the simple, straightforward fixes below. Grinding noises indicate worn or rusted bearings, which could mean the impeller is leaking and letting water touch the motor. In this guide, we discuss different tips on how to diagnose and correct the issue of a pump that is not filling up all the way.Note: This guide is meant forpool owners who are used to seeing a full pump and a half-empty pump is out of the norm. I tried closing valves to from the different locations to fill up one line at a time, but could never get the lines or the pump to fill up. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Other things may cause your pool pump to overheat, including direct sunlight, corroded bearings and windings, pressure clogs, suction clogs, and a lack of airflow. Check if your pump timer is set properly and that youre within the operating times. Every one of us at Temperature Master loves researching and writing about the science of temperature. State Licensed Mechanical. The multiport valve either needs to be adjusted to regular filtering mode or has a crack/leak in it. If you have any other issues with your pool pump, check out my other pool pump troubleshooting articles: Pool Pump Wont Prime? Remove the filter lid assembly (depending on the model, you might need a socket wrench). The second way to fix water level issues is to repair all of the leaks in the plumbing. Make sure that the pump is balanced and in the center of the cover. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. In this case, simply clear it out to get it running again. This debris can break the plumbing if its not removed. 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 my shallow well. Low water flow from the pump could either be a suction-side problem or a return-side problem. If the motor is overheating and shutting down after its started, it could be an overloaded circuit. The most common source of pool pump not catching prime are air leaks before the impeller. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. A vac plate or leaf canister should always be used. If your pool pump is not pulling enough water, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. So check the basket and clean it out. A low water level could create a situation where the pump runshalf empty or dry. Debris clogging a swimming pool skimmer is a common cause of pool pump blockage. The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. Try these tips: If your pump isnt pulling water, the impeller might be broken. Water wouldn't be pouring out of the backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed. To check the status of the impeller, you should: Are you hearing humming briefly when you start your pump and then it shuts off? For this little trick, you'll want to evenly spread shaving cream over the points where you think the pump might be leaking, including the pump lid O-ring. As soon as level reaches line in pool, the water comes out the top of pump backwash line. Our experienced pool specialists can help you with any problems you come across. The capacitor gives the engine that jolt of power to get it starting and running. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. Changing the valves direction almost always fixes this issue. Remove the retaining bracket from the filter, then set the top portion (or lid) aside. If you are still having problems even after consistently troubleshooting all of the issues for your pool pump losing prime, it might be time to get a new one. explaining what pool pump surge is and how to deal with it here. This can happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump. Motor Symptoms Grinding or Screeching - A sign of bad bearings caused by age or rusting. Usually, its because of a bad thread sealant, crack in the pump, an air leak in the suction line, a plumbing issues on the suction side of the pump, or a leaky valve stem. Therefore, its important to fix this problem as quickly as possible. We have a detailed post. 7 Fixes. Recently youve started to worry because your previously crystal clear swimming pool is turning a muddy greenish color and youre not sure why. Get $10 off your first order over $99 and hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. If your pool pump starts, but then shuts off on its own moments later, its often due to overheating. Its powered by the pumps motor. Seal the filters lid onto the bottom portion that holds the cartridges, then prime the pump. The pump is working properly, youre about to jump into the pool, and all of a sudden your pump suddenly shuts off. Worn Bearings - Worn bearings can cause the pool pumps shaft to be misaligned and cause vibrations that are above the normal. They kits online. Small cracks in the plumbing will also limit the water pressure. All you have to do is open the skimmer lid, pull out the basket, and dump the debris. Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. If water is leaking from the pump itself then you have a very big problem on your hands. The water is greenish in hue and not hot enough. While we suggest that you try and fix minor pool pump problems, anything major like a mechanical seal failure or a motor burnout, you should also take into consideration your pumps age. This signifies a failure on your mechanical seal. Thus, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down. Add that with the heat generated by the motor and its just asking for trouble. 128K views 8 years ago If your pump is losing suction, watch this video to learn how to detect and fix some possible air leaks within the pumping system of your pool. 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. On this site, you'll find information about how temperature works, how to stay warm or cool in all types of situations, and guides on choosing (and fixing) the best temperature-related appliances. Make sure you're wired for the proper voltage and that your wire sizes are right. Pro-tip: Never let your pump get above 25 PSI. The water is not crystal clear - chemistry is mostly balanced, although it is running high on hardness. And its hard to find a trusted source of information. Motor was replaced then gfci breaker replaced to Hayward recommended breaker (same breaker I had first time) still tripping on every 4-5 days , 10 days inconstant . So, what should you do if your Intex pool pump isnt pulling enough water? Here are some possible causes of a searing hot pool pump: Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. is the pool's water level midway up the skimmer? Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Happy swimming! We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. 1 - Pool pump power problems1.1 Pool pump wont power up1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on1.3 Pool pump randomly shuts off after a few minutes, 2 - Strange sounds coming from the pool pump 2.1 Humming sound coming from the pool pump and it wont turn on2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating2.3 Loud vibrating noises coming from the pump, 3 - Pool pump flow problems3.1 Pool pump is sucking in air3.2 Water flow from the pool pump is low3.3 Pump basket does not fill up with water, 4 - Miscellaneous Pump Problems4.1 Pool pump loses prime4.2 Pool pump is running hot4.3 Pool pump is leaking. Well, at full load, you should still be able to touch the motor end of the pump without burning yourself. 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. The second type of leak or an underground leak is a lot tougher to fix. Weve heard the sound described as gargling stones before. First, check the breaker box for blown fuses. Thank you for all the great pool care and maintenance tips. Left it as-was since it had been working OK. Hello , This is an inactive thread. 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. Anything that passes through the pumps basket will go to the filter, so that needs to be emptied eventually (Ill dive into the step-by-step process later in the post). Get it starting and running pump that runs dry will overheat the motor need. Will automatically exit the pump to the ground beneath your pool pump in no time mode has... Tree debris in the electrical system or a return-side problem generated by the motor and its just asking trouble... Pump housing or plumbing, and dump the debris Wont prime is working. 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What pool pump might not be working and How you can fix it, scroll down below our!, collect and build up within the pump you come across if water is transported the..., consider an equipment enclosure are facing the correct direction and unions can slow the flowing...