The Green Revolution in Plumbing: Environmentally Friendly Plumbing

3 DIY Pool Pump Troubleshooting Tips to Try Before Calling a Plumber

A pool pump is an essential part of the swimming pools plumbing because it is responsible for generating sufficient water pressure utilized to push water through the filter. As a matter of fact, the pool pump functions similarly to the human heart.

Unfortunately, like all plumbing mechanism, pool pumps experiences various problems. Below are DIY solutions to some of the most common issues pool pumps experience.

•    When the water fails to get pulled

If the pool pump isn't pulling water, first check if the pump baskets and the skimmer are empty. If they are empty, check the filter for debris accumulation that could block the flow of water. If the filter is clean, check the pump impeller. The impeller is the part of the pump attached to the pump's motor for moving water because it occasionally gets clogged.

When checking the impeller, you will have to use the pump's manual when disassembling the pump to gain access to the impeller housing. 

Additionally, you should also check the suction hose for air leaks because they also reduce the suction of a pump, especially when the pump is running at full capacity.

•    When the motor doesn't work

Sometimes the pool pump's motors won't start, or when it starts, it shuts downs after a short while. Various reasons could be causing the problem, and hence the issue requires a systematic approach.

Start by checking the power supply to the motor by making sure the breaker is functioning properly, and the timer is set to turn on the pool pump. If the power supply is is not the problem, listen to the sounds produced by the pump.

A humming sound usually means the issue lies with the capacitor. The capacitor stores an electric charge utilized for starting the motor. Hence, you may require replacing the capacitor with a new one.

If the motor starts then stops randomly, it could be as a result of overheating. Pool pumps utilize a substantial amount of wattage and hence, if the supply gets reduced, the pump will overheat. The only solution for overheating involves running the pool pump at night when it's cool and your neighbors are not cutting into the power supply to the pump with their ACs.

•    When unusually loud noises come from the pool pump

Everyone hates a noisy pump, especially at night when you and your neighbors are trying to get some sleep.

The type of strange noises detected from the pump could provide some insight into the issue. For instance, it sounds as if there rocks inside the pump, it could be as a result of pump vibrations on the pad it sits on or even pump cavitation.

Pump cavitation noises get caused by water deprivation in the pump which causes the impeller to spin faster in an aim to get more water. However, the faster it spins, the more it starts to beat air bubbles from the water. To reduce the noise caused by vibrations, you can place a rubber mat between the pool pump and its pad.

As for cavitations, you may want to check your water supply to the pump. It could be clogged or a closed valve. It is also recommended to check if your newly installed pool pump requires a higher water supply rating than yours.


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