When your pool pump isn’t working right, everything comes to a halt. The pump is the pulse of a healthy pool, so it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible in order to keep the pool clean. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pool pump problems and their causes.
It Won’t Turn On
If there’s no noise when the pump turns on, immediately check your breaker box to make sure the power is on and flowing. If the breaker is still in the “on” position, you might have an electrical problem in your lines or in the motor. If your system runs on a time switch, you may need to check to make sure the gears are turning. Also double-check any GFCI outlets wired into the system to ensure the breaker button hasn’t been tripped. If the motor just makes a humming noise when trying to start, chances are good that the motor shaft could be locked up and unable to move.Try to manually move the shaft without electricity.
It Keeps Turning Off
If your pump keeps turning off after a few minutes, but turns on again 10-15 minutes later, the pump is more than likely overheating. Make sure the vents are free of debris, there’s adequate ventilation around the pump, and check to see if the pump is shaded during the hottest parts of the day. A pump with a bad run capacitor can also cause the pump to overheat. If the problem is not related to overheating, it could indicate loose wire connections or incorrect voltage to the pump or a bad extention cord (too light gauge)
It’s Noisy
No one likes a noisy pool pump, and there are several reasons a pump could be making loud, strange noises. If the pump is screeching and squalling, chances are pretty good you’re dealing with bad motor bearings.
Another common complaint is when a pump sounds like it has small rocks stuck inside, and it’s making a loud, rattling noise. If you’ve ruled out vibration noises (solved by placing a rubber mat where the pump sits on the pad), it might be that your pump isn’t getting enough water, also known as cavitation. If not addressed promptly, cavitation can cause your impeller to wear out, the shaft seal or pump fittings to fail, or any number of other serious problems with the pump. After making sure there’s enough water in the pool, check for closed off lines or a clog in the lines, then clean the skimmer basket, pump basket, impeller and possibly even the filter. It could also be that the pump is just too big and powerful for the pool’s size, and you’ll need to purchase a properly sized pump.
The Pump Isn’t Pulling Water
The first thing to rule out in this case is a blockage. Make sure the skimmer, pump basket and impeller are clear of debris. If the water is flowing slower than normal, this most likely indicates that your filter needs to be cleaned. Inability to pull water through the lines could also be caused by an air leak on the suction side (before the impeller), which can prevent your pump from priming properly.
The Pump Is Pulling Air
You shouldn’t be able to see any air in the pump basket, but it’s not uncommon to see a bubble or two from time to time. However, a pump that’s not airtight and pulls a lot of air will start to cause big problems for your system. Common reasons for pulling air include loose or cracked pump lids, bad o-rings or gaskets . To locate the air leak quickly, there are a couple things you can do. Either pressurize the suction side of the line and look for a water leak, or apply shaving cream to the suspected areas and watch for a “dimple” as the suction pressure draws the shaving cream into the lines. Replace or repair damaged parts as needed.
It Won’t Prime
This ties in closely with the previous two sections, because the most common reason a pump won’t prime is due to an air leak on the suction side. Other reasons for this could be that the water level in the pool is too low, or the pump basket or impeller might be clogged.
It’s Leaking Water
This problem is relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Bad seals, o-rings and loose connections can all cause leaks. If replacing seals and o-rings, you can either purchase the individual parts or an all-in-one “Go Kit” for your pump model, which has all the seals and o-rings you’ll need.
No matter what the problem might be with your pool pump, Waterwayparts.com has you covered! From o-rings and impellers to brand new pumps, we have everything you need to get your pool circulating again. Search parts for your pump on http://www.waterwayparts.com 
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