3 Common Reasons For Swimming Pool Pump Repair

The swimming pool pump is one of the most important parts of your swimming pool's plumbing system. It is responsible for creating the pressure in the pool to force the water to flow through the filter; it is basically the work horse of your pool's filtration system. Unfortunately, swimming pool pump repair may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons your pool pump may need to be repaired or replaced.

The Pump Isn't Pulling Water

If the pump motor is running, but there isn't any water moving, the first thing to do is check the pump baskets and skimmer to make sure they are empty so the water flow isn't restricted. If this is the problem, check to make sure the pool filter and the pump impeller are clean. The impeller is the part of the pump that is connected to the motor and moves the water. To check the impeller, open the pump and check for clogs in the housing. A pool pump that isn't priming cannot get a steady flow of water through it, so when priming the pump, make sure it is full of water and that the lid is secure. If the pump still doesn't move the water, the O-ring may be damaged and should be replaced.

The Pump Motor Doesn't Turn On

There are several things that can cause the motor to not turn on or to turn off after running for only a few minutes. The first thing to do is check the breaker to make sure the timer is set to turn on the pump. If you have power, the next thing to do is listen for sounds. For example, is the motor humming or do you hear a click? If the motor is humming, it may mean there is a problem with the capacitor, which is what "jump starts" the motor to make it start spinning. If the motor runs, but turns itself off after a short period of time, it may be over-heating. Another reason the motor may shut off is due to a vent blockage or fan failure, so make sure there isn't any clogs in the vent. Unfortunately, in many situations when there is a problem with the motor the best solution is to replace the pump.

The Pool Pump is Leaking Water

If you notice the pump leaking water, the cause can be due to a number of things, including a bad impeller housing O-ring, a bad shaft seal or the threads on the discharge pipe are damaged. Disassemble the pump and inspect the shaft, threads and O-ring to make sure all parts are in good condition. If the O-ring is deteriorating or broken, you can do your own swimming pool pump repair by replacing the O-ring. However, if this isn't the problem its best to take the pump to a pool contractor to determine if it can be repaired or if it should be replaced.

A pool pump motor typically has a lifespan of about 7-10 years. They are built for continuous work in an outdoor environment, but it is important to do routine maintenance on the pump to ensure it continues to work properly. In many situations, avoiding swimming pool pump repair may be as simple as cleaning a hairball out of the strainer. The most important maintenance task to extend the life of swimming pool pump is to clean the strainer basket. If hair and/or other debris pass through the strainer basket, it can cause clogs in the impeller, which may prevent the pump from starting.


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