Known problems with pool pumps

It is said jokingly that electrical appliances work better when plugged in. However, there are times when, despite plugging in, we come to the conclusion that something is wrong. The high-quality products offered by our shop allow years of trouble-free operation. However, there are times when a pump refuses to cooperate. After years of experience working with pool servicing, we have noticed that a large proportion of faults recur and do not always mean buying a new pump due to the lack of repair options.

  • High-quality equipment allows years of trouble-free operation
  • Air in the pump indicates a leak in the system or a low water level
  • Most failures are caused by dirt in the pump and filter
  • Sand ejected by the inflow nozzles into the water is caused by filter damage

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Pool pump aeration

Air in the pump is very easy to spot. As the water flows out, you can hear the "characteristic" shooting of air bubbles and, in extreme cases, it stops flowing altogether. The cause is obvious. The pump is sucking in air. It is worth checking the installation for leaks; this is usually where the problem lies.

Check that the water level is right. When you use the pool, you cause it to move in the tank. When the water level is at its limit, rapid rippling of the water, e.g. by jumping children playing, can cause the suction nozzles to be partially above the waterline.

It can also happen that some component in the pump is leaking. Seals can lose their properties when exposed to excessive heat. If the previous causes are not detected, it is worth having the pump serviced.

The pool pump is noisy

Another fault that customers complain about is the noisy operation of the pump. There can be several reasons for this, the most prosaic being the ground on which the pump is placed. Sometimes the operation of the motor causes it to resonate, which results in noisy operation. It is best to place the pump on an insulating pad made of rubber or cork.

It is also worth cleaning the filter. When the filter is heavily soiled, the pump is less efficient and "tires", which can make it run noisier. Dirt may also be trapped in the pump housing. This should be unscrewed and cleaned together with the impeller.

In the worst case scenario, we could be dealing with worn bearings that are slowly seizing up and causing noisy operation. These need to be replaced as they can completely damage the pump. This is the most costly repair and should be carried out by a professional service.

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The pool pump is heating up

Heating of the pool pump often correlates with worn bearings. Increased friction increases the temperature and causes the motor to overheat. Their service life is expected to be at least two years, with top manufacturers reaching 10 years. However, a factory defect can always occur.

Prolonged operation on worn components can lead to the complete destruction of the unit. The pumps are designed to operate 24 hours a day and, even with prolonged operation, should not be hot.

A fan is mounted at the rear of the motor. It is responsible for cooling the motor. Take a look to make sure it is working properly. It is covered by a housing, unscrew it and check that the fan is spinning. Remember that the housing can also get hot from sunlight. Secure the pump so that it does not overheat.

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The pool pump does not filter

If the pump has suddenly stopped filtering water, start by cleaning the filter and use a backwash. It is worth checking the condition of the filter bed. Sometimes the sand in the filter becomes too compacted, so that it blocks the water flow.

Another cause can be a dirty or clogged prefilter in the pump. This should be removed and cleaned. Leaves or other large debris that have been floating in our pool can get into it. A rare but not impossible cause may be a blocked impeller. Rip open the housing and look to see if anything is blocking its blades. This could be a leaf, tangled hair or other debris.

Lack of filtration can also be caused - as in the case of a blocked pump - by a leak in the system. Tighten all caps, check the hose for holes or damage. You should also check the water level in your pool.

The pool pump switches off

The pump switching off is probably a problem with the power supply. Check that the whole system is connected correctly on the electrical side and that no short circuit is being made on the system. Check the condition of the power cable to see if it has been "broken" at any point.

Pumps are fitted with a safety switch. This can also switch it off. The fuse activates when a fault could damage the unit. If you are dealing with a 400 V pump, it is worth checking that the circuit breaker is set for this voltage.

Check that moving parts can move freely. A blockage in any of the components can cause the pump to shut down in an emergency. Unscrew the housing and try to move the pump fan, impeller to determine if there is too much resistance.



Expert Advises!

Pool pump dumps sand

What if the filter pump, instead of cleaning our pool, pollutes it by throwing up sand? This happens often, and the cause is very simple - the filter cross is probably damaged. This is the element at the bottom of the filter responsible for collecting the filtered water. It can be easily replaced. The second cause could be a damaged 6-way valve. Here, too, you can buy parts without having to replace the whole thing.

Remember: If your pump is still under warranty, do not try to repair it on your own. Have it serviced under warranty. A mishandled repair can lead to damage to the pump and electric shock.

What is the lifespan of a pool pump

It all depends on the model and build quality. We know from experience that good quality pool pumps can last up to 10 years.

Where to find a spare parts list

Usually, manufacturers provide a list of spare parts in the instruction manual. If you do not have one, you should look on the manufacturer's website. They usually provide a digital version of the manual.

Is it better to repair a faulty pump or buy a new one?

It all depends on the situation. When the pump has died after 7-8 years, it is worth considering the purchase of a new one, after all, this one has already passed its life. When the device is "younger" and the repair is not expensive, it is better to replace the damaged component.

FAQ - Questions and answers

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Team Poolsystem.pl
Tomasz Tomkowicz

Pool Technology Specialist

Thank you for reading our article, if you have more questions or need more specialized help - write to me using the form.