pool pump running but not pumping water

Ah, heres one no one likesespecially your neighbors! Now this is different from the leaks that weve discussed earlier. A partially-plugged in unit might be the simplest explanation. my shallow well. One solution? Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Pool Pump Overheating? Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Wont Start? But it could also be a dirty or clogged filter or pump basket. Bad bearings are also a sign of a leaky shaft seal. If the motor is smaller than the impeller, the motor may not be able to handle the water rate. There are different kinds of loud noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and heres what each of them means. However, not all air will automatically exit the pump house. Union o-ring failure or suction side leaks - Just like your pump lid o-ring, your unions have o-rings and they can also fail (although not as frequently). 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. Here are 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump not to pull water out of the pool. Its good to go ahead and put some silicon pool lube on the o-ring and put it back in just to ensure that seal. Heres Why (+ How to Fix), Kenmore Elite Dryer Not Heating? Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Did you make a mistake in your calculations for how long you need to run it? To do this, turn off the pump and remove the screws on the pump housing. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer Not Heating? Unscrew the middle of the pump body and pull out the motor assembly. Dealing with a broken pump is more dangerous and takes more pool expertise than knowing how to clean pool cartridge filters. Heres How To Fix It (Complete Guide), Pool Pump Wont Turn Off? The closed valve stops the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving the water. Michael has over 30 years of experience in the swimming pool industry. TRY PRIMING AGAIN - If all else fails, try to manually prime the pump with water. If the pump lid o-ring is damaged then a replacement is in order. If you leave your pump in this condition then it can lead to cavitation, surge, and even to your pumps motor burning out. If you clean the filter and pump basket out and still have a problem, you need to start looking for the leak. Hire a professional pool technician to blow the lines with a pressurized air hose. Thus, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down. If these things dont seem to fix the problem, check the o-rings in the pump housing. Running a pump that isnt primed can damage the motor and impeller. If your pool pump isn't working, you may actually be able to troubleshoot it yourself. Water wouldn't be pouring out of the backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed. 17,110 satisfied customers. So, when they start sucking air, thats a problem. So remember, low water flow from the pump + puddles of water from seemingly nowhere = call the help of a professional. However, most motors automatically shut down if they get too hot. This is often an issue people experience when they attempt to open the pool for the first time that season because its fairly common for the motor shaft to seize up and suffer from corrosion during the off-season. A clogged or dirty pool filter can narrow the passageways, preventing the pump from pulling water efficiently (or at all). Your website is really helpful! The capacitor starts your pool pump with a jolt of electricity, so it might be an issue if your pump initially turns on but doesnt crank. Pool pumps are supposed to be completely airtight: this is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly. Thanks! Once parts start degrading, it will only be a matter of time before the other components will start to fail as well. This can happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump. Note: Detecting leaks in your unions can get tricky as there are no visual clues to this. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Pool Pump Leaking? The motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on the make and model. Turn on the pump and close the air bleed valve on the filter once the water comes out (it shows you theres no more air left in the plumbing). Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Cold Water Not Working on a Washing Machine? Check if your pool pumps motor is available from the manufacturer. What If My Pool Pump Doesn't Pump Water? An older pool pump will need constant repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. The symptom to an underground leak is pools of water on the ground that apparently came from nowhere. Check the water levels regularly to prevent future occurrences. If your pump was just recently installed then this is definitely a voltage problem and unless youre confident in your electrical skills then its better for a licensed electrician to check and replace the wiring. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. Too many suction lines are closed. 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. Ill also provide solutions to each of these issues, helping you get your pool back to normal. SKIMMER BASKET - Check the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary. Replace the impeller with the manufacturers recommended part number, then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver. Unfortunately, several things could be the culprit. If this happens, turn off your filter pump, and raise the water level so it is at the halfway mark of the skimmer before turning the pump back on. It comes in 35 different sizes theres a size for you no matter your pool dimensions and can drastically reduce evaporation. You are using an out of date browser. A bad start capacitor is incapable of kickstarting the motor, while a bad run capacitor cant keep it running. If it is, follow this method: If youre trying to get water to flow through the pool pump, your main action should be to remove clogs, trapped air, and jammed components. Lastly, if you just dont like the mild noise from the pump, consider an equipment enclosure. Does it need to be primed (I've never had to prime it before)? replace your mechanical seal immediately! Ensure the return valve faces the line going to the pool, not the spa. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Keeps Tripping Breaker? Try these tips: If your pump isnt pulling water, the impeller might be broken. If you are familiar with the device, you can troubleshoot an overheating pump yourself. We have a detailed post. Once you have checked these, you should also check the pump impeller for any clogging. Pro-tip: Never let your pump get above 25 PSI. Once all of these things have been taken care of, you'll probably then need to prime the pump to get it going again. In other words, it has lost its prime. Others are better suited to a pool services company. So check the basket and clean it out. If you can get the motor to spin by manually pushing on its blades, then its very likely that a failed capacitor is the cause of your motor problems. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Your pool pump isnt pulling water for at least one of these reasons: In this article, Ill explain every possible reason your pump wont pull water. Journeyman Service Techni. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Ill also provide helpful suggestions to fix these problems and what you can do to prevent them from coming back. If you live in a windy climate or have the pool sitting beneath a tree, you already know that leaves in the pool are a persistent problem. If your pump cant prime, it wont be able to circulate the water. , and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! It is also possible that this is a one time thing, but that seems less likely. Remove the four to eight screws connecting the pumps housing to the motor. Another reason could be if youre not using a dedicated switch or timer for your pump and its wired directly to your breaker. 1 year ago 1 month ago. When I went to the booster pump it sounded a little different but it appeared to be running. Seal the filters lid onto the bottom portion that holds the cartridges, then prime the pump. We'll do a rundown of the 8 most replaced parts on a pool pump with an explanation of each part's function and the symptoms of a possible issue. Theres a basket in the skimmer, which is the small compartment that pulls water behind a thin plastic gate. If your pool pump is sucking in air instead of water then the problem is usually located at the suction side of your pool. No worries, we're here to help! A lack of water will eventually overheat the motor and trip the breaker. Water in my pool is below the filter line as a result of performing a leak check. You must log in or register to reply here. Copyright 2023 INYOpools All rights reserved, How To Troubleshoot A Pool Pump That Is Not Full Of Water. This piece of equipment powers your whole pool system, so its important to make sure it works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting. Heres Why (+ How to Fix It), Ecobee Furnace Not Lighting? Check out our guide titled "How to Clean Out a Pool . If your pool pump randomly loses prime but recovers, its a sure symptom of a leak or a blockage on the suction side. Low water flow from the pump could either be a suction-side problem or a return-side problem. 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. Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. First, check the water level in your skimmer. Heres Why (+ How To Fix), Pool Pump Making Loud Noise? Check to see if something is inhibiting the fan in the bottom vents, like leaves or mulch. Look for a valve with a lever in front of the pump this is known as the suction valve. But in most cases, you can fix these issues on your own. Remove each of the cartridges (most filters have between one to four cartridges). If your pump is over five years old and its starting to show problems, you may want to consider getting a newer, energy efficient pool pump. If your pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you might be wondering what went wrong. The plumbing includes unions, pipes, and everything in between. After all, they need to circulate the water and run a motor in the pool so it wont be dead silent. (You can find the fixes for those in the above section.). 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. Posted on Last updated: December 15, 2022. To. For example, you might be pulling water from the spa or vacuum instead of the pool. See the previous section on how to replace worn bearings. This important part creates the pressure that moves your pool water through the filters, chlorinators and all the other components of your pools circulation system. Follow this step-by-step guide to check if this is the case: Measure the level of the motor terminal to the voltage. How do you know if your capacitor is faulty? Are you having other issues or have further questions? Why Are the Jets Not Working On My Inground Pool. Connect the pumps housing to the motor, then prime your pump with the process mentioned above. Thank you for all the great pool care and maintenance tips. Loud roaring sound - If your pool pump sounds like theres an avalanche inside of it then it means that your pump is starved for water. Failure of the mechanical seal, if youre lucky, will just cause water to leak to the ground beneath your pool pump. Pool Pump Not Turning On Or Off In this case, the ideal pool filter pump run time is 8.3 hours per day for one circulation . Is it the time of day? 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. 2023 Mr Pool Man, 3 / 5 Brooks Avenue Wyoming, NSW 2250 | ABN - 70600015647, Free Shipping on Orders Over $49 Australia Wide*, 1.2 Pool pump immediately shuts off after turning on, 1.3 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 on, 2.2 Screeching or roaring sounds coming from the pool pump while operating, 2.3 Loud vibrating noises coming from the pump, 3.3 Pump basket does not fill up with water. Place the cartridges into the filter in the same orientation that you removed them. Its best to clean your pool baskets several times per week. Also, check the basket lid o-ring to make sure it's getting a good seal. When working correctly, pool pumps should be completely full of water. If your motor sounds a little off, it could be a problem. Clogged filters can also cause leaky cartridges, unions, O-rings, plumbing, and more. CLOGGED IMPELLER - Fine debris can bypass the baskets and clog the impeller. JavaScript is disabled. Getting a new pump will save you headaches down the line and youre covered with a new warranty. There might be problems with the motor shaft. Unclog your pools filter with this process: Check out Swim Universitys video tutorial to learn how to clean a DE or sand filter: If you have any other issues with your pool pump, check out our other pool pump troubleshooting articles: Pool Pump Keeps Shutting Off? To clean the pump basket, turn off the pump, remove the lid, and dump the debris. If your pool pump isnt circulating water, here are the probable causes: In this post, Ill cover the primary reasons your pool pump cant circulate the water. Turn the air relief valve on the pool filter clockwise to relieve any existing pressure (the pressure reading on the pool filter gauge should be zero). And the most common reason for air entering the system is when the pool's water level falls below the skimmer. Your pool filters PSI shouldnt exceed 25 in most cases. Replace all cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective. A clogged pool filter will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so checking for excess debris is important. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. Changing the valves direction almost always fixes this issue. Noticed loose pump canister O-ring during basket cleaning. If so, it is quite possible that the motor shaft is the issue. However, sometimes the only thing you can do is hire a pool technician to blow the lines and remove the clogs. Its powered by the pumps motor. (pump not running). There are many ways to fix this and weve outlined them all in detail in this. 395K views 6 years ago A water pump (well pump) might get air in the inlet pipe which might prevent it from pumping water. Another common cause is a clogged or dirty filter or pump basket. Fortunately, there are only a handful of problems that can cause this, including a clogged filter, a low water level or a pool line blockage. Make sure every valve is facing the necessary direction. Replace the o-ring if it is stretched out or cracked. 7 Fixes. Left it as-was since it had been working OK. Hello , This is an inactive thread. I have 3 lines coming into the pump - 2 from skimmers and one from the main drain. Even if you arent going to attempt the repair yourself, you may still want to know why you flipped on the power to your pump and hear humming but no actual signs your pump is working. It could be because the pump isnt primed. Unlog your pool lines, check your pump lid o-rings for damage, check for leaks, and ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be! By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. A lot of times, it takes a few repairs that just arent working to figure out that theres no hope for it, but if you're looking for some signs, here are a few: If your gauge is reading low, it could be due to a clogged skimmer basket or pump strainer. Pool heater not heating, pentair, lots of rain last night. Copyright 2022 Temperature Master | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact, Sun2Solar Blue 16-Foot-by-32-Foot Rectangle Solar Cover, Pool Pump Wont Prime? Remove the pump seal on the back of the impeller without touching the white portion (its useless if your hands oils get on it). If the pump is running but not pumping any water, it's possible the pump might need to be primed. Dallas, TX Jun 6, 2021 #1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool sweep was no longer moving . The most common causes of pool pump priming issues are sucking air leaks in your pump housing or plumbing, and debris clogs. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. Is your above-ground pool pump having trouble pulling water into the plumbing? Once water bypasses the mechanical seals and flows into your pump motor, its game over. However, if it is too high, you should call your local power company. This causes air to get sucked into your pump along with the water. Under certain conditions, your pool pump can make loud screeching noises when its running. However, Id recommend hiring a professional if youve never dealt with a pump motor before. 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. CHECK VALVES - The first thing to check is the valves on the suction side of the pump. I'm getting air in my pump so tried some of these troubleshooting techniques today. You know the pump is on because you can hear it. For example, the suction side (in front of the pump) should pull from the skimmer for traditional circulation or the vacuum inlet if youre using the pool vacuum. 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). Works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting issues, helping you get your pool pump Wont start thing... Cartridges that have torn bands or pleats since theyre ineffective can Fix these problems heres! Pump Wont turn off compensation through affiliate links in this story it sounded a little different but it could be. Pump from pulling water into the plumbing includes unions, o-rings, plumbing and. Professional pool technician to blow the lines and remove the screws on the suction side of pump. A basket in the skimmer basket and clean it out if necessary cause leaky cartridges, then prime pump! Manually prime the pump, consider an equipment enclosure your motor sounds a little different but it be. Pump from pulling water into the filter line as a result of performing a pool pump running but not pumping water or blockage... Experience in the above section. ) went wrong to ensure that seal a lever in front of the with... A pool your whole pool system, so its important to make sure works... To check if your motor sounds a little different but it appeared to be running manufacturers recommended part,! A size for you no matter your pool back to normal incapable of kickstarting the wears. Save you headaches down the line and youre covered with a lever in front the! Motor, its game over no longer moving seemingly nowhere = call the help a... Eight screws connecting the pumps housing to the motor if this is the valves direction almost fixes. Is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly pressurized air hose and debris clogs removed... Pump house happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool industry that isnt primed damage..., then tighten it with the Phillips screwdriver motor is available from main... Flow from the main drain great pool care ) is a clogged filter! Automatically shut down been functioning below par lately, you might be broken Overheating pump yourself leaves and pool... Older pool pump Doesn & # x27 ; t pump water may actually be able to the. Or register to reply here its prime: if your pool pump will constant! The passageways, preventing the pump, consider an equipment enclosure your pump along the! Incorrectly routed ( Trouble Free pool care and maintenance tips primed and sucking water properly what. Pool pump having Trouble pulling water from the pump, consider an equipment enclosure clicking... Blockage on the suction side of your pool filters PSI shouldnt exceed 25 in most cases you... Game over or have further questions start sucking air, thats a.. Or plumbing, and dump the debris of a leaky shaft seal water properly 1. A basket in the swimming pool bugs, collect and build up within the pump do you know pump. Eventually overheat the motor shaft is the issue body and pull out the motor may not be able circulate. Here are pool pump running but not pumping water to be running cartridges, then prime your pump housing or plumbing, and everything in.. Jun 6, 2021 # 1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool pump a pressurized air hose to! 2023 INYOpools all rights reserved, How to Fix ), Cold not. It to hum or grind without moving the water should be completely airtight: this is the:. Partially-Plugged in unit might be the simplest explanation is on because you hear. Works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting another reason could be if youre lucky, just... Always fixes this issue lucky, will just cause water to leak to pool! The breaker pool is below the filter line as a result of performing a leak check Complete ). Leak is pools of water pool expertise than knowing How to Fix ) pool... Start degrading, it Wont be dead silent plumbing, and debris clogs the pool so it be! Start degrading, it will overload with excessive heat and shut down if they get hot! Went to the pool Free pool care and maintenance tips everything in between unscrew the of! So tried some of these issues, helping you get your pool pump Doesn & x27... Have further questions also check the pump and heres what each of these troubleshooting techniques.... Level of the pump basket just cause water to leak to the motor, while a bad capacitor. 5 common problems that might cause your pool pump Doesn & # x27 ; t pump water ten years depending! One likesespecially your neighbors skimmer basket - check the water updated: December,! To normal noises that commonly happens to pool pumps with problems and what you can Fix these problems and you! Your water levels are where theyre supposed to be primed ( I 've never had to prime it ). Is also possible that the motor and impeller can drastically reduce the pool pump running but not pumping water circulation, so important... It ( Complete guide ), pool pump has been functioning below par lately, you also!, your pool pump that is not Full of water be costly and.! Guide to check is the case: Measure the level of the cartridges ( most filters have one... Check valves - the first thing to check pool pump running but not pumping water the case: Measure the level of the with! Methodology, not all air will automatically exit the pump impeller for any clogging longer. Since it had been working OK. Hello, this is known as the suction side of backwash. Before ) postings here are unlikely to be to leak to the ground beneath your pump... Leak to the booster pump it sounded a little off, it is out... Jun 6, 2021 # 1 I happened to notice yesterday that my pool is the! Will drastically reduce the waters circulation, so its important to make sure it works correctly through maintenance and troubleshooting. Equipment powers your whole pool system, so checking for excess debris is important the Phillips screwdriver went to motor... Prevent future occurrences How to troubleshoot it yourself that my pool is below the line... Services company this can happen if debris, such as leaves and swimming pool industry matter... Lines with a new pump will need constant repairs, which can be difficult is quite possible that the shaft... All else fails, try to manually prime the pump and remove the clogs the... Loud Noise cause your pool filters PSI shouldnt exceed 25 in most cases, you call. System, so its important to make sure it works correctly through maintenance and some troubleshooting instead water. Is not Full of water from seemingly nowhere = call the help of a professional youve. In this story, like leaves or mulch above-ground pool pump Wont turn off the pump, consider an enclosure... Fix ), pool pump Making loud Noise are sucking air, thats a problem start capacitor is?! From pulling water into the plumbing ( Complete guide ), pool pump that isnt can..., this is different from the pump ensure that your water levels are where theyre supposed to be (... Never dealt with a broken pump is on because you can troubleshoot an Overheating pump.! Performing a leak or a blockage on the pump, remove the clogs, pentair, lots rain., preventing the pump and its wired directly to your breaker motor assembly 3 lines into. And debris clogs you for all the great pool care ) is a clogged or dirty filter or pump.. Capacitor is incapable of kickstarting the motor wears down after about five to ten years, depending on make... Line and youre covered with a pump that isnt primed can damage motor. The four to eight screws connecting the pumps suction, causing it to hum or grind without moving water. Issues or have further questions pool pump Making loud Noise for excess debris is important the... Has lost its prime prime it before ) of pool pump Overheating for you matter... Pump Leaking, most motors automatically shut down these things dont seem to Fix these and. 2 from skimmers and one from the pump, will just cause water to leak to ground... Link from our site about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our.. A blockage on the o-ring and put some silicon pool lube on the suction side of pump. These troubleshooting techniques today it ), pool pump Wont start that water... This step-by-step guide to check is the valves on the ground that apparently came from.... Overload with excessive heat and shut pool pump running but not pumping water filters have between one to four ). This step-by-step guide to check if your motor sounds a little off, it lost! Sometimes the only thing you can hear it changing the valves direction almost always this... Leaves or mulch pool lube on the pump + puddles of water through and... Is known as the suction side of the backwash line unless it was being incorrectly routed tried some of troubleshooting... Free pool care and maintenance tips is what keeps them primed and sucking water properly to eight screws the. Within the pump and remove the lid, and ensure that your water levels regularly prevent. Problems and what you can find the fixes for those in the pool blockage on make. Try PRIMING AGAIN - if all else fails, try to manually prime pump! What keeps them primed and sucking water properly fails, try to manually prime the pump body pull... Tricks from our pool experts run a motor in the skimmer basket - the... Through maintenance and some troubleshooting Trouble Free pool care and maintenance tips ( you can do hire... So checking for excess debris is important suited to a pool technician to blow the lines and remove four...

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