Pool Pump ProblemsIf you have a leaking spa or pool pump shaft seal,the link below is a "how to" guide on replacing your seal. Also below that is a link pertaining to time clock problems,which can cause the motor not to turn on in the first place. How to Change a Spa or Pool Pump Seal
Pump Running But Not Pumping WaterOne of the main pool pump problems I hear from customers is"the pump is running but its not pumping any water". This is because the pump is not "primed" or at least not primed fully. When the pump is primed,it means the water is flowing through the pump at top speed,creating suction and pressure. Heres a few of the MAIN causes of a pump not being fully primed or primed at all:1)The water level has dropped below the skimmer level and the pump is sucking air-or,if you have a weir flap in the skimmer it may get stuck in the closed or up position. 2)Possibly the pump lid is not on tight or needs a new or cleaned/lubricated o-ring 3)If the pump has a closed face impeller,possibly debris has gotten past the pump basket(maybe broken basket?)and clogged impeller 4)The plumbing going to your pump may be clogged 5)If you have a check valve on the inlet side of pump,part of it may have broken off and is blocking inlet 6)The inlet or outlet plumbing of pump has become loose,causing an air leak 7)A diverter valve in front of pump is leaking air 8)The ceramic shaft seal is leaking water and/or air 9)Most pumps have a threaded plug before and after the impeller on the lower side (usually right side) of pump-these small plugs(about 1/4 inch) may come loose,letting in air. 10)If you have just installed a new pump or motor or the pool was drained or any plumbing has been redone or for any reason air has gotten into your plumbing line you may need to force water through your plumbing from the skimmer to the pump to remove air....this can be done with a device called a "drain jet" that is available from a hardware store....it can also be used in reverse FROM the pump TO the skimmer to fix problem #4 above! 11)If your pump has a problem catching prime AFTER cleaning the pump basket,try installing a swing check valve in front of pump.
Pump Making Excessive Noise1)Most often this is due to bearings in motor failing2)Sometimes a blockage such as a filter backwash in the halfway postition can cause excessive noise 3)Sometimes the motor endbells can wear out letting the bearings oscillate inside creating a rhythmic noise(more on this in motor section) Motor Stuck - Hums Then Trips Breaker1)Most likely a bad start capacitor2)Stuck impeller usually due to debris caught in impeller,but can also be caused by calcium build up from leaking seal-to check,try turning motor shaft or impeller by hand with power off to see if impeller is stuck Sometimes if you have an air leak somewhere in equipment, after pump shuts off the flow of water may reverse causing debris from filter to back up into the pump impeller. When the pump tries to start the following day,the motor cannot overcome the friction of debris to start. This may be a very slow process, perhaps hours after pump shuts off. 3)Motor has improper voltage or is simply old and start winding is burnt out 4)The bearings have seized Return from pool pump problems to pumps and motors page
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