Protecting Your Pool During Winter

Pool Maintenance: Common Pump Problems and Possible Solutions

Swimming pool pumps are designed and built to move water through the filter. Therefore, if the component fails, the quality of the water will decline, making the pool unsanitary and unsafe for continued use. The pump is also responsible for forcing water through the heater. Without the unit, you will not be able to maintain the preferred temperature of the pool. Fortunately, the common issues which affect the pool pump can be resolved through simple maintenance and repair. Here is a short discussion on some of these problems and possible solutions. 

No Water Movement

If the pump in your pool is not moving the water, you should check the baskets and skimmer. Often, this problem is caused by the clogging of these components which are designed to collect debris. If you clear out the leaves and other materials, the water movement should be restored. It is important to prevent the recurrence of this problem by regularly cleaning your pump baskets. In some cases, the problem is more serious. The lack of water movement could be cause by an air leak within the suction lines. This issue is difficult to repair and might necessitate pump replacement. Therefore, you will need to consult a qualified pool contractor or technician.

Water Leakage

Leaks can occur in a swimming pool pump, and they usually affect the pressure side of the component. The causes of such leakages are quite varied, so you will need to examine the unit. The common issues leading to pump leaks include broken shaft seals, degraded thread sealants and damaged threads around the internal piping. The exact repair method will depend on the cause. Typically, you will need to replace the damaged components such as the seals or pipes to restore optimal functionality. If you would like to minimise the risk of this problem recurring, you should perform the maintenance tasks recommended by the pump manufacturer.

Dead Motor

There are numerous problems which can cause the motor to stop or fail unexpectedly. You should check on these issues so that you can identify the most suitable solution. In general, you should examine the breaker and the timer first. Confirm that the breaker is not tripped, and the motor is turning on at the right time. If there is humming sound, the pump capacitor could be failing. If the motor runs but keeps stopping, the component could be overheating. You should ensure that the fans are working correctly. Also, consider running the pump at night if the weather is hot. 


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