Common Issues with Pool Pump and How To Fix Them

June 1, 2023

Your swimming pool needs to keep clean and healthy, so a good swimming pool pump is vital.
We have written a blog about in-ground/ above-ground swimming pool pumps. In that article, we discount some questions about in-ground and above-ground pool pumps. If you are interested in this blog, before reading this article, you can have a glance over it.
Sometimes we will meet some problems during using the pool pump. How to fix it? Ask a technician for help? If it is a small problem, why not solving it by ourselves first?
If you have bought a Dual Voltage Inground Swimming Pool pump, some customers don’t know to wire it. Here is a video about how to wire a dual voltage swimming pool pump:


There are some frequently asked issues and their possible reasons and solutions. You can have a look, maybe it can help you solve the problem.
Issue: The motor will not start

1. Improper or loose wiring connections; open switches or relays; tripped circuit breakers, GFCI's, or blown fuses.
2. Manually check rotation of motor shaft for free movement and lack of obstruction.
3. If you have a timer, be certain it is working properly. Bypass it if necessary.

Issue: Motor shuts off

1. Undersized wiring; loose connections; etc.
2. Low voltage at motor or power drop (frequently caused by undersized wiring or extension cord use).
3. Mechanical binding and electrical overload.

Issue: Motor hums but does not start
1. Centrifugal switch stuck in the OPEN position.
2. Binding of the motor shaft.

Issue: Pump won't prime
1. Make sure pump/strainer housing is filled with water and the cover O-ring is clean, also be sure it is properly seated in the cover O-ring groove. Make sure the strainer cover is locked firmly in position and lubricated with "Jack's327.”
2. Make sure all suction and discharge valves are fully open and not blocked, that the pool water level is at the proper level and that the skimmer weir is not hung up or stuck on the skimmer wall.
3. Block off to determine if the pump will develop a vacuum. You should have 5"-6” of vacuum at the strainer cover. You may be able to check by removing the skimmer basket and holding your hand over the bottom port with the skimmer full and pump running. If no suction is felt, check for line blockage.
a. If the pump develops a vacuum, check for blocked suction line or dirty strainer basket, an air leak in the suction piping may be the cause.
b. If the pump does not develop a vacuum and the pump has sufficient "priming water": i. Re-check strainer housing cover and all threaded connections for suction leaks. Check if all hose clamps are tight. ii. Check voltage to ensure that the motor is rotating at full RPMs. iii. Open housing cover and check for clogging or obstruction in suction. Check impeller for debris. iv. Remove and replace shaft seal only if it is leaking.

Issue: Low Flow
1. Clogged or restricted strainer or suction line; undersized pool piping.
2. Plugged or restricted discharge line or filter, valve partially closed (high gauge reading). How to correct: Sand filters-backwash as per manufacturer's instructions; D.E. filters-backwash as per manufacturer's instructions; Cartridge filters-clean or replace.
3. Air leak in suction (bubbles are suing from return fittings).Re-tighten using Teflon tape.
4. Plugged or restricted impeller or impeller sheared off. Replace including new seal assembly.

Issue: Noisy pump
1. Air leak in suction piping causing rumbling in the pump.
2. Cavitation due to restricted or undersized suction line or leak at any joint, low water level in the pool, and unrestricted discharge return lines. Correct suction condition or throttle return lines, if practical. Holding hand over return fitting will sometimes prove this point or putting in a smaller eyeball fitting.
3. Vibration due to improper mounting, etc. Put a rubber pad under metal mounting feet. Foreign matter in the pump housing. Loose stones/debris hitting impeller could be caused, remove any of the above.
4. Motor bearings noisy from normal wear, rust, overheating, or concentration of chemicals causing seal damage which will allow chlorinated water to seep into bearings wiping out the grease causing bearing to whine. All seal leaks should be replaced at once.
5. Equipment base vibrating.


What is the best pool pump for inground and above ground?
1.1.5/2HP 115-230v 2" thread NPT IN-GROUND Swimming Pool Pump Motor with Strainer
2.1.5/2HP 230V Self-priming IN-GROUND Swimming Pool Pump Motor Strainer with 2 Speed
3.1.5/2HP 115-230v Inground Swimming Pool Pump Motor Strainer Hayward Replacement
4. 1.5HP 115V Above ground Swimming Pool pump motor Strainer 5400GPH Portable
5. 2.5HP Swimming Pool Pump In/Above Ground 1850w Motor W/ Strainer Basket
6. 1HP 115V Above ground Swimming Pool pump motor Strainer 5280GPH Portable

Dazzling models and brands of pool pumps will confuse you. Which is the ideal pump for you? We hope you can find the answer from iMeshbean, and get a pool pump of high quality and a good price. We also hope this article can help you solve some frequent issues. Of course, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.


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