A malfunctioning pool pump can put a damper on your outdoor plans in a hurry. How do you know if you should call out your pool company for repairs? Here is a look at some of the most common causes of pool pump issues, and what you should do about them.
Water Leaks
If water is leaking from your pump, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common pool pump problems and one that most pool owners eventually experience. Typically, leaking water is caused by a worn-out seal, such as a bad shaft seal, bad thread sealant, a bad impeller housing O-ring, or shrunken discharge pipe threads. Your pool maintenance company can pinpoint the exact part that is causing the problem and replace it.
Failure to Pull Water
When your pump doesn’t pull in enough water, the water in your pool won’t be adequately filtered, and you won’t be able to swim. Often, this kind of malfunction occurs when there is a clog somewhere in your pumping system that is restricting water flow. In some cases, an air leak in the suction line causes a failure to pull water as well. An air leak causes the system to pull in air instead of water. You may be able to spot a clog in the system by checking your skimmer and pump baskets, in which case you can remove it, or you may be able to spot and patch an air leak. If you can’t find the cause, let your pool maintenance company investigate further.
Motor Won’t Operate
If your pool pump motor won’t turn on or turns itself off after a few minutes, check your breaker to look for any trips. You can also look at the vents on the pump to make sure they aren’t clogged, as motors will turn off if they overheat. If you can’t find any immediate issues, call your pool repair company, as you may have an electrical issue.
TMC Custom Pools and Renovations offers service and repairs for pools in Tucson, Phoenix, and Casa Grande. When you need pool service, call us at (520) 797-0168 or (480) 545-7665.
