Easy troubleshooting causes pool pump not working - Globo Pool (2023)

A pool pump that doesn't work is the last thing you want for your pool's circulation system. When the pool water isn't moving, things start to get messy; garbage floating everywhere and algae turning the pool green. Assuming your pump has stopped working, the first question that comes to mind is why is my pool pump not working?

If your pool pump has stopped working, there are many things that could be causing the problem. This can be:

• electrical problem
• Loss of suction or low water flow
• The pump is sucking in air
• Air in the system or leaks, and
• Worn pump parts such as impeller or bearing

These are the most common problems that can cause your pump to stop working. Understanding how to resolve them will help you know where to start when you find yourself in this situation. In this post, you will find detailed information on how to troubleshoot a faulty pool pump.

Why is the pool pump not working? How to solve this problem

The pool pump is the heart of the pool's circulation system. So it should work properly when you need it to. However, like any other mechanical device, it is subject to problems.

The good news is that if you have a problem with your pool pump, you can fix it yourself. Here are some ways to troubleshoot a pool pump that won't work:

Problem 1: Pump does not start or shuts down during operation

If the last time you turned on your pool pump it was working fine, but now nothing happens or after turning it on it stops almost immediately,you may have an electrical problem.

Drive to the breaker box and make sure the pump breaker circuit is not off or blown. Turn it on if it's on. If it's cracked, replace it.

If everything looks good, check the extension cord for loose connections or damage. If you're not sure how to do this, it's best to hire a qualified electrician to help you.

If the engine overheats, the pump will shut off almost immediately. In this case, there may be an overload in the circuit.

Check the pump for voltage with amultimeter. Also check the engine valves to make sure they are unobstructed and not blocked.

If power is getting to the motor but the motor shaft is not turning, check the motor for debris.

If the pump starts, but not at full speed, and a buzzing sound is heard, it means thatyou may have a faulty capacitor. Be careful because the capacitor carries a charge of electricity.

If you're not sure how to test it, it's best to have a professional do it.

Problem 2: Pump runs but does not pump or has low flow

If your pool pump starts, runs but does not pump or has low flow, this means:there is a problem with the pump suction or something is interfering with the flow of water.

Perhaps something is blocking the flow of water, the pool filter is dirty, or there is too much air in the pool's circulation system.

If something is blocking the water flow, the best place to check is the filter level indicator. If the PSI exceeds the expected reading (10 PSI), check the filter.

The most obvious culprit is a dirty filter media. Clean it by backwash (sand or DE filter) or remove the cartridge and clean it thoroughly.

Your next stop will be the pump basket and impeller. If dirt is found in these two components, the pool pump may stop pumping or reduce flow. Remove any blockages to free water flow.

If there is air in the pool's circulation system, the skimmer or leak could be the cause. If the water level is too low, air can enter the tubes under the skimmer port. The same could happen if the skimmer is full of dirt.

How you do it? Start by priming the pump. Then turn off the appliance, fill the basket with water and turn it on again.

Then make sure the water level is halfway through the skimmer and empty/clean the skimmer basket to ensure there is no mess.

Check for leakswalk around visible pool plumbing, especially around fittings. If you notice dripping or the ground becomes wet, there is a leak or crack nearby.

The pump casing can also leak. Check for damaged or missing seals that need to be replaced, such as impeller housing, o-rings, shaft seal or thread seal.

Problem 3: The pool pump is sucking in air

The pool pump must be completely sealed to maintain the necessary suction so that it is primed and able to draw water properly.

If the pump sucks air into the housing, there is a problem with the pump.This can be caused by a faulty thread seal, suction air leak, cracked pump casing, valve stem leak, or plumbing problem on the suction side of the pump.

One of the best ways to find a leak is to use a regular leak.dishwasherand mix with water to make bubbles. Then spread the bubbles over the suspected area. If they suck, the seal is cracked or broken and needs to be replaced.

Problem 4: The pool pump is making noise

Is your pool pump rattling or making noise? If so, it may indicate low water flow. Ideally you would improve this by removing debris that may be blocking the suction line. Also check the system for leaks.

If the noise is louder, the pump may have damaged bearings and must be replaced. Again, you can do this yourself, but only if you know what you're doing.

If you don't have experience disassembling the pool pump and replacing parts, I advise you to hire a professional to repair it.

Task 5: The pump basket is not filled with water

If all of the above situations are not the cause of the pump not working, it is possible that the pump basket is not filling with water. There must be enough water for the pump to suck enough. A basket that doesn't fill with water could have a leak, a clogged filter, or a dirty pump basket.

The best way to solve the problem is to check the water level in the pool skimmer. It should be halfway through the skimmer.

The next stop is at the pump basket to check for debris. Remember to turn off the pump and open the transparent cover.

With the lid closed, check the pump basket lid O-ring. It should provide a good seal. Make sure there are no cracks. If yes, replace it. You can also put some silicone pool lubricant on the O-ring, put it back in and secure the pump drain plug.

If none of these seem to be the cause, do a shaving cream test to check for air leaks in all the obvious places like pipe joints, valves, and plugs.

If none of the above is the cause, check the filter gauge to make sure it is within the normal range. If the PSI is above the normal range, there is probably a problem; the filter needs cleaning. Backwash if it is a DE or sand filter, or remove the cartridge and clean it thoroughly.

If you've done this and the basket hasn't filled, there may be a leak. To check for leaks along the suction line, use the dishwasher soap method. Blow bubbles around the suspected location; if they are sucked in, there is a leak that needs to be repaired.

How to recognize that the pool pump is breaking?

You may have done all of the above, fixed the problem and restarted the pool pump. However, it won't last forever; at some point you will have to abandon all repairs and replace them with new ones. But how do you know when it's time to buy a new pool pump?

Continuous low filter pressure gauge readings

If the pool filter is clean but the pressure gauge always shows low readings even after cleaning the skimmer and pump filter, it is possible that the impeller is worn out.

It can be replaced, but over time the bearing and other internal parts will also wear out. So be careful and start saving for a new pump.

Continuous pump leak

If you checked for leaks and found the pump was leaking, you tried checking the O-ring, but nothing helped. water continues to drip even when the pump is turned off, the pump motor shaft seal is worn out. Replacement can be expensive and finding parts to repair can be challenging.

The pump is constantly losing prime

If your pool pump continues to lose suction even after troubleshooting, or starts pumping and loses suction after a day, it might be time to consider getting a new one. There is a possibility that it has reached the end of its glory.

Pool Pump Doesn't Work - Try This

If the pool pump is not working, check for an electrical problem. If all is well, check the water level to make sure it's halfway through the skimmer. Also check the filter indicator to make sure it is within the optimal range. Clean pump and skimmer basket. Check for leaks and replace worn o-rings.

Completion of all these steps can restore pump operation. If nothing improves, it is best to hire a professional to solve the problem. Be prepared to buy a new pump as this could mean the device has worked better and needs to be replaced.