Listening for Pump Problems

When you own a swimming pool, over time you will become familiar with the sounds made by the pool pump each day while it is running. So when you hear any sounds that seem unusual, trust your instincts and investigate. Changing sounds in your pool pump can be the first clue to many different problems and immediately troubleshooting the issue can be a big money saver.



Low Water Level - as the water level in the pool gets too low and starts getting close to below the skimmer intake, you may hear the pool pump cycling. It will make one sound when it is pulling water and another sound when it is sucking air.

Clogged Skimmer Basket - when the pool skimmer basket gets clogged with debris, the pump will strain to get water and become louder than normal.

Clogged Pump Pot - just like the skimmer basket, when the pool pump basket gets clogged with debris, the pump will be working extra hard to pull water from the pool and could get louder than usual.

Pump Motor Bearings - if the pool pump gets louder than normal and you hear a grinding noise, it is usually the motor bearings going bad and you will need to replace the pump motor.

Pump Turns On and then Off - if the pump turns on and runs for a while, then turns off on its own, and repeats this cycle throughout the daily run, it means the pump motor is overheating and probably needs to be replaced.

Pump Just Hums and Goes Off - if the pump just hums and then turns off it could mean the pool pump start capacitor needs to be replaced.



Products Helpful for this Tip

Pool Water Leveler

Swimming Pool Filler

Pool Skimmer Basket

Pool Pump Basket

Pool Pump Start Capacitor

 

 

More Articles on Pool Pumps