Swimming Pool Pump Troubleshooting - No Circulation

A common problem with swimming pool pumps is when the pump will not hold a prime. This means the pump isn't pulling water from the pool resulting in little or no water circulation in the pool. If the pool equipment is running, there is no circulation in the swimming pool, and the pump basket is not filled with water, the chances are good that the pump is somehow pulling air instead of water and not maintaining a prime.

Following are several troubleshooting tips to help find out why the pool pump is losing its prime.

No Water in the Pump Pot - turn off the pump, remove the pump pot lid and fill with water. Replace the lid and start the pump again. The problem could be as simple as the pump just needing to be primed. Eliminate this issue first.

Water Level Too Low - if the water level gets below the skimmer intake, there may not be any water for the pump to draw from. This is another very common issue. Make sure the water level is half way up the skimmer inlet.

Pump Pot Lid Not on Properly - the pump pot lid might not be on properly or there may be debris under the lid causing an air leak. Make sure the pool pump lid and pool pump o-ring are clean and installed properly. Be cautious not to over tighten the pump pot lid.

Pump Pot Lid O-ring Missing or Damaged - sometimes when the pump basket is cleaned out, the pump lid o-ring will pop off the lid without being noticed. Then, when the lid is put back on, there is an air leak that stops the pump from priming. Also, the pump lid o-ring might be damaged or cracked. Make sure the pump lid o-ring is installed properly and in good condition.

Pump Pot Lid Cracked or Damaged - on rare occasions a crack can develop in the pool pump lid resulting in an air leak. Carefully inspect the pump pot lid for cracks or other damage that could result in a bad seal.

Pump Basket or Skimmer Basket Clogged if either of the baskets are clogged, the pump will not be able to pull the water from the pool.

Clogged or Damaged Pump Impeller - sometimes small debris will get past the pump basket and clog the pump impeller. A small rock, seed, or any small clump of debris can easily clog up the pump impeller and stop the impeller from moving and circulating the appropriate amount of water. With all equipment turned off, open the pump basket and flush out the impeller with water. If necessary, disassemble the pump and make sure the impeller is not clogged.

A properly working swimming pool pump is a key element to avoiding problems with the pool. If the pool pump is running dry and not circulating the water properly, make it a top priority to solve the problem immediately in order to avoid bigger and more involved pool problems.

 

 

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