Swimming Pool Pumps - What Causes a Pool Pump to Run Dry

Easy to forget about and neglect, the swimming pool pump is the engine of the pool and if not maintained in good working order the swimming pool will quickly turn into a pond. Routine basic maintenance for swimming pool pumps is very simple and will reduce pool related problems and expenses as well as prevent many headaches. Probably the most common problem with pool pumps other than old age is when the pool is neglected and the pump is allowed to run dry.

NEVER Let the Pool Pump Run Dry - If a swimming pool pump is allowed to run without sufficient water, not only will it lead to many different problems with the pool that could get very expensive, but it won't be long before the pump overheats and becomes permanently damaged. There are several reasons why the pool pump could get starved of water and cause this condition. Probably the number one reason is when the water level in the pool gets too low. The next common reason is the skimmer basket or pump basket getting clogged blocking the water flow. On occasion a valve will be moved to the wrong position blocking the water flow to the pump. Lastly, over time and with age the pump lid can develop a crack or the pump lid o-ring can get become cracked or damaged allowing the pump to suck air instead of water.

Symptoms of the Pool Pump Not Getting Enough Water - Typical symptoms of a pool pump being starved of water are a pump becoming louder than normal, the swimming pool getting cloudy and/or starting to turn green, no or low circulation in the pool, the pool cleaner isn't working like normal. Another very obvious sign is when the pump is cycling. This happens when the water level is getting too low but has enough water to provide to the pump for a short period of time. When this happens, the pump will run normally while there is enough water, but when the water runs short, the air being sucked in at the skimmer will make a distinguishable noise that won't seem normal. Any of these symptoms should be a red flag that the pool needs attention.

Simple Maintenance Items to Avoid the Problem - Avoiding the problems and expenses a dry pool pump can lead to is easy with an investment of a little bit of time each week. If the pool doesn't have an automatic fill mechanism that refills the pool when necessary, get to know the how the water level in the pool behaves throughout the year and be diligent about making sure the swimming pool always has enough water. Get in the habit of checking the skimmer basket and pump basket daily, especially in the fall and spring season, to make sure they are not clogged with debris and blocking the water flow to the pump. Know how all the valves work and label them so it is easy to remember what positions they should be in. Every time the pump basket is emptied, inspect the pump o-ring and lid for good repair. After cleaning the pump basket, start up the equipment long enough to make sure the pump is drawing water and the pump basket is filling with sufficient water.

The bottom line is it doesn't take a whole lot of time to develop major problems with a swimming pool such as a burnt out pump motor or damaged pump due to the pump running dry. Getting to know the pool and how it acts throughout the different seasons of the year, then developing a simple routine of only a few minutes each day, each week, or whatever it takes for the specific pool will go a long way to avoiding most problems. But most importantly, whenever there is any indication that something is not right with the pool, don't let the problem linger. Take the time troubleshoot the problem or hire a professional to do it before it turns into a larger problem and big expense.

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