Troubleshooting Pool Pumps | Signs your Pool Pump is Going Out
Pool pumps are an expensive replacement, so you need to ensure that you use it properly and maintain it well. Any oncoming dangers need to be dealt with immediately; else you risk totally damaging the pump. Even a small error that goes on for too long may lead to premature replacement. But you can't deal with the problem if you don't know how to spot the signs right? So here are a number of warning signs that any pool owner needs to be aware of and how to troubleshoot them.
Noise from the Pool Pump
This is one of the easiest symptoms to recognize, and it may be caused by one of a variety of factors. The impeller may be vibrating against the pad on which it rests on. When this impeller touches the volute surface, a lot of noise is produced. Placing a piece of rubber mat beneath it may assist in quieting down the pump. It absorbs vibrations and prevents the impeller from reaching the pad.
Another major cause of a noisy pump is cavitation. This is simply starving the pump. It occurs when the pump is unable to get as much water as it requires fast enough. The impeller spins too fast, but the limited water supply causes it to start beating the air molecules out of the water. Check the lines for a clog that may limit the supply to the pump. Additionally, you may have installed a pump that's too large for your pool.
Pump Hums and Shuts Off
Another sign that your pump is in trouble is if it hums and then quiets down with a 'click' sound. This problem is mainly as a result of the motor failing to start. Since it remains stationary, the motor starts overheating and the temperature sensor immediately cuts it off. The pump cools down and restarts, and the process repeats itself.
Check for any debris that may cause the motor to stop rotating. Bad motor bearings may also hinder its rotation. Also, look for any loose wiring or broken power cords that may interfere with power getting to the motor.
Pump Leaking Water
Watching for signs of a leaking pump is not difficult. You can easily spot the exact location of the leak just by observation. Common causes of a leaking pump are damaged seals. You can find the shaft seal inside the pump motor assembly just behind the impeller. With a damaged shaft seal, water will constantly dribble from the bottom of the pump even when the pump is not running.
Another cause of a leak is a damaged housing O-ring. This kind of leak happens only when the pump is running, and water sprays out of the pump at high pressure.
For more information, contact a company like Shenton Pumps.
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