Easily Troubleshoot Your Swimming Pool Pump

Many swimming pool owners and pool companies agree that the water pump is integral for a well-performing pool of all the swimming pool supplies. The role of the pool pump is to filter pool water efficiently. It works by pulling water from the pool into the filters where debris in the water is removed. Once the water is filtered, it is returned to the pool for safe swimming. Pool pumps are continuously circulating water through the filters and back into the pool itself. When something goes wrong with the pump, it can cause problems with the filters and other swimming pool supplies in Toronto, resulting in unbalanced water and unsafe swimming conditions.

If you need to replace your swimming pool pump, you can contact local pool companies for recommendations. At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, you can shop online or in-store for all your necessary pool equipment. 

Read on for a simple guide to troubleshooting your swimming pool pump. 

Signs There’s A Problem With Your Pool Pump

The best way to repair a malfunctioning or broken-down pool pump is to identify one in need of some help. There are some telltale signs your pool pump needs attention. 

Age: The first indicator that something might be wrong with your pool pump is its age. Pool pumps have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. As your pump nears the end of that period, you may see an increase in problems associated with it. 

Strange Sounds: Unusual sounds are hard to ignore, and they should get your attention right away. Pool pumps are known to make a range of noises such as grinding, screeching, rumbling as a cry for help. 

Visible Indicators: A pool pump is part of the filtration system of your pool. If it’s not functioning as expected, you may start to notice cloudy or murky water in the basin of your backyard swimming pool. This sign can sometimes be attributed to other swimming pool supplies in Toronto like the filters, but the pump should definitely be looked at. You should also be on the lookout for bubbling or spitting water from the pumps directly.

What Do These Signs Mean? 

Once you’re able to identify something wrong with the pump, get to the source of the symptom. 

Rumbling Noises: A constant rumbling sound usually means that your pump is vibrating too much. This can happen when a pool pump becomes dislodged or loosens. If there are cracks on your pump, you’ll need to replace your pump. You can find the right match online from Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs. 

Not Turning On: If your pump isn’t turning back on after being off for a while. Or, if the pump continues to turn off while it’s running, then you may have a problem with its voltage, or your pump could be overheating. Turn your pump off, check for debris around the motor, and clear out anything blocking the motor vents. If the problem persists, seek a professional repair service or contact one of your local pool companies. 

Leaking Pool Pump: A leaky pool pump can often be pinpointed to a problem with an o-ring. O-rings are responsible for creating a tight seal. Since they’re small and made of rubber, they can endure wear and tear that leads to cracks and separation, allowing water through. If there is damage to the o-ring, replace it. If it is simply dried out, you can fix the problem with some lubricant. 

Low Waterflow/Murky Water: If the water pressure in your pool is low, you should check your filters to see if they are backed up with dirt and debris. Cleaning out your filter should return pressure to normal if not, contact a professional. Using water test strips will measure your water chemistry to stay on top of problems with your pool chemistry. Shop online for all-in-one test strips from Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs.

Sucking Air: A pool pump bringing in the air instead of water can come down to various different problems such as a loose pump lid, cracks, faulty sealants, plumbing issues, and more. If you can’t get to the bottom of why your pump is intaking air, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

For your pool pumps and all your swimming pool equipment, you can contact the team at Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs for help. We’ve been building backyard swimming pools for decades and are happy to share our expertise with you. 

Shop online or visit one of our two in-store locations today to get your pool pump in working order fast.