Simple Steps to Avoid Premature Damage to the Pool Pump

Replacing a swimming pool pump can be an expensive repair. The good news is, if cared for properly, most quality pool pumps should last anywhere from 5 - 15 years. Unfortunately many pool owners have to replace the pool pump way earlier than necessary because they inadvertently neglect the most important component of their swimming pool equipment, the pump motor.

The most common reason pool pumps in residential swimming pools suffer unneeded damage and need to be replaced earlier than necessary is water starvation. A pool pump needs to have a continuous supply of water to operate properly. Without water the motor will quickly overheat and will most likely suffer permanent damage. Including some simple and quick steps into the swimming pool maintenance routine can go a long way to help avoid premature damage to a pool pump and prevent a hefty pool repair bill. The following tips will provide a basic understanding of common issues that lead to pool pump damage and premature swimming pool pump motor replacement.

Maintain the Proper Water Level in the Pool - it seems so obvious but is the most common reason pool pumps overheat. If the water level in the pool falls below the skimmer intake there is a good chance the pump will lose its prime and run dry for part of or the complete filter cycle. Keep a close eye on the water level in the pool. If the pool has a leak, consider investing in a pool auto fill to automatically fill the pool to the proper level when needed.

Clogged Skimmer Basket or Pump Basket -if the pool skimmer basket or pool pump basket gets clogged with debris and restrict water flow to the pump, it will soon be running dry. It only takes a few seconds each day to check and clean out these baskets and is worth every second.

Pump O-Ring Missing - when cleaning out the pump basket, be extra careful to make sure the pool pump lid o-ring doesn't fall off unnoticed. If it does and the pump lid is put on without the o-ring, the next time the pool equipment comes on the pump will start pulling air instead of water and could lead to pump motor damage. To avoid this mistake, make it a point to inspect the o-ring each time the pool pump lid is removed.

Cracked Pump Lid - very rare, but on occasion the pump lid can develop a hairline crack that will cause the pump to pull some air. As the crack gets worse the pump will pull more and more air until eventually it will run dry. This problem can easily go unnoticed because the crack can be very hard to see. Be sure to test the pool equipment every week for normal operation and make sure the pump strainer fills completely with water and doesn't have any air bubbles. If there are visible air bubbles in the pump strainer, investigate and find the problem as soon as possible to avoid any pump motor damage.

Noisy Pool Pump - when doing the weekly test of the pool equipment, if the pump seems to be getting louder than normal, don't ignore this obvious sign that something needs attention. All of the issues mentioned above will be accompanied by a change or increase in the amount of noise the pool pump makes. Listen closely for any changes.

Avoiding premature damage to the pool pump is simple and can save a pool owner from having to replace the pump motor before it is necessary. Invest the time in getting to know the pool, adding a few simple steps to the pool care routine, and having an awareness of the potential problems that could cause damage to the pool pump motor. It's can be that simple!

 

 

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