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9. POOL PUMP TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES
Pump Won’t Prime
– Check For:
1. Empty pump/strainer housing
Solution:
Make sure pump/strainer housing is filled with water and cover o-ring is clean. Ensure o-ring
is properly seated in the cover o-ring groove. Ensure o-ring is lubricated and that strainer cover is
locked firmly in position. Lubricant will help to create a tighter seal.
2. Loose connections on suction side.
Solution:
Tighten pipe/union connections or hose clamps on flexible hose.
NOTE
- Any self-priming pump will not prime if there are suction air leaks. Leaks will result in bubbles
emanating from return fittings on in-ground pool wall.
3. Leaking O-ring on valves.
Solution:
Tighten, repair, or replace valves.
4. Strainer basket or skimmer basket loaded with debris.
Solution:
Remove strainer housing cover or skimmer cover, clean basket, and refill strainer housing
with water. Tighten cover.
5. Suction side in-ground pool intake plumbing clogged.
Solution:
Contact a qualified repair professional to do a vacuum test.
Block off to determine if pump will develop a vacuum. You should have 5”-6” of vacuum at the
strainer cover
(Only your pool dealer can confirm this with a vacuum gauge).
You may be able to
check by removing the skimmer basket and holding your hand over the bottom port with skimmer full
and pump running. If no suction is felt, check for line blockage.
a. If pump develops a vacuum, check for blocked suction line or dirty strainer basket. An air leak
in the intake plumbing may be the cause.
b. If pump does not develop a vacuum and pump has sufficient “priming water”:
i. Re-check strainer housing cover and all threaded connections for suction leaks. Check
and tighten all system hose clamps on above-ground pools.
ii. Check voltage to ensure that the motor is rotating running at full RPM’s.
iii. Open housing cover and check for clogging or obstruction in suction. Check impeller
for debris.
iv. Remove and replace shaft seal only if it is leaking.
Low Flow
– Generally, Check For:
1. Clogged or restricted strainer or suction line.
Solution:
Check for visible debris and remove if observed. If the problem continues contact a
qualified repair professional.
2. Undersized pool plumbing.
Solution:
Correct plumbing size.
3. Plugged or restricted discharge line of filter, valve partially closed (high gauge reading).
Solution:
Sand filters – backwash as per manufacturer’s instructions; D.E. filters – backwash as per
manufacturer’s instructions; Cartridge filters – clean or replace cartridge.
