Swimming Pool Pump Turns On But Does Not Circulate Water

The pump is the heart of a swimming pool filtration system. The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals publishes standards for swimming pool flow. Residential pool pumps are needed to have adequate pumping capacity to turn over the entire volume of the pool each six hours. In the typical residential pool, this requires a flow speed of 36 gallons per second; that is a heavy load on the pump along with other system components. It is no wonder malfunctions and system shortfalls happen.

Pool Pump Theory

Pool pumps are installed under the upper water level of the pool in pump pits or underground compartments. Water is gravity fed to the pump inlet when the pump is off. When the pump is energized, the braided line is under suction and also the pump outlet, for example, filter and return to the pool, is under pressure. Anything that disrupts that harmony may lead to loss of flow, though the pump is physically functioning.

Strainer Obstructions

The strainer basket within the pump chamber would be the last-ditch filter to stop debris from going into the impeller of the pump and also damaging it. Debris that slips past the skimmer strainer collects here. When it’s not often washed, a full strainer finally may obstruct water from reaching the pump and also disrupt flow. Cleaning out the strainer basket based on the pump manufacturer’s directions may be all that is needed to restore stream of water through the system.

Filter Neglect

A neglected principal pool filter may obstruct circulation entirely. This generally is preceded by a marked rise in the filter pressure as indicated on the gauge atop the filter pump. Filter manufacturer’s specifications include the standard pressure range for your own filter. If the pressure displayed on the gauge is high, backwashing the filter in accordance with the manufacturer’s procedure may remedy the issue. If the filter is too contaminated to react to backwashing, draining the sand or diatomaceous earth filter media, and replacement with fresh media may be asked to restore whole circulation.

Getting the Air Out

Your pump does a great job moving water, however, it’s not effective at pumping air. Air infiltrating the system from various sources may accumulate in the pump chamber, in which it creates an airlock and prevents adequate water from reaching the pump to “prime” it. The system subsequently lacks enough suction to pull water through the lines and then expel the atmosphere. All air leaks have their source somewhere before the pump in the suction side of the system. If the water level from the pool has dropped below the skimmer intakes, the system will bring about air. Restoring suitable level from the pool should cut off the atmosphere. Another frequent cause is a leaky O-ring from the removable pump chamber cover.

Priming the Pump

Manually priming a pump may be needed when other methods don’t eliminate air from the lines and restore flow. The process for priming most pool pumps is universal. With the inlet and discharge valves closed, remove the pump chamber cover and then fill the chamber with water from a garden hose. To make sure all air is removed from the system, the air-bleed valve on the filter ought to be opened. Subsequent to the chamber cover is installed, and the inlet and outlet valves opened, then the pump is energized. The added water primes the pump and also jump-starts the suction process, which begins pulling water from the pool and expels air. The bleed valve on the filter also releases air as water fills the filter. When water begins spurting out of the bleed valve, the valve ought to be closed.

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