Pool Pump Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Humming, losing prime, leaking or screeching? Here is what your pump is trying to tell you.
Most pool pump problems show warning signs before the pump fails completely. A pump that hums but will not start often has a bad capacitor or a jammed impeller. A pump that loses prime usually has low water, a clogged basket or an air leak on the suction side. Screeching often points to worn bearings, and a leak under the motor usually means a worn shaft seal. Start with the simple checks, and leave electrical work to a professional.
Safety first
Always turn the pump off at the breaker before opening the lid, clearing the basket or inspecting anything. Electrical problems, including capacitors, motors and wiring, should be handled by a qualified professional.
Common symptoms and what they usually mean
| Symptom | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Will not turn on at all | Tripped breaker, timer or automation settings, or a wiring or motor issue |
| Hums but will not start | Bad capacitor, or an impeller jammed with debris or seized bearings |
| Loses prime or basket fills with air | Low water level, clogged skimmer or pump basket, a worn lid O-ring or an air leak on the suction side |
| Loud screeching or grinding | Worn motor bearings, or the pump starving for water |
| Leaking under the motor | A worn shaft seal |
| Weak flow or low pressure | Clogged impeller, dirty filter, full baskets or partly closed valves |
| Keeps tripping the breaker | An electrical fault that needs a professional |
| Motor shuts off when hot | Overheating from poor ventilation, low voltage or a failing motor |
Simple checks you can do yourself
With the power off at the breaker:
- •Check the water level. It should be about halfway up the skimmer opening.
- •Empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
- •Inspect the pump lid O-ring for cracks or dryness, and make sure the lid seals properly.
- •Make sure all valves are open in the right positions.
- •Clean the filter if the pressure is higher than normal.
- •Check the timer or automation settings are correct.
Then turn the power back on and see if the problem clears.
Still not working? Bring the details, or the part, to our Alpharetta store at 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. We will help you figure out what is wrong and what it needs.
Losing prime: the most common pump complaint
If your pump basket is full of air or the pump keeps losing prime, the pump is pulling in air instead of water. The usual suspects are low water, a clogged basket, a worn lid O-ring, a loose drain plug or a leak in the suction-side plumbing before the pump. Checking these in order solves most cases.
Repair or replace?
Many pump problems are fixed by replacing one part, such as a lid O-ring, shaft seal, capacitor or bearings. If the motor is old, failing repeatedly or very inefficient, replacing the pump can make more sense. Newer variable-speed pumps can run at lower speeds for long periods, which many owners choose when replacing an older single-speed pump.
Keep your pump healthy
Empty baskets regularly, keep the water level right, clean your filter on schedule and keep the area around the motor clear so it can breathe. In winter, keep water moving through the pump during freezing temperatures. Read our guide to winterizing a pool in Georgia.
Frequently asked questions
Need help with your pump?
Pool Supply Atlanta helps pool owners across Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. Visit us at 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 4pm) or call 678-691-6124.
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