Troubleshooting Pool Pump Priming Problems

Your pool pump is a vital component of your pool system, ensuring your pool water is circulated and filtered to keep it safe and clean. As part of routine pool maintenance, you may need to prime your pool pump. This process removes any air in the system to allow for proper flow of water. If your pool pump will not prime, it could be due to a few different issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips to identify and fix common pool pump priming problems.

Is There Enough Water in Your Pool?

The most common reason a pool pump won’t prime is due to not enough water in the pool. Check to make sure the water level in your in-ground pool is well above the skimmer opening. If too much air gets into this opening, it can cause priming problems for your pool pump. Add water to the pool until the level reaches about halfway over the skimmer opening.

Check Your Strainer Baskets

Strainer baskets need to be clean and well-sealed for your pool pump to prime. Check your pump strainer basket and skimmer basket for clogs or debris. Clean if needed. Also check the seal on your pump strainer basket – the gasket should fit tightly to create a seal for pump suction.

Check Your Pool Valves

For a pool pump to prime, it needs correct water flow in and out. Make sure your pool valves are open – at least one outlet and inlet valve need to be open for proper water flow.

If you troubleshoot all these areas and your pool pump still will not prime, contact your local pool service. You may need your pump and pool equipment inspected to find the issue. Leaks and other problems can impact the suction and pressure, causing pump priming problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

Did the Cold Weather Damage Your Pool?

Many regions had cold blasts hit this winter that were more severe than the norm. Many swimming pool owners may have had their pools freeze over, creating concern over damage to the pool. The problem with freezing and pools is that not all damage will be immediately evident; it may take some time before issues arise from cold weather damage. If your pool was exposed to freezing weather this winter, there are some components that may need examination to check for damage.

Components Susceptible to Freeze Damage

Any component with water inside can be damage when cold-snaps hit unexpectedly. While colder regions are prepared for these occurrences, pool owners in the southern states do not often need to worry about freezing. If you had colder than normal weather this winter, you should have a full inspection done of your pool components. Some of the most common to be cracked due to freezing include:

  • Heaters
  • Chlorinators
  • Pumps
  • Filters
  • Valves
  • Pipes and fittings
  • Skimmer

Check any equipment above ground for cracks or damage; they are the most likely to freeze and crack during cold weather. You can look for leaks and monitor your pool system to ensure that everything is working correctly. Not all damage will be visible, but it can lead to problems with your pool once swimming season resumes. Finding issues now can give you time to have them repaired before the warmer weather arrives and it is time to open your pool for regular use.

If you are not sure whether you had any damage to your pool from winter, call your local pool service. They can perform a complete inspection to ensure all components are working correctly and repair any issues that old man winter caused.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

3 Signs Your Pool Has Issues

Your pool needs regular maintenance and with it, you can enjoy the benefits of your pool with few problems or breakdowns. However, there is always a chance of your pool needing repairs when equipment wears out or other problems occur. Here are three signs to watch out for that could be a warning that your pool has issues and may need a professional repair or service.

  1. Losing water. Is the water level of your pool going down quicker than it should? Losing water beyond evaporation and splash can be a sign of a leak. Plumbing, equipment and the pool lining itself can form leaks – it is important to hire a pool leak detection expert to find and fix your leak before it causes severe damage to your property.
  2. Dirty water. If chemicals and your filtration system are not preventing algae or dirty pool water, there is a problem. You may need your pool backwashed or the filter changed, or there may be a problem with your circulation or pump system. Call your pool repair company to determine the problem that is affecting the safety and cleanliness of your pool water.
  3. Loud or odd noises. If your pool pump and other equipment is making strange or loud noises, it is time to have it inspected by a pool repair company. It may need components repair or replaced. Don’t wait for it to stop working altogether; proactively have it serviced and repaired if needed.

Often, your pool service company can find pool issues before they become problems. Make sure to have your pool equipment serviced a few times a year to keep it running properly and to prevent many common pool problems.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pools, LLC
6538 Collins Ave, #42
Miami Beach, FL 33141
(305) 767-7755

4 Signs of Trouble in Your Pool

With regular maintenance, pools can last for decades without any major issues. It is easy to become complacent, assuming your pool is working the way it should. However, a small issue can become a big, expensive problem if not fixed right away. Here are four signs you may have a problem with your pool and need professional pool repairs.

  1. Water loss. Although some water loss from use and evaporation is normal, when your pool water level is changing quicker than in the past, you need to investigate. Pool leaks can cause serious damage to your home and property.
  2. Fluctuating PH levels. When your PH levels keep fluctuating, there may be trouble in your pool. Call in a pool expert to find out how to even out your PH levels and keep a sanitized, safe pool. Hiring a pool service for maintenance may be your best bet.
  3. Dirty pool water. Is your pool looking murky or having algae issues? It may be time to clean your filters. All pools have some type of filter system and all of them require ongoing maintenance to keep your pool water clean and safe for swimming.
  4. Loud pool equipment. If your pump or other pool equipment is loud or making strange noises, call in a pool professional. Get a service and inspection to ensure all the equipment is working properly. It is less expensive to replace components as needed than to have a complete failure.

Keeping an eye out for signs of pool issues is important when you own a pool. If you have ongoing pool maintenance, you can relax knowing these issues will be caught by your service team and repaired as needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
3502 Sixes Road, #108
Canton, GA 30114
(494) 496-5579

Comparing Different Pool Pump Speed Options

The pool pump is the workhorse of your pool, keeping the water flowing for adequate filtering and heating. When it comes to replacing your pool pump, which is expected every few years, you have many choices to contend with, including speed options. Pool pumps generally come in three speed options: single, two-speed and variable. The type you choose will affect your pool’s efficiency and how much you initially pay for your new pool pump.

Single-speed

The traditional pool pump is a single-speed motor that runs at the same speed 24/7. While these are the most affordable to purchase, they may cost you more in the long run. Pool owners with these types of single-speed pumps can end up paying thousands of dollars a year in electricity. 

Two-speed

The next level of pool pump is the two-speed pump, offering more efficiency than the standard one-speed pumps. Since these pumps have a low-speed option, pool owners can reduce the amount of energy used for normal use. The higher speed may only be needed when heating the pool or when more debris is needing to be filtered from the pool. These dual-speed pumps are more expensive, but can have a considerable savings on energy bills.

Variable-speed

The most efficient option available is the variable-speed pump which calculates the correct flow rate for the pool. These motors are also quieter, use digital technology and tend to last longer than one or two-speed pumps. The efficiency can be up to 90% better than a single-speed pump, saving substantial money on utility bills.

If you need a pool pump replaced, talk to your local pool repair company to discuss which type of motor will best suit your needs.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repair

Your pool pump works day in and day out to move water through your pool to provide a safe, clean pool for your enjoyment. It should be expected that eventually the pump will wear out and need service or replacement. More often than not, a simple repair is all that is required. Here are some common pump issues which alert you to when you need a repair.

  • Your pump is loud or making strange noises. When your pool pump starts increasing in volume or screaming when pumping, the most likely reason is that the bearings are going out. Your pool service can replace the bearings to fix this issue.
  • You notice your pump is leaking water. Is your pump is leaking or spraying water, you may need to consider replacing the threaded fittings that can be damaged from constant use. Worn out seals are also often a cause of leaking pumps. Both of these repairs only take about an hour in labor costs and the components are inexpensive to replace.
  • Reduce pumping. If you notice your pool pump is not pumping as much water as before, there may be debris clogging the basket or the basket may need to be replaced. These are usually repairs you can do on your own.

Since your pool pump is necessary to maintain your pool, at the first sign of a problem, call your local pool service. If your pool pump is fairly new, it may be under warranty, so you will want to call a pool service that can provide warranty work at no cost to you if it is covered.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

Importance of Investing in an Automatic Pool Cover

Are you still living without an automatic cover for your pool? While these covers are an extra expense, they can pay for themselves by providing protection for your pool and property. Here are some very good reasons to invest in an automatic pool cover.

  • Debris protection. As summer comes to an end, so does the busiest months of swimming in your backyard pool. It also means that the leaves and needles will begin to turn color and fall, making a big mess in your pool. A quality pool cover can help minimize the amount of debris that ends up in your pool and clogging your equipment. This can save on cleaning and reduce the chance of expensive damage caused by debris in your pump and other equipment.
  • Safety. Pool covers provide safety for your pool area, even when you are not around. Accidental drownings are the biggest danger when owning a pool. Automatic pool covers can help prevent small children and animals from accidentally falling into your pool. According to the CDC, over 3,000 people drown each year in the U.S.; children under the age of four are the largest group and most drownings for this age group happens in pools.
  • Energy efficiency. Pool covers help reduce the energy used to maintain your pool. Using a pool cover when the pool is not in use reduces the amount of energy needed to heat the pool, reduces water loss and lowers CO2 consumption.

These are all valid and excellent reasons to invest in an automatic pool cover this fall. Talk to your local pool service provider to discuss which pool cover would be best suited for your needs.

Posted on behalf of:
Premier Pool Enterprises
Canton, GA
(494) 496-5579

Benefits of Upgrading Your Pool Pump

When it comes to keeping your pool clean, your pool pump is the workhorse of the system. Pool pumps filter the pool water, keeping algae and debris out of the water while helping maintain the PH balance. However, if your pump is too small or is not running long enough every day, it may not be getting your pool as clean as you think and actually may be costing you more in energy. Upgrading to a right-sized pool pump is the best way to keep your pool clean and save money off your energy bill.

Right Size, Right Speed

To keep your pool clean, the water in the pool should be cycled through the pump at least once every 12 hours. To do this, you can either have a pump that runs all the time, or have it set to run several hours at a time, then off for several hours. Some people opt to have a larger pump than their pool requires, then try to save energy by only running it part of the day. In the long run, this could be costing more money. The trick is to have the right size pump that can run all day, giving you a clean, efficient pool.

In many cases, a pool company may sell a pump on the “bigger is better” philosophy. That is not necessarily the best option. Instead, a pump that is designed to clean the correct amount of gallons of water over a 12 hour period that can be left on all day can actually save money while cleaning 24-hours a day. These need to be 2-speed or variable speed pumps that can be set at an efficient rate to clean your pool.

If you have a high-horsepower, one-speed pump that you are cycling on and off every day, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient, right-sized pump. Talk to your local pool service about how a multiple speed pump can keep your pool cleaner and save on energy at the same time.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

 

Common Pool Repair Issues

Having a pool at your home is a wonderful luxury; however, owning a pool does require regular maintenance and eventually, it will also require repairs. An in-ground swimming pool contains a complicated system of pumps, filtration and ground-water balance which must be monitored to ensure everything is working properly. If not maintained, you can end up with unsafe water to swim in, or worse, a pool that can damage your home and property.

Signs Of Pool Problems

The best way to maintain your pool is to be aware of any small issues before they become large problems. There are things to look for that can alert you to possible problems.

–        Poor pH balance. If your pool seems to be constantly out of chemical balance, there may be something wrong within the system. The pump may not be circulating the water properly, or the filtration system may be failing. Call in a pool professional to help fix the issue.

–        Cracks or chips. Cracks or chip in your pool’s surface or even on your pool deck can be a hazard, plus they may be symptomatic of larger issues. Ground shifts can cause pool deck cracking and more serious problems than just a stubbed toe.

–        Leaks. Pool leaks are a major problem, especially if they aren’t caught quickly. At any signs of water loss or wet areas in the ground near the pool, call in a professional pool service to evaluate the problem. A major pool leak can damage your home and property, so getting it fixed right away is crucial.

The easiest way to keep your pool safe and maintained is to hire a qualified pool service to clean, inspect and maintain your pool on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, ensuring that any problems are brought to your attention immediately.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC

Is Your Pool Pump Air Locked?

A common issue with pool pumps is difficulty priming, often caused by what is referred to as an air lock. This happens when air gets into the suction line to the pump, making it difficult for the pump to pull in water. Pool pumps are designed to push in water, not air, which can cause the pump to struggle to get primed.  Although often the pump will eventually get primed on its own, the strain on the pump can cause damage to the pump and the fittings. It’s better to get the pumped primed quickly, then find out what is causing the air lock in the first place.

Causes Of An Air Locked Pool Pump

An air lock in the pool pump line generally happens when the water level has dropped for some reason. If the water level drops below the inlet valve for the pump, air can get into the line, causing the air lock. The most common cause of this is when the pool has been drained and refilled, or has lost water due to leaks, excessive outdoor temperatures or other factors. If the pool is losing water, there could be bigger issues than just the pump not priming; there could be a leak in the pool lining which needs to be fixed immediately.

One other cause of pumps repeatedly becoming air locked is poor plumbing. Some pumps have a three-way valve which can cause air locks if it was originally plumbed in too high during installation. While the pump may eventually prime, it must work hard to do so, creating heat which will cause damage in the long run.

If you are having issues with your pool pump getting air locked, call in a professional pool service technician to inspect your pump and pool. There could be a simple solution to get your pump working correctly before it needs to be replaced altogether.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises