Troubleshooting Pool Pump Problems

Your pool’s pump is an essential component to the overall system, circulating the water in your pool through the filter. Not only does this purify and clean the water, it also ensures that your pool water chemicals are evenly distributed. Unfortunately, the pool pump is also one of the most common repair issues for pool owners. Knowing how to troubleshoot your pool pump can help you determine the problem, so you know if you need to call a pool professional to fix the issue. 

Common Pool Pump Problems

Like any mechanical device with a motor, your pool pump needs regular maintenance to perform optimally. In addition, there are parts which will eventually wear out and need replacement. Here are the most common signs of a pool pump problem.

  • Pump shuts off. Most pumps are designed to shut off automatically if they get too hot. It may be overheating due to debris getting stuck in the impeller.
  • Pump won’t start. If the pump will not turn on at all, check the breaker to the pump to make sure it has not been flipped off. If the breaker is fine, then it may be a loose wire or connection. It is also possible that the motor needs to be completely replaced.
  • Pump is leaking. If the pump is leaking water at the connections or plugs, the plugs may just need to be tightened. You may also need a new o-ring if the pump continues to leak at the plugs.

Keep in mind that preventive maintenance to inspect the pump and replace pool filters should be performed to the manufacturers standards. If simple troubleshooting does not fix the problem, call your local pool pump repair service to get the issue resolved.

Posted on behalf of Premiere Pool Enterprises, Inc.

Pool Liner Replacement

If your swimming pool features a vinyl pool liner, there will come a time when it will need to be replaced. Even the most durable and high-quality liner will degrade over time, as exposure to ultraviolet rays and harsh pool chemicals negatively affect their structural integrity.

When it’s time to replace your pool liner, you may be surprised by the wide array of options available on today’s commercial market. Professional swimming pool technicians will custom-order your new liner to fit the unique dimensions of your pool. From an aesthetic standpoint, you’ll find that you can dramatically change the visual impact of your pool with a new liner. Mosaics and interesting pattern prints bring a new dimension to your existing swimming pool. Even if your existing liner is in serviceable condition, you can give your entire pool area a major face lift by springing for a new liner to spruce things up a bit.

Replacing your pool liner will require measurement and evaluation by a professional swimming pool repair technician, as will installation. While a vinyl pool liner is unlikely to tear or be punctured after it’s installed, it can be damaged during the installation process if it’s improperly handled. Rather than tackling the big job of measuring for and installing a new pool liner on your own, contact a reputable and established technician in your area to ensure proper installation the first time.

By working with a professional, you may also find that your liner can be patched for extended use, thus putting off the necessity of replacing the entire liner immediately. If you think your pool liner is in need of repair or replacement, work with a professional to determine the best and most efficient course of action.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools

Does Your Pool Pump Need Repair Or Replacement?

Pool pumps like any motor need regular maintenance and repairs to keep working properly. However, just because a pump is having issues does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Parts wear out and need to be replaced, but often these are not nearly as expensive as replacing the entire pump. Knowing the difference can save you hundreds of dollars and extend the life of your pool pump.

Common Pump Repairs

Eventually all pool pumps will need to have parts replaced as wear and tear take their toll. Troubleshooting can give you an idea of what may be wrong and whether it is a pool pump repair issue or if the entire pump will need replacement. Here are come common issues that usually mean the pump can be repaired.

–         Pump leaks. Often times a leaking or even spraying pump is just a matter of replacing the threaded fitting that can become warped over time. Another easy fix is leaks caused by worn out seals. Both these are fairly inexpensive parts and only take about an hour in labor costs to fix.

–         Loud pump noise. If your pump is making a racket, screaming when pumping, there is a good chance that the bearings need to be replaced. These bearings can be replaced, but not repacked as they are usually sealed.

–         Low pumping. If your pump is not pumping the same amount of water as usual, there may be debris blocking the pump basket or the basket may be cracked or broken. These both are usually easy fixes.

Although many problems can be repaired, sometimes the pump just must be replaced. Your local pool service professional can go over your options to find the best solution.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

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How Important Are Pool Pumps and Filters?

Pool pumps and filters play a very important role in keeping your pool clean and fresh.   What generates the power to run the filtering system of any pool is its pump. Of course, your pool filter would virtually be worthless without a motor or pump to drive it. Pool pumps today are either single speed, two speed or variable speed pumps. Generally, a two-speed pump will only switch to the higher speed when extra power is necessary, operating for the most part at the lower speed.  The lower the speed, the lower your energy bill. A variable pump has multiple speeds than can be set for different needs. If you intend to use your pump on an adjacent whirlpool or spa, or plan to attach a cleaning tool to your motor, then the variable speed option may be just for you.

Likewise, pool filters are an important and necessary part of a pool’s equipment. A filter will help to maintain your pool’s cleanliness while filtering out potentially harmful debris and chemicals. Swimming pool filters typically come in three different types: diatomaceous earth filters (DE), cartridge filters and sand filters. The DE filter provides the purest filtered water back to the pool by running the water through its internal grids coated with powder. Cartridge filters are best used for smaller bodies of water such as a spa. In sand filters, water passes through a mixture comprised of sand and pea gravel.

Whatever type of pump you may have, or type of filter, your local swimming pool service company should be able to provide you with the professional service that your existing system requires. They should also be able to steer you to alternative products that may better meet your individual needs.

Common Pool Repairs

Just like a car, all swimming pools will need repairs at some point.  These repairs generally involve the pool equipment, which includes either the pool pump or the pool filter.   A qualified swimming pool repair company will have the expertise, tools and access to the necessary parts to quickly make the repair and get the pool operational again.

Pool pumps, which are either single speed, two speed or variable speed, consist of a housing and an electrical motor.  A single speed pump is not efficient as it runs at a high speed all of the time and draws lots of power, resulting in increased electric bills, while the two speed and variable speed pumps will run at a reduced speed if the demand on the pump is low, resulting in lower electrical costs.   In most cases it is the motor itself that fails and in many cases it is more economical and quicker to simply replace the pump with a new one.  In many cases the pool repair contractor will recommend a variable speed replacement pump, as they are very efficient to operate and last longer, because they also run cooler.

There are three types of swimming pool filters being used including cartridge filters, diatomaceous filters and sand filters.  All work in the same manner with water from the pool being pumped into the filter and then is pumped back into the pool after it exits the filter.  All of these filters require that the filter medium to be replaced in order to continue to properly filter the water being used in the pool.  Although a relatively simple repair, it is critical that it be done.  The pool repair contractor may also recommend that the filter system be upgraded as well.

Swimming Pool Pumps and Filters

Pool pumps are important! What generates the power to run the filtering system of any pool is its pump. Of course, your pool filter would be virtually worthless without a motor or pump to drive it. Pool pumps today are either single speed, two speed or variable speed pumps. Generally, a two-speed pump will only switch to the higher speed when extra power is necessary, operating for the most part at the lower speed. The lower the speed, the lower your energy bill. A variable pump has multiple speeds than can be set for different needs. If you intend to use your pump on an adjacent whirlpool or spa, or plan to attach a cleaning tool to your motor, then the variable speed option may be just for you.

Likewise, pool filters are an important and necessary part of a pool’s equipment. A filter will help to maintain your pool’s cleanliness while filtering out potentially harmful debris and chemicals. Swimming pool filters typically come in three different types: diatomaceous earth filters (DE), cartridge filters and sand filters. The DE filter provides the purest filtered water back to the pool by running the water through its internal grids coated with powder. Cartridge filters are best used for smaller bodies of water such as a spa. In sand filters, water passes through a mixture comprised of sand and pea gravel.

Whatever type of pump you may have, or type of filter, your local swimming pool service company should be able to provide you with the professional service that your existing system requires. They should also be able to steer you to alternative products that may better meet your individual needs.

 

Don’t Neglect Pool Service and Repair

Neglecting the professional care of your home swimming pool could very well put you, your family and friends at risk. Left on its own without professional care and maintenance, your pool could turn into a virtual petri dish of growing, potentially harmful, bacteria. A good swimming pool service and repair company should provide a regular weekly service in addition to pool repairs.

Your local pool service professional should be dedicated to maintaining your swimming pool at the optimal level of industry health and safety. Service packages can vary in frequency, based on your needs or preference. During a scheduled service, a technician should vacuum clean the entire pool and test for appropriate levels of chemicals in the pool water.  They can then make whatever adjustments appear necessary at that time. They will also clean the filter and make sure that your pool equipment is functioning correctly.

Your pool’s perimeter decking should be cleaned and inspected by the technician. If during your service the technician notices a problem, options for repair or replacement will be discussed. Repairs can often be made by the technician during that scheduled maintenance service visit, since most technicians carry a full supply of chemicals, repair tools, and various parts for most brands of pool equipment.

It is always preferable to spend for the maintenance of something of value, rather than allowing it to fall into such a state of neglect that requires expensive repairs. Relax with ease and peace of mind as you entertain in your own backyard paradise, knowing that your local professional pool service company is maintaining the health and safety of your pool.

Getting a Pool Liner Replaced

Nobody likes having a leaky pool, and when your pool liner is damaged or needs replacing, it’s important that the pool repairs are handled immediately. Pool service professionals will be trained and know how to handle pool liner replacement.

The pool needs to be drained, and any decorations, lights, or other fixtures need to be removed. After the vinyl liner is removed, generally it gets cut into smaller pieces for portability, and so that they can be stored more easily for recycling.

The walls and floor of the pool should be examined for any signs of rest or discoloration. If the pool exterior has a sand floor, spotting signs of leaks is easy – just look for any discolored sand, or muddy spots. If concrete is used instead, it should be inspected for cracks, corrosion or other damage. Cracks can be fixed by being filled and smoothed.

A new liner is carried and put into place, but it should not be dragged across the surface of the pool’s bottom before being dropped into place. The skimmer holes are closed, and a vacuum is used that draws the liner down and creates a tight fit. Once a the liner is sealed, holes are cut for the drain. Now the pool can be filled – once several inches of water are in the shallow end of the pool, the liner’s vacuum is removed and the liner is resealed around the vacuum hole where the hose was used. The pool is filled with water from available garden hoses, and the skimmer holes are unblocked so that water can get in and allow the pumping system to be used again.

Tips for Replacing Your Pool Pump

One of the most common pool repairs is replacement of the water pump.  A pool pump has a wide range for its life span estimate, and much of that may depend on how strong your routine pump maintenance program has been.  While estimates vary between a year and a decade, three years is the average expected life of a pool pump.  This means that you can expect to replace your pool pump a few times over the life of your swimming pool.

A variable speed pump is often more efficient than the traditional kind of pool pump. A variable speed pump will continue to keep your pool clean but uses less energy to reduce the cost of operating your pool.  They also often work at lower temperatures to further save on your operating costs.

You can also use a seasonal timer with your pump to reduce the amount of time your pump runs during the off season.  It will also run less during the summer months because it will adjust on its own.

The size of the pump matters for how efficiently it will run so make sure you purchase one large enough for your pool but not so large that you waste the extra capacity.  Also look at your pool’s plumbing since it can only carry so much water at a time.  If you buy a pump that exceeds this amount, not only is it wasteful but it can damage your pump.  A pump that is too large can also damage your filter.

You will also want to factor in any additional features of your pool such as a spa or pool sweep.  These features can affect the size of the pump needed for your pool.

If you are not sure what kind of pool pump to buy, talk to a service professional who can guide you on that decision.

5 Common Pool Repairs

Pool owners will have several repairs to make over the life of your pool.  Some of them can be costly to make, but all are needed to keep your pool functioning at its best.  Here is a list of five common pool repairs that you can expect sometime in the future.

Pool pump repairs are a common type of pool repair.  Since the pump is an integral part of your pool system and it works constantly, it makes sense that you would have to have it repaired and replaced at some point.  When the pool pump is not working, water cannot be circulated, heated, or filtered.   Call a professional for pool pump repairs.

If your pool has a liner, it is important to keep sharp objects away from the pool or you will have to repair the lining.  Tears can also happen over time as the pool ages and small ones can be patched.  However, if you let the tears get bigger, you may have to replace the lining.  A lining usually needs to be replaced about every 10 years.

Filters generally last for years with regular mainenance, but occasionally a filter will malfunction and need to be replaced.  Regular pool filter maintenance includes replacing the cartridge or filter media and cleaning the filter.  More extensive repairs will require the help of a professional.

Pool lights will need to be replaced occasionally.  If you are having problems with your lights and changing out the bulbs does not work, you will need to have an expert look at your lighting.

Leaks also happen over time and can be hard to find.  Anytime your water level begins to drop faster than normal, you should contact a professional.  Pool leaks not only waste water, but they also cause an increase in chemical use and can cause harmful underground erosion.  A leak can start in a variety of different areas and  a professional pool service can find them and get the leak repaired quickly.