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

 

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.