Troubleshooting Pool Pump Priming Problems

September 30th, 2019 Posted in Pool Repairs
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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

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Did the Cold Weather Damage Your Pool?

December 6th, 2018 Posted in Pool Repairs
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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

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3 Signs Your Pool Has Issues

September 20th, 2018 Posted in Pool Repairs
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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

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Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repair

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Pool Repairs
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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

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How Important Are Pool Pumps and Filters?

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Pool Repairs
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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.

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