*Just got water perfectly clear after fighting mustard algae for 2 weeks. Will a pool pump be damaged if it is always covered with a cover when it is operating? Solution: Select new pool pumps based on a careful consultation of the Pump Flow Curve, with a good estimate of your system resistance, and the knowledge of your Filter Design Flow Rate. Secondly, hunt down and fix any air leaks on the incoming pipes or suction cleaner hoses, which can cause the pump to lose prime. Designing a pool and choosing its systems can be a big challenge when you own a house and decide to have a pool built. Screw the tap on and let the water flow through the hose, making the pool empty. What do you think? If your pump is leaking in the middle where the wet end joins to the motor it probably needs to have the seal replaced. Problem: When motors are submerged under water, the drowning is usually fatal. What is this stain and how do I remove it? I think it may be restrictive, and perhaps your husband is right, it may need the Jet Valve in place to provide the proper back pressure and produce proper flow. As long as water is moving through the pipes, nothing will freeze. Firstly, you need to analyze the pool water altogether and check its synthetic dependability. You call the local pool company and theyre booked for the next two weeks. 3 days had passed before I realized the pump was running, I found it running at a very low humming sound, there was no indication of extreme heat when I placed my hand on the side of the housing. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. We are unable to run our pool pump on our 18 ft above ground pool with 2 ft of water in the pool, while we wait for a new pool. Opening HoursMon-Fri: 8:30-5:00 Sat: 9:00-1:00Sun: Closed. Problem: Water expands 9% when it turns into ice, and this can rupture a pool pump volute or strainer housing, causing cracks that require part replacement. The following methods will help you if the actual pump is not available. What happens if your pool pump breaks and you cant fix it, or it breaks over a holiday when no techs can make a house call? Solution: Motors are always hot to the touch, running at around 140 degrees. Thank you this great help. If the leak is minor it can be left until a convenient time to take the pump out for repairs however if the leak is considerable, the pump should be removed for repairs as soon as possible. Best Leaf Canister for Pool Vacuum. If so can I order? Unless you are prepared to return to a pool that has turned green or that has some other water quality problems it woud be better to let the pump run while you are away, even for a shorter period of time than normal. With no electrical components and no moving parts unless you include How to Maintain a Pool When Your Pump Has Died, Copyright 2020 INYOpools All rights reserved. What can I do because I cannot vacuum by hand because of the filter not running properly. If your pool is looking a bit sick, or you don't have time to keep up with the pool maintenance, we are here to help! You can do several things to ensure that our pool is in a decent condition. When in doubt, contact our call center to speak with a pool tech, or leave me a comment below. "height": "219", This noise is likely a sign of the bearings failing in the pump. This can happen in the rear of the pump motor, or in the timeclock or control panel. Motor ordered from inyopools.com and I will be running my sump pump over the skimmer basket filled with chlorine pucks and brushing a few times each day to keep things moving around until the new motor gets here. This can happen following vacuuming of the pool if debris is vacuumed up without using a leaf canister or vacuum plate. It was left covered very well for 2 weeks. When you are done with the vacuum, open the inlet valve so that fresh water can flow to the pool. When installing a new motor, double check that line voltage matches motor voltage. I installed pool skim and used it for a few hours I then installed the circulator and used for a few minutes and removed it. Priming simply means preparing or getting something ready for operation. If you have a robotic pool cleaner then I would recommend running it every day as not only will it clean the pool, of course, but it will also go a long way to help circulate the water while the pool pump is broken. Pump motors will last longer in dry conditions. Cause 6 Impeller is clogged. I used a whole bottle of algeacide, and six bags of shock and the pool is still green. These are some of the benefits of salt water pools over, It is always a sad moment when the pool season ends meaning no more watery fun until the spring. Could be knicks on those tiny wires, or loose connection, dirt/insects, or something that is blocking power. A shop vacuum does not take that much time to empty the pool like a siphoning hose. The answer is yes, but it will take some doing to be victorious. "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", At least she is not afraid to flip a breaker, like my wife! Open the bag, the water will flow out from it. Solution: Use Gravel, Not Mulch around your pool equipment. This o-ring should be replaced periodically. Follow these steps and hopefully, you can avoid or at least mitigate the worst effects of a dead pool pump and your pool water turning green. Opening HoursMon-Fri: 8:30-5:00 Sat: 9:00-1:00 Sun: Closed, Mon-Fri: 8:30-5:00 Sat: 9:00-1:00 Sun: Closed. "address": "", I rent and my landlord doesnt have the money to replace it. If flood waters threaten your pool pump, sand bag the pad, or remove the pump to higher ground until waters recede. Install it right away so you can get your pool back in order. So, what should you do if you notice something wrong with your pool? "headline": "11 Ways to Destroy Your Pool Pump", You can do several things to ensure that our pool is in a decent condition. Another cause of humming could be a seized motor shaft. Also read: how long should I run my pool pump. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Wasp or hornets nests can also make a mess. If you can brush twice a day, that would be the best thing to do until the pump can be fixed. JavaScript is disabled. If the diagnosis is that your pool pump needs to be replaced then you should take that opportunity to consider fitting a variable speed pool pump as a replacement. If so, you can use pool putty for a possibly semi-permanent repair to the intake fitting, or replace the fitting (or union). Heres a list then, of Eleven Ways to Destroy a Pool Pump, along with related pool pump maintenance tips and pump care practices to help you avoid heart failure! If you are not satisfied with the first time cleaning, repeat the process for better illation, but keep in mind that this task requires a lot of time to be done. So far so good my 30th birthday party is tomorrow which was suppose to be a pool party but I managed to keep it clean for the time being! I will tell you what I all did so maybe it will help. Problem: Heavy branches that fall, just right across a pool pump motor or on top of the pump lid, can do considerable damage to pool pumps. Just connect up a hose to the submersible pump, drop it into the deep end of the pool and arrange the other end of the hose so that it will the water will flow just above the surface in the shallow end. "description": "Pool Pump Maintenance Tips - or 11 ways to destroy your pool pump, if you're not careful. This is considered the most effective alternative to an actual pump. My motor died in my pump and I have a above ground pool about 4 and a half feet deep. Hi, check page 23-24 of the owners manual to check the display comm power and drive comm power. I drained water below return. If you dont have a pump, you can also keep your pool clean by maintaining it regularly. HAVE READ THAT INSERTION INTO FILTER MAY BE PROBLEMATIC. Circulation is essential in all swimming pool systems. Fill the pump strainer basket with water using a hose. Cause 4 The pump lid is leaking. If none of those things fixes it, it was probably a short in the motor, which is usually the end of the motor . Or, using flex pipe in one big sweep is another good idea, no problems there. Hello , This is an inactive thread. Remove debris from the strainer basket if there is debris in it. I have a 30 above ground pool and my filter keeps losing pressure therefore is not circulating If you know how to replace a capacitor, this can be done yourself by replacing it with exactly the same capacitor. And like you and me insects, heavy snow and hot temperatures are best avoided, and we hope to not get hit on the head with a tree branch! I was recommended Swim Universitys Pool Care Handbook and video course so I bought it and have never regretted it. . "@type": "ImageObject", Lack of circulation and filtration in summer can rapidly see a pool turn from sparkling, crystal clear blue water to cloudy and dull and eventually green if repairs arent made promptly. Swimming pool covers are wonderful at keeping your pool water nice and warm. "name": "Davy Merino", The electric motor that is connected with the machine creates suction and a fan spins into the vacuum cleaner that imbibes the air from the vacuum bag. "@type": "Organization", I backwashed and rinsed and the pressure gauge is in the green normal area. The flexible hose contains soft plastic and the both ends are open. If it is not possible to run the pump, remove both pump drain plugs (and filter plugs, heater plugs, chlorinator, etc.). Its the pool owners version of a horror movie a week before July 4th and your big backyard pool party, the pump dies (after you just got the chemicals perfectly balanced of course). I released the air release on the skimmer pump tank and removed the lid and basket to clean. The floc will drop suspended particles to the pool floor for easy vacuuming. After shocking, some flocculant (a/k/a floc) and a manual vacuum (one independent of the pump) can help clear away some dead algae. Keeping organics out of the pool will reduce the food source for bacteria and algae. HOW TO INSERT CHEMICALS (SALINE SYSTEM) SUCH AS PHOS FREE, STABILIZER, ACID, ETC., INTO POOL SO AS TO CAUSE LEAST DAMAGE TO PUMP? When the pool gets empty, fill the pool with freshwater flow by opening the inlet valve. *Pool birthday party coming up in 4 days. This will help keep the water moving and also take care of your daily workout. "@type": "ImageObject", It helps us to flow the dirty water into a channel. They do require good ventilation, and protection from flooding. Solution:Use an upside down Rubbermaid container, or laundry basket to cover the pump, cut out on side to fit snugly over the pump and/or motor. I checked the timer and freeze guard, every thing working properly. It all depends on what it is that you have noticed. When you do open the pool, the threaded PVC fittings connected to the pump may have shrunk from the heat, if so, the pump would draw air into the pump around the intake fitting, or leak water around the outlet fitting. I guess I could hook back up the old connection with the jet valve and see if I have good flow but I do not want to drain all that water again to switch out. These are some of the things that you can do to keep your pool clean in the short term until you can get your swimming pool pump fixed or replaced: By doing all of these things, you can help to keep your pool fairly clean in the short term without having a pump. "@type": "ImageObject", If a chemical label instructs to add to the skimmer (as a few do), follow those guidelines, but otherwise add directly to pool. This video gives will show how to use a drain bladder to clear a clogged skimmer line. I disconnect plunger valve and return inlet connector. I really appreciate your blog. Best Above Ground Pool Vacuum Click here to shop our store. Use gravel and remove or spray weeds regularly, to keep the pump area a plant-free zone. Once I go out and bump the handle of my DE filter, it will begin to run again for about 15 minutes and stop. Problem: Pumps that run dry (without incoming water) for long periods of time can blow out the shaft seal and begin leaking. IF the pump has a slight breeze in the area, moving hot air up and away from the pump. Good air circulation reduces motor temps. Do you have a test kit? "logo": { Cause 1 Pool water level too low. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" Also check that the two switches in the rear of the motor are tight and aligned and wired tightly. "name": "In The Swim", It doesnt have a pump or filter. When we uncovered it there are small patches of white algae floating on top. Your pool can be easily maintained and cleaned without a pump, but you have to consider the timing issue as it could be more time-consuming if you use a pump. Before a pool pump can begin operating it needs to fill up with water this is what we call priming. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide" You must log in or register to reply here. Read my full article Do you run the pool pump while swimming? I rent a house in Laredo, Texas with an in-ground pool of approximately 10,000 gal capacity with a sand filter. The problem may be your capacitor. }, This method acts as an alternative to a pump that drains water from a pool. Using a sweep elbow would be another way to calm the water. Finally, be sure that the pump lid is lubed and tight, and drain plugs are Teflon taped and tight. "image": { Problem: Bushes, weeds and overhanging trees trap moisture and restrict air flow around pool pumps. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Close the cover and hand tighten. Be sure to allow for sufficient air flow on all sides, so as not to trap moisture inside. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Know More Now cue the terrifying green monster, also known as an algae bloom. To keep the water of the pools free from unwanted bacteria and other visible and invisible particles we need to circulate the pool water using a pump. Why Homeowners Absolutely Love Craftsman House Design. They can get to you. You can increase chlorine levels using shock or liquid chlorine but youll need to stand in for that broken-down pump and manually circulate the water. You will get much more visibility by. Or am I just up the creek? This is the first place to start. I have a heyward pool pump (model sp3400vsp) for an inground pool reading communication fail check wiring between display and drive I checked the everything is secure. "dateModified": "2/17/2018", What is the minimum cya level recommended? With freeze protection for pool equipment, a pool controller or a digital timeclock can use a freeze sensor, which will turn on the pump automatically. If your pool pump has broken then the water in your pool will just sit there without moving which is certainly not good for the water quality. Your email address will not be published. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Problem:Motors need good air circulation to stay cool while running, which also helps a pool motor last longer. In most cases, you will see it is attached with a garden hose to lengthen the hose. If water no longer runs away from the equipment quickly, dig out any in-fill or soils that have washed up against the pad, grading slopes and swales to carry water away. May not need any parts. If your pool water is stagnant, there will be the breeding of various species of bacteria and other microorganisms that will result in various health hazards to the swimmers, such as UTI, but you wont get a water pump ready all the time to keep the pool circulated. What is the best to clean out the algae? This may be difficult to find but check carefully all the pipework, fittings and union for any sign of leaks. Many pumps start out their lives well above the ground, but over years, sediment and debris can raise the ground until there is very little clearance. If not, so far so good! Hi Damon, 250 mm is almost 10, which is OK, to curb the turbulence after the 90. Do not forget to brush and skim the pool regularly. Problem:Incorrect voltage, wire size or wiring. And motors should never be wrapped tight, even if OFF all winter, for example, because the lack of air can contribute to condensation and rust. This is a great service we offer to prevent your pool from going green while the pump is out. What is your view on installing flex pipe in a loop to overcome the issues of having the elbow hard up against the inlet? For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The water will reserve in the debris bag. A pool pump is an important part of the system that helps to keep your pool clean and clear and it is normal to run the pool pump for 6 hours a day or more. If you've been using pucks and powdered "shock," quite likely your CYA (maybe CH too) is too high. "publisher": { . I turned it off then it wouldnt turn back on.Then I waited awhile it turned back on, water was flowing properly, then I noticed white smoke coming out. I want to buy a new filter but I do not want to invest in one and have all the algea collecting in the new filter. "wordCount": "1405", Problem: Mulch is very acidic and traps moisture, creating an acrid humid air around the pump motor, which can be corrosive to metallic pump parts. You can move both the pump and the hose around at regular intervals to achieve better water flow. Once done replace the lid. You are using an out of date browser. My husband said it was because the jet valve insert was removed but it was flowing fine when I hooked up the pool skim. Pump motor shields can be used to block sunlight. Reseat the o-ring into its groove and lubricate it lightly with a silicon-based lubricant. After it is primed, the motor can be shifted down to a slower speed. Do not use Vaseline. Here is the hassle-free fix: You can use a siphoning hose for this purpose. What could the problem be.? Inline Vs Offline Chlorinator Just how long can your pool go without a pump and still be ok to swim in? You can do this from the pump back towards the pool or from the pool towards the pump. If it looks bulged, cracked, oily or smells like burnt wires, replace with the exact same MFD number printed on the side. I immediately turned off the breaker and am now wondering if the pump is completely ruined. Your pool pump has a seal that keeps water from getting into the motor. When I first bought my house with a swimming pool, I knew nothing about cleaning and maintaining it. With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. model# SF80110-2 with hydro aeration jet assembly where it returns water to pool. Do Salt Water Pools Kill Bacteria Solution: Maintaining a proper water level in the pool is the first advice. }, If the noise is only minor it is OK to keep the pump running for now, but it should be repaired ASAP to prevent further damage. I have had hot tubs for many years and a pool for the last 9 years. Setting one of those up to produce a little circulation can help a great deal. It was probably the best money I spent that year as I have saved thousands by doing it myself. Hi, thats true, all pool pumps are rated and certified to work outdoors, with continuous duty, or 24/7 if needed. Check the water level in the pool. Without air circulation, moisture is trapped inside the motor. It is possible to maintain a pool without a pump if the pump is broken but only in the short term. "@type": "Person", In order to be able to get your pool ready as quickly as possible in the spring, and to reduce the possibility of damage, you need to make sure you close (winterize) your pool properly. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", You can check the chemical stability of the pool regularly with a test kit. When the pool is reopened in the spring, even if the pool has gone green over winter, then it only takes a week or so of chlorine treatment and running the filter to restore the health of the water. But the length is not that important as the size of the hose controls the amount of draining water, therefore, you will need a large sized hose to make the task less time-consuming. A floating chlorinator is another option which will disperse chlorine by itself as it floats about. In some cases it will melt pump baskets and even deform the pump volute. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles creates internal rust between the stator and rotor, causing motors to lock-up come spring.Small amounts of snow are of little concern; but extended periods of heavy snow should be avoided. Davy details how to make your pool pump and motor last longer!" This is because most robotic pool cleaner pumps are quite powerful so they move a substantial amount of water as they clean. Ideally I would suggest waiting until everything is fixed but if you are experiencing a big heat wave then perhaps that is something you, or your family, may find unacceptable. When you start a variable speed pump it generally needs to be started at high speed to create enough suction to prime the motor. The whole process should take about one hour. If you have a robotic cleaner, you can keep it running to help circulate and filter the water. are most pool pumps outdoor rated, and intended to be installed outside in the weather? The pump will need to be removed for repairs. Do not over-tighten with a tool. It is recommended to do a test once per week to ensure that. "@type": "BlogPosting", Priming problems often happen after taking the lid off the pump basket due to the lid not being screwed on properly or tight enough or the lid o-ring may be missing. Remove the cover on your pump basket, then remove the o-ring. You decide to do it yourself and order a new motor or pump online. The water pump makes sure that we dont need to have a great deal to clean. You can check the chemical stability of the pool regularly with a test kit, brush your pool to eliminate debris. Ive been vacuuming it daily, adding extra chlorine and algaecide and making sure to move the water around as much as possible. Swimming pools have become a conjugated part of our life, but lack of maintenance of the pools can be harmful to the swimmers. It is quite a large investment but will pay for itself over time. Its a Pentair WF-23/011771 Thank you, Hi Lynn, perhaps the smoke came from a blown capacitor, which is a black cylinder in the rear of the motor. WARNING NEVER LEAVE A PUMP RUNNING THAT HAS NOT BEEN PRIMED. Solution:Keep the pump running during cold temperatures. Add gravel around the pump and filter area to reduce moisture and slow weed growth. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" It is safe to swim in the short term, perhaps a week, provided you keep the chlorine levels up using chlorine shock in liquid or powder form. Sometimes it can be air getting in rather than water getting out, so this can be quite difficult to identify. Use a rake or leaf blower regularly to remove sticks, leaves or natural mulch. Chlorinators and salt cells are another exception, they are installed after the filter (only) and always after any heater, and always last on the line. Since then I have helped many friends and neighbors with their pools and now I want to share everything I have learned with you. }. Cause 9 Leaks in fittings or unions. One of the things you will need to decide is whether to have a salt water pool or use chlorine. This is how you can circulate your pool water without any pump. Check for cracks, flattening of the o-ring or signs of wear if cracked/flattened or worn replace it. The whole body of it screws in the connector. Hi there, my pool is currently shutdown for the winter and was properly closed and winterized. And, if replacing old wires, be sure to use the correct wire size, usually 12/3, or 12 AWG size, three wires, usually white, black and green. Hi Stan, the downside would be the lack of full air flow. Then remove the plugs and let the pump drain out, since we may get more freezing nights before you open the pool. Direct sun will also raise motor temperature. Although they are more expensive, having a variable speed pool pump will save you money in the long run since when it is running at a slower speed it will consume less electricity. You never want to put chemicals into the skimmer, especially the more caustic chemicals like chlorine or acids. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations.
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