What Might Be Wrong With Your Home's Pool Pump
It's good to ensure that your home's swimming pool pump is operating optimally at all times; the pump is what pulls pool water through the filter, and it also helps to circulate chlorine and other chemicals, keeping that water clean. If your pool's pump is malfunctioning in any way, you might note a few common problems that could be causing this so you know what to expect by way of repairs or if the pump will need to be replaced altogether.
Slow moving water and loud noises
If the water in your pool is moving slowly through the filter, you may be able to tell that it's simply not being cleaned as it should; this often means the motor of the pump is failing. If you hear a loud squealing, this usually indicates the bearings of the motor are failing and are rubbing against each other. If you hear a loud hum, the bearings may have failed completely and are now locked up. In both these cases, the bearings can often be replaced.
If there is no sound from the motor whatsoever and the water is not moving around in the pool at all, the motor's shaft may have burned out. In this case, the entire pump needs replacing.
Wet concrete
If the concrete around the pump is wet, this often means a bad seal or gasket. A gasket, like a large round rubber ring, is placed on the opening of the pump to keep it sealed and to keep water from leaking out. When the gasket goes bad, you'll note a water leak around the pump and wet concrete. You can usually replace this gasket very easily yourself, and this can protect the concrete and keep the pump operating as it should.
Rattling
If the pump is bumping around its base as it operates, the concrete itself may have softened and needs patching. The connectors holding the pump to the base may also need tightening or replacing.
However, if the pump itself is rattling, this often means the impeller is failing. This impeller is a piece inside the pump that spins and creates the motion of the water; it works like a boat's propeller, creating the force that pushes water through the pool's filter. When the impeller starts to fail, it may rattle around in its housing. You may also notice very slow water movement in the pool. This impeller can typically be replaced without having to replace the entire pump itself. Talk to a pool contractor for more information on pump repairs.
