There are many signs your pool pump might be in need of repair, or replacement.

Pool pumps come in different horse power and you will first need to determine the appropriate horse power your pump is, this can typically be found on a manufacturer sticker on the side of the pump.

* Note as a new code enforcement per DOE, manufacturers will no longer produce 1.5hp or higher pumps in a single speed, they will all be replaced with variable speed pumps which offer much better energy efficiency.

Symptoms your pool pump is in need of repair

• Screeching, humming, or buzzing sound: Typically this is a sign the motor is no longer efficiently operating, and although the pump maybe still moving water, it is not working effectively and will cause further deterioration of the pump and electrical.
• No power: If your pump no longer has any lights on it, doesn’t respond to automation or schedules, even after resetting the breakers, this maybe be a sign the motor has gone bad. In many cases there might still be power coming to the pump thereby ruling out potential breaker/electrical related issues.
• Rust along seals and housing: It’s no secret that most devices operating in contact with constant water (especially salt) will eventually start to corrode.
  although Pool pumps are designed to last years under water contact, all of them do have a varied lifespan. Noticing rust or leaks along the housing unit, bolts, and seals between the pump canister and motor can lead to air leakage, cracked seals, and poor priming. In some cases premature rusting can happen due to irrigation lines pointed towards the equipment pad of the pool, poor equipment pad drainage, etc…
• Leaking pool pump: Leaks typically come from the where the housing unit meets the motor. Issues can be caused by improperly sealed or corroded bolts, worn and torn interior gasket seals, corroded housing unit, and damaged interior components.
• Pump not priming or circulating: When a pump starts up it will need to prime, which in some models maxes out the speed of the pump to gather as much water needed to fill the housing entirely, a well flowing pump will not have large pockets of air shown in the lid. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as..
  • Improperly sealed pump lid
  • Loose plumbing unions
  • Worn out gaskets and seals
  • Worn Impellor or diffuser
  • Worn out bearings
  • Bad motor
  • Improper priming settings
  • Electrical failures
  • Clogged main drain or skimmer
  • Improper suction valve positioning
• Pump not responding to automation: Many pumps are connected to a form of electronic automation and scheduling device. Older stylers are hooked up to a geared time wheel. Variable speed pumps are able to operating on their own through the pumps settings and scheduling. A pump not responding to automation or scheduling could be a sign of the following.
• Worn communication wire
• Loss of automation network connection
• Storm power surge
• Improper pump settings
• Worn time wheel gearing
• Improper electrical wiring