Pool Pump Problems? Troubleshooting & Replacement Tips Every Pool Owner Needs

A swimming pool is a dynamic system, and the pool pump is at the heart of it. The pump keeps the water circulating to better distribute chemicals throughout the pool, remove debris, and inhibit algae growth. If the pump fails, the water can become stagnant, leading to poor water quality and sending the pool into a potential state of disrepair.

If you have a home pool, you’ll want to be on the lookout for a faulty pump. Let’s first run through some signs that your pool pump needs to be serviced or replaced. Next, we’ll review the most common pool pump problems and how you can go about resolving them.

Signs and Symptoms of Pool Pump Issues

Your summer pool maintenance routine should include a walkthrough of the pool grounds and inspection of the pool equipment. Keep an eye out for the the following signs that suggest your pool pump requires repair:

• Poor water flow.

The pool pump is what facilitates the flow of water within the pool system. If water isn't flowing or the flow rate seems unusually weak, the pump likely needs to be repaired or replaced.

• Cloudy water, excess debris, and algae growth.

If your pool water isn’t clear and free of too much debris, your pump may not be adequately circulating the water throughout the system.

• Unusual noises or smells coming from the pump.

Your electric pool equipment probably emits a gentle hum that you’ve become accustomed to, but be wary of any loud or unusual sounds coming from the pump. Grinding, whirring, rattling, or high-pitched whining could point to pool pump impeller problems. These noises may be accompanied by off odors, such as the smell of something burning. Immediately power down the pool pump if you encounter these symptoms. 

• Water leaks.

A faulty pool pump is one of the most common reasons for a pool leak. Water should not escape the pump, so a leak is a sign of a malfunctioning component.

• Air inside the pump basket.

The pump system is a closed loop and air should not be able to get in. The presence of air bubbles inside the pool pump basket suggest a damaged seal or other faulty part.

• Lack of power or premature shutoff. 

Certainly, if your pool pump isn’t drawing power, something is wrong. If the pump turns on but shuts off by itself, the motor may be overheating.

Most Common Pool Pump Problems & How to Fix Them

If you can isolate your pool pump as the problem component in your pool’s system, you can begin the troubleshooting process to get everything back in working order. Review the problems outlined below and corresponding steps for possible repair.

• The pump isn’t priming or has a weak flow rate.

A failure to prime is usually because the pump can’t establish proper suction. First confirm that the pool’s water level is high enough and reaches above the skimmer. Next check that the skimmer, filter, and pump basket are free of leaves, twigs, or other debris. Finally, check the valves and connections along the pump system for possible leaks. If opening the valves and tightening the connections fail to resolve the problem, try replacing any visibly deteriorating seals and gaskets.

• The pump fails to draw power.

A completely unresponsive pump could be a local electrical issue or something related to the overall circuit. First check the breaker that powers the pool pump and reset if necessary. Then check all accessible wiring connections before testing the capacitor with a multimeter. If the capacitor is functional, the pump’s motor has likely failed.

• Water is leaking from the pool pump.

If water is leaking from the pump or pooling around, try to trace it to its source. Often, you can determine if the leak is coming from a crack in the housing, a loose plumbing connection, or a poor seal. You can easily replace pool pump O-rings or gaskets, and tightening any loose connections is simple. A crack in the housing will necessitate a new pump, though.

• The pump is making a strange noise.

Grinding, rattling, or screeching noises suggest that a piece of debris is interfering with the impeller. It could be a twig, tree seed, or other small object. If you don’t see any obstruction, check that the impeller or any bolts aren’t loose. Assuming everything is secure, the motor bearings may have worn out from years of use and need to be replaced.

• The pump is overheating or turning off automatically.

A pump that shuts off on its own is usually getting too hot. First check the impeller, pump basket, and filter for any clogs, as these can force the pump to work harder, generating excess heat. Then check the ventilation points to ensure dead leaves or other debris aren’t inhibiting airflow. Pumps may also overheat if in direct, intense sunlight or when running on especially hot days. If this doesn’t feel like a reasonable explanation for your pump overheating, though, the internal components have likely worn down.

When to Repair vs. When to Replace Your Pool Pump

Determining whether to individually fix pool pump components or replace the entire unit is dependent on the nature of the problem, the age of the pump, and the costs associated with the targeted repair.

It is usually worth repairing your pool pump if:

• the repair is something minor or inexpensive, such as removing a clog, changing the filter cartridge or pump basket, tightening connections, or replacing O-rings, gaskets, bolts, or other inexpensive hardware.
• the pump is no more than five or six years old.
• the pump is covered by a manufacturer’s or third-party warranty.

You should expect to replace your pool pump if:

• the pump housing is cracked.
• the pump is more than eight years old.
• the motor has failed and needs to be replaced.
• malfunctions are occurring with increasing frequency.
• the total repair costs exceed 40% to 60% of the cost of a new unit. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Pool Pump

The average lifespan of a pool pump is between eight to twelve years. You can help your pump reach the higher end of that range by keeping the pump and all other component parts of your pool’s various systems in good condition. Follow some basic preventive maintenance to avoid the most common problems with home pools. Here are some tips:

• Always ensure the pool’s water level is at the appropriate level.
• Inspect O-rings, seal, gaskets, and plumbing connections several times in a season, replacing parts or tightening connections as necessary.
• Check the pump basket every couple of days and discard any accumulated debris.
• Maintain your filter properly and replace at the appropriate time. And how long does a pool filter last? Sand filters last between three and seven years while glass filters can go to about fifteen years. If you have filter cartridges, rinse the filters twice per season and replace every two to four years.
• Keep the pool free from debris with a top-rated pool cleaner.
• Use a pump cover to protect it from heavy rain and intense sunlight.
• Keep the pump in a well-ventilated area and ensure the vents are free of debris.
• In the summer season, run the pump for the optimal amount of time each day per the manufacturer’s specifications (typically six to twelve hours). 
• Check the pump basket and all connections regularly to ensure air is not within the pump system and the pump is creating appropriate suction.
• Perform weekly inspections to check for leaks, damage, and wear and tear.
• Never run the pump dry.

And, of course, you always want to address any issues that arise, no matter how minor, promptly. This can be easier, faster, and more affordable with the help of a warranty. A home pool pump might come with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts from one to three years, but you can extend that coverage indefinitely with a warranty plan from Liberty Home Guard. With our top-rated pool coverage, all you need to do is submit a claim via our app when you discover a problem with your pump. We’ll tap our national network of expert techs and get you sorted in 48 hours or less — all for a fraction of what you would pay for an out-of-pocket repair.

Call (833)-543-9700 to learn more about coverage options for not only home pools, but for virtually all home appliances, systems, fixtures, and amenities.