Guide To Maintaining Your Pool Pump

Maintaining your pool is key to keepin' it swim-ready. Your pool pump is like the beating heart of the pool's plumbing system - and just like you gotta take care of yourself to stay healthy, your pool pump needs some attention too. Here are a few easy maintenance tips from the pool cleaning pros.

Some Common Issues You Might See

Maintaining your pool pump is essential for its longevity and optimal performance. Due to its constant circulation of water, it is susceptible to wear and tear, making regular cleaning a must. To keep the pump in top condition, it's recommended to clean both the pump itself and its surrounding area on a regular basis. Here's a simple guide on how to do it:

Circulating System Is Not Operating Correctly

Verify that skimmer baskets, pump basket and other screens are clean. Clean as necessary.
If a filter is installed in the system, check the filter and clean as necessary.
Check valve positions. Adjust as necessary.
NOTE Multiple pieces of equipment operating at one time (for example, waterfalls, spa
jets, and surface returns) may affect the cleaning system and prevent it from working
properly.
Check cleaning system manual to ensure the system is adjusted according to
manufacturer's recommendations.

Bubbles Present In The Pump Basket

Air is in system. Check pool or spa water level to ensure it is at the proper level and air is
not being drawn into suction piping. If water is at normal level, turn off pump. Turn the lid's
locking ring counter-clockwise until 'START' aligns with ports. Remove lid and check for
debris around lid seal seat or improper installation of lid seal, as either of these conditions
will cause air leaks in the system. Clean lid seal and lid groove. Note that one 1 side of
lid seal has two 2 ribs and the other has one 1. Place the side with two
2 ribs into lid groove. Replace lid on pump housing. Align 'START' with ports and turn
lid's locking ring clockwise until 'LOCKED' aligns with ports. Hand-tighten the lid to make
an air tight seal. Do not use any tools to tighten the lid. Turn the pump back on.

If The Air Leaks Are Still Present

Check the suction side piping union. While the pump is running, try to tighten the union.
If this does not stop the air leak, turn off the pump. Loosen both unions and slide the
pump out of the way. Remove, clean, and re-install both union o-rings.
Reposition the pump next to the piping and secure the union nuts to the pump. With
clean union o-rings, hand-tightening of the unions should create a seal. If the unions
still do not seal, gently tighten with a large pair of tongue-and-groove pliers.
Do not over-tighten.

There Is No Air In The System, But The Pressure Is Still Low

It is possible that debris is caught in the pump impeller. The pump impeller moves the
water, and the vanes in the impeller can become blocked with debris.
1. Turn off the pump. Switch off the circuit breaker to the pump motor.
2. Remove the lid and basket.
3. Look inside the pump for any debris. Remove any debris found inside.
4. Replace the basket and lid.
5. Switch on the circuit breaker to the pump motor.
6. Turn on the pump, and see if the problem is solved.
7. If the impeller is still blocked with debris and it is not possible to remove the
debris using Steps 2 through 4, the pump will need to be disassembled in order
to access the inlet and outlet of the impeller.

There Is No Debris Blocking The Impeller And The Pressure Is Still Low

The pump impeller and diffuser are showing signs of normal wear. Have a qualified
service technician check the impeller and diffuser and replace as necessary.
If the pump is part of a relatively new installation, it could be an electrical problem.
Contact a qualified service technician. Have the technician check for loose electrical
connections and check the voltage at the pump motor while it is in operation. The
voltage must be within 10% of the motor's data plate rating. If the voltage is not within
10%, contact a qualified electrician and/or the local power service provider.

The Pump Is Leaking Water Between The Motor And Pump Body

This is caused by a damaged or failed mechanical seal. The pump seal is leaking air.
Have a qualified service technician replace the seal.

The Pump Gets Hot And Shuts Off Periodically

Ensure that there is adequate room around the motor to circulate air and keep motor
cool. Have a qualified electrician check for loose connections and check voltage at the
pump motor while it is in operation. The voltage must be within 10% of the motor's data
plate rating. If voltage is not within 10%, contact a qualified electrician and/or the local
power service provider.

Please review the comprehensive operating manual for the highly sought after Jandy pool pump model, to fully understand its features and functions.

What’s That Noise?

Swimming pool pumps are motors and are going to make some sound. However, if you hear an unusual loud noise or a high-pitched whine, it's a sign of potential issues. Regular maintenance, as recommended by pool cleaning services, can help identify the problem early and potentially fix it by replacing only one part, instead of the entire motor.

A weekly check of your pool pump provides numerous advantages for pool owners: it extends the lifespan of the equipment, maintains a sparkling clean pool, and reduces energy expenses. Regular maintenance is a wise choice that pays off in the long run. With every pool we construct, we include a complimentary month of pool maintenance and keeping this service after that period is effortless.