Strange noises from the pool pump you are not used to? Water that has taken on a cloudy appearance for no apparent cause? And then there are the energy bills that seem to be on the rise with each passing month.
Should any of this ring a bell, your pool pump is probably putting out a signal. We at PB Pool Doc put our experience to work for homeowners in Palm Beach and Broward County to see that their pools operate as they ought to. Our in-house equipment repair team is accustomed to dealing with such matters on a daily basis. Give us a call at (561) 934-5597 and have a professional come by.
Think of the pump as the heart of the circulation system. It is what puts water through the filter, distributes the chemicals and prevents the whole pool from going green. Once it begins to give way the trouble is quick to manifest; catching the warning signs early will save you money down the road.
Strange Noises
You can tell a good pump by its low, steady hum. When it starts to rattle or grind, it is time to take notice. The following are some of the more telling sounds:
- Screeching of a loud variety, usually a sign of bearings that have worn out
- A rattle from within the housing pointing to a loose part or debris
- Grinding which would have you believe the motor is failing
- Gurgling over an air leak or where the water level is low
- A pump that hums but refuses to start
Some of these are easily put right, in other instances the motor is done for. But one does not make the noise go away by ignoring it.
The Pump Will Not Hold Prime
If the pump is having trouble with suction and pulling water, it has lost prime. While the system is running the basket may be only half full or empty. An air leak is the usual culprit and it is hard on the motor to have air where there should be water. Do not let it get to the point of overheating and a costly repair.
Leaking Water
Do not just put up with a puddle forming around the pump. More often than not it is due to a seal or gasket giving out, or a crack in the housing. While an early leak is a simple fix, allow the motor to be drenched and you risk corrosion or a short. Have any unexplained moisture looked into.
Pump Shuts Down
An automatic shutdown after a while is the safety switch tripping because the unit has run too hot. It is a matter of acting fast on this one. Typical reasons are:
- The motor is not well ventilated
- Flow is being impeded by clogged filters
- Something has failed inside
- Wiring or capacitor problems
Weak Flow and Cloudy Water
Circulation suffers when the pump is not up to snuff and you will see it in the clarity of the water. The return jets will not have the pressure they normally do and the water can look dull. Without proper flow to move debris to the filter and mix in the chemicals, algae and balance issues are not far behind. If the chemistry is fine but the water is not, look to the pump.
Higher Bills on the Electric
A pump that is old or otherwise struggling puts in more work for the same result and your bill will reflect it. If nothing else in the house has changed yet usage is up, the pump could be why. Sometimes it is more economical in the long term to make an upgrade to a better model. We do repairs and upgrades at PB Pool Doc and can put together financing if a replacement is called for.
We Are Here to Help
Problems with a pool pump are not going to resolve themselves. As the top residential pool care firm in South Florida we have the means to diagnose and put things right. Every one of our W-2 technicians is fully background checked so there are no questions as to who is at your home.
And with free estimates from us there is no guessing involved. Call (561) 934-5597 and we will have your pool back in order. You can reach our office Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm.