5 Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repairing or Replacing

A backyard pool offers a clean, fresh place where you can relax, exercise, and wash away the stresses of the day. However, a broken pool pump can turn your pool from sanctuary to swamp, leaving you diving into water that’s stagnant, uninviting, and just plain dirty.

A pool pump is perhaps the most essential component of your pool’s circulatory system. Its main function is to pull water through the skimmer and main drain and push it through the filter before returning it back to the pool. This is done for a variety of reasons: it removes debris and contaminants, helps to evenly distribute pool chemicals, and encourages good water circulation. This results in cleaner, clearer pool water and an all-round safer and more sanitary swimming experience.

However, given that your pool pump is in such frequent use, you can expect wear and tear to appear over time. But how do you know when your pool pump needs to be replaced or repaired? We’ve compiled some of the most common signs that your pool pump is failing.

It stops without warning

If you find that your pool pump shuts off unexpectedly or it’s stopping and starting, this is often caused by the motor overheating and reaching an unsafe temperature. Once it’s cooled down enough, your pump will usually start working again. 

However, this isn’t sustainable long-term; your pump needs to be smoothly running for upwards of eight hours a day to ensure clean pool water. To prevent further damage, your pump will need to be inspected by a professional as soon as possible – it may be that the part is overworked and needs replacement.

It’s old

No matter how well-maintained your pool is, it isn’t designed to last forever. You can expect the average pool pump to last for around 8-12 years, so if yours is coming up to or has exceeded this milestone, you might notice a drop in performance. When this happens, it may be time to invest in a replacement, as this will reduce the need for frequent repairs and work out as a more cost-effective solution in the long run.

It’s blowing bubbles 

While bubbles are a common sight in a spa pool or hot tub, they should be a cause for concern if they appear in your pool. Air bubbles are often formed when the suction system draws in air rather than pool water. If you’ve already checked that your pool water is at the correct level, then these air bubbles may be caused by the pool pump loosening or becoming dislodged, so you’ll need a trusted pool technician to carry out the necessary repairs.

It trips the circuit

Have you noticed that your circuit trips as soon as the pool pump kicks in? A power surge may have tripped the breaker as a result of an electrical issue with your pool pump. To check if the problem lies with your pump, try unplugging other appliances from the circuit – it could be that the circuit is overloaded or another appliance is faulty. If the problem persists then it’s time to enlist a pool professional, like the team at Miller Pools.

It’s noisy

Using your pool should be relaxing, which is why your pool pump is designed to work almost silently – the most you should hear is a gentle hum when it’s running. If you notice any loud or unusual noises, such as any rumbling or grinding sounds, you’ll need to call in an expert for advice. These noises could be caused by any number of problems, such as rusted bearings, blocked pipes, a dislodged pump, and more, so it’s best to let a professional properly diagnose the issue.

It’s losing suction

As we’ve covered above, your pool pump should be drawing water out through the skimmer and drains, and this requires strong, consistent suction. If you’ve noticed a decrease in suction power – perhaps water flow is reduced or your pool water looks cloudy or dirty – then you’ll need to check the pressure gauge and ensure it’s within the correct range. If not, this could be caused by a leak or clog, or the pump motor might be damaged or worn.

If you suspect an issue with your pool pump or you’ve noticed any of the above signs, get in touch with the team at Miller Pools today. For more than 30 years, we’ve been supporting pool owners across Humble, Atascocita, Pasadena, Galveston, and the surrounding Texas area with a whole range of pool repairs and maintenance services – give us a call for more information.