Summertime is the perfect time to cool off in your above ground pool, but what do you do when your pump stops working? It’s a frustrating and potentially costly problem, but it doesn’t have to be.
In this article, we’ll explore why above ground pool pumps stop working, from clogged skimmers to electrical problems.
We’ll help you diagnose the problem and guide you through the process of repairing the pump.
Plus, we’ll give you some tips for preventative maintenance to make sure your pump keeps working its best all summer long.
Short Answer
It is possible that the pump is not working due to a number of reasons.
Check to make sure the power is on and that all the necessary connections are secure.
If the pump is still not working, the motor may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Additionally, if the pump has not been used for an extended period of time, the impeller may be clogged with dirt or debris and need to be cleaned.
Reasons Why Above Ground Pool Pumps Stop Working
Above ground pool pumps are essential for keeping a pool clean, healthy, and enjoyable.
Without a properly functioning pump, the pool may become full of dirt and debris, which can cause bacteria and algae to quickly grow and become a health hazard.
When an above ground pool pump stops working, it can be a major inconvenience and cause a lot of frustration.
Understanding the common causes of a malfunctioning pump can help you diagnose and repair the issue quickly.
One of the most common causes of a malfunctioning above ground pool pump is clogged skimmers.
Skimmers are the devices that pull water from the pool and into the pump.
If these become clogged with debris, the pump may be unable to pull in enough water to operate properly.
To determine if this is the issue, you can inspect the skimmers for any blockages or clogs.
If any are present, you can remove them and see if the pump starts to function correctly again.
Another common cause of malfunctioning above ground pool pumps is malfunctioning valves.
Valves are the devices that control the flow of water between the pump, pool, and filter.
If these become stuck or are not functioning correctly, the pump may not be able to pull enough water to operate.
To determine if this is the issue, you can inspect the valves and check to see if they are functioning properly.
Finally, electrical problems are another common reason why above ground pool pumps may stop working.
If the pump is not receiving enough power or the wiring is faulty, it may not be able to function correctly.
To determine if this is the issue, you can check the wiring and make sure it is connected properly.
You can also check the circuit breaker to ensure that the pump is receiving enough power.
Identifying the cause of a malfunctioning above ground pool pump is the first step in getting it back to working order.
If you are unable to diagnose the issue yourself, it may be necessary to consult a professional to determine the exact cause of the problem.
Once the cause has been identified, it can be repaired and the pump can be brought back to working order.
Clogged Skimmers
The first potential cause of an above ground pool pump not working is clogged skimmers.
A pool skimmer is a type of basket or net that is used to filter out debris from the water.
When the skimmer becomes clogged with leaves, dirt, and other debris, it can cause the pump to malfunction.
To check if the skimmer is clogged, it is best to open the lid and examine the basket for any blockages.
If the skimmer is dirty, it should be removed and cleaned using a brush and water hose.
If the skimmer is clear, the pump should be checked for other potential issues.
It is also important to make sure that the skimmer lid is closed tightly so that the water is not being drawn away from the pump.
If the skimmer lid is left open, the pump will not be able to draw in enough water and will not be able to function properly.
Malfunctioning Valves
When it comes to diagnosing why an above ground pool pump isn’t working, one of the potential causes to consider is a malfunctioning valve.
Valves are used to control the flow of water in and out of the pool, so any issues with them can impact the pump’s performance.
There are several types of valves that can be present in an above ground pool system, including skimmer valves, main drain valves, and return line valves.
If any of these valves are not functioning properly, it can disrupt the flow of water and interfere with the pump’s ability to do its job.
Common signs of a malfunctioning valve include a decrease in water pressure from the return jets, gurgling sounds from the pool filter, and water leaking from the valve’s handle.
To fix the issue, the valve must be inspected and, if necessary, replaced.
It’s important to note that some valves will require a professional to complete the repair, so if the problem persists after inspecting the valve, it may be best to contact a pool service technician to help.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are a common culprit when it comes to malfunctioning pool pumps.
These problems can range from a blown fuse to a faulty motor.
To determine if the pump is having an electrical issue, it’s important to check the power source.
Make sure all the wires are connected, and inspect the circuit breaker for any tripped switches.
If the power source looks to be in good condition, then the problem may be with the motor itself.
Try testing the motor by turning it on and off a few times, as this may help to identify any wiring issues.
If the motor still won’t turn on, it may be necessary to replace it.
It’s also important to inspect the pump’s electrical components for any loose connections or corroded wiring, as these can cause the pump to malfunction.
If the connections look to be in good condition, then it may be time to consult a professional to diagnose the issue.
Diagnosing the Problem
It is important to diagnose the cause of the problem with your above ground pool pump before attempting to fix it.
This can be done by examining the pump itself, checking the electrical connections, and looking for any signs of damage or malfunction.
If the pump is not working, the first thing to do is to check the skimmer for any clogs or debris.
If the skimmer is clogged, it can prevent the pump from working properly.
Additionally, it is important to check the valves and ensure they are working properly.
If they are not, the pump may be unable to circulate the water properly.
Next, it is important to check the electrical connections.
Check the power cord for any frayed or damaged wires, and make sure the pump is receiving the proper voltage.
If the electrical connections are not working properly, the pump may not be able to receive power.
Finally, make sure the pump has been properly plugged in and turned on.
If all of these steps have been completed and the pump is still not working, it is time to consult a professional.
A professional can help to diagnose the exact cause of the malfunctioning pump.
They may be able to identify the problem quickly, or they may need to investigate further to determine the cause.
Once the cause of the malfunction has been identified, they can then advise on the best way to proceed with the repair.
This may involve replacing parts, troubleshooting electrical connections, or performing other repairs.
By consulting a professional, you can ensure that the problem is fixed correctly and that your pump is brought back to working order.
Repairing the Pump
Repairing an above ground pool pump can be a tricky endeavor, but with some basic knowledge and troubleshooting, it is possible to get the pump back up and running in no time.
The first step is to identify the cause of the malfunction.
There are a variety of potential culprits, including clogged skimmers, damaged valves, and electrical problems.
To determine the exact cause of the issue, it is important to inspect the pump and its associated components.
Start by inspecting the skimmer baskets, looking for any debris or foreign objects that may be blocking the flow of water.
If the skimmer is clogged, cleaning it out should fix the problem.
If the skimmer is not the cause, then check the valves to make sure they are open and allowing water to flow through.
If the valves are closed, open them up to restore the flow of water.
If the valves are open and the skimmer is clear, then the problem likely lies with the pumps electrical system.
To address this issue, it may be necessary to consult a professional electrician to diagnose the problem.
Once the cause of the malfunction has been identified, it can be repaired and the pump can be brought back to working order.
Preventative Maintenance
When it comes to why an above ground pool pump isnt working, preventative maintenance is key.
Taking the time to inspect, clean, and maintain your pump and other pool equipment can help to keep it running smoothly and prevent unexpected malfunctions.
Regularly cleaning the skimmer, checking the valves, and ensuring that all electrical components are properly wired can help to prevent issues before they start.
Additionally, having a professional inspect your pool equipment every few years can help to identify any potential problems before they become bigger issues.
By taking the time to practice preventative maintenance, pool owners can help to keep their pumps running optimally and save time and money in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Above ground pool pumps are essential for keeping your pool clean and well-maintained, but can sometimes be prone to malfunctions.
If you find yourself in this situation, its important to determine the exact cause of the issue.
This can involve checking clogged skimmers, malfunctioning valves, and electrical problems.
If youre unable to diagnose the problem yourself, you should consider consulting a professional for help.
Once the pump is repaired, its important to practice preventative maintenance to ensure it continues to work reliably.
With the right knowledge and care, your above ground pool pump should be back up and running in no time!