How Pumps work?
Most pumps are self-priming centrifugal pumps. These pumps must
have a vacuum chamber, commonly known as a pump housing. The
pump housing must be filled with water in order for any pump
to create a vacuum, resulting in your pump pulling the water
out of your pool or spa. The pump housing will remain full of
water while the pump is on, and will remain full or partially
full of water when the pump is shut off.
When you turn on the pump the motor will begin to rotate
on high speed (dual speed pumps rotate at the preselected
speed). The motor drives the pump impeller, located inside
the pumps center portion at the opposite end, away from the
electrical switch portion of the motor. While the motor is
rotating, the tips of the impeller are sealed hydraulically
inside of the pump diffuser, this allows self-priming to occur.
Self-priming can only occurr when the pump has a diffuser.
Some pumps have a separate diffuser, others have the diffuser
molded into the pump's cover, refer to your Owner's Manual
for your pump. The diffuser helps to eliminate any air coming
into the pump housing, suction piping, or hoses on above ground
pools. When all the air is being removed from the system,
you will notice the bubbles returning to the pool through
the return fittings. The impeller acts to convert water velocity
into water pressure, which is registered on your filter pressure
gauge. The actual Gallons Per Minute (GPM) varies with the
type of pump and the horsepower. Check your Owner's Manual
for more information (owner's manuals can be found online
under the detailed page of your pump).
Self-priming pumps are very dependable and simple in design.
They require a sufficient supply of water from the pool or
spa, and no air in the suction lines. Air could come from
a loose strainer cover, a leak in any valve, a pin hole in
any suction line or any crack or loose connections in the
underground piping. Your pump should be kept free of dirt
and also located where it can be protected from flooding during
heavy rain fall. If your pump motor becomes flooded you will
probably have to replace it (pump motors damaged by flooding
are not covered by warranty).
My pump doesn't run?
Check the power, breakers, switches, etc. If you have a timer
on the system, make sure it is working properly.
My pump is running too hot and cutting
off?
This may be caused by insufficient power due to an undersized
or long power wires. All wires should be according to code
requirements and the motor manufacturer's recommendations.
Your local power supply may be suffering a power drop. For
example: during a heat wave when every possible cooling appliance
has been turned on in your area, your pump may be starved
of the power it requires to run cool. Restart your pump when
the weather cools to confirm that the problem is in the motor.
Your pump has a thermal overload, which will shut the motor
off when it gets too hot, and it will restart itself once
it has cooled down.
My pump is noisy?
This may be normal since they produce water flow. The motor
has a cooling fan internally which can be heard to a certain
degree. It is advisable not to locate any pool pump under
someone's bedroom window. The pump's sounds can be caused
by vibrations between the pump base and the base or concrete
pad it is sitting on. A piece of old carpet or rubber between
the pump and base may quiet the sound.
The bearings may be noisy due to normal wear. Feeding high
concentrations of chemical tablets in the skimmer will cause
corrosive damage to the pump seal, which can leak and damage
the motor bearings. It is recommended to get the bearings
replaced by a qualified motor repair shop. Also, cavitation
due to improper suction line sizing, leaks in the piping,
a blockage in the suction line, or a low level of pool water
will cause higher than normal sound.
Why does the pump cut on/off every 5
- 10 seconds?
Your motor is wired to the wrong voltage. Most inground pumps
can be connected to either 115 or 230v. Shut off the pump
at once and have your electrician check the problem and correct.
Why are bubbles coming into the pool?
The strainer cover is loose or the gasket is damaged; check
and replace the cover or gasket if necessary.
The pool water level may be too low allowing air to mix with
water through the skimmer, you will need to raise the water
level.
The skimmer weir, sometimes called the flapper, may be stuck
in the up position, allowing air to mix with water in the
suction line.
There can be a leak at any connection in the suction piping
or a leak inside any suction side valve at the stem o-ring.
Also, there may be a leak in the underground piping, caused
by a loose joint, or termites/ants that will chew into some
flexible piping.
My pump is running, but there is no pressure.
Why?
many pool owners use this term when in fact they really mean
they have lots of pressure but their flow is very low. This
is caused by a dirty or clogged filter, a blocked return line,
or a valve that is shut off or partially shut on the return
piping.
The pump's impeller may be clogged with debris. Check by
first shutting off the pump. Remove the basket and check the
impeller by putting your finger into the suction hole found
in the pump strainer housing. If the seal is broken, replace
it. For seal change instructions on Hayward pumps, refer to
your Owner's Manual that is supplied with your pump (also
available online under the product page for your pump), or
contact your local pool dealer.
Why has my electrical bill increased significantly
since
my pool was built?
Swimming pool pumps do require energy, the bigger the pump
the more energy consumed. Also, some filtration systems may
require up to 24-hours to clean your pool. Most pools should
stay clean with 8 - 12 hours of filtering. An upgrade to an
energy efficient pump and improved filtration can cut energy
consumption 15 percent or more. See your Hayward Pool Professional
for details.
My pump will not prime. Why?
Check for each of the folowing:
You may have a suction leak if there is not enough water in
the strainer housing.
You can have a leak at any joint especially at the first fitting
that is screwed into the strainer housing.
The strainer cover may be loose or an o-ring under the strainer
housing cover may be worn.
You may have clogged suction piping, which is caused by items
that get sucked through the skimmer into the piping, usually
lodging at any turn in the piping.
Sometimes when the pump starts, a small stone or debris by-passes
the pump basket it will break the impeller.
The pump may be located above the pool water level or may
be too far from the pool, requiring longer periods to prime.
The ideal situation is to locate the pump at or just slightly
above water level, 8 feet maximum, and as close to the pool
as possible, approximately 10 - 20 feet maximum.
