You have been on top of the cleaning but the water in your pool still has a cloudy appearance? The pump is making noises you do not recognize? And for all intents and purposes your energy bill is going up with no explanation?
There is a good chance your pool pump is putting out some kind of signal. West Meade Pools is here to make sure Nashville homeowners’ pools are in proper working order. Put in a call to (615)-989-2424 and we will put you right.
Consider the pump the heart of the system; it is what circulates the water through the filter, mixes the chemicals and prevents debris from settling down. A failing pump means the entire pool will be affected. You can put off an expensive fix by heeding the warning signs before a minor issue gets out of hand.
Here is what to look for as a pool owner.
Strange Noises From the Pump
There should be nothing but a consistent, low hum from a pump in good shape. New sounds are typically indicative of trouble.
Some things to listen for:
- Grinding of a loud nature, usually from bearings that are worn
- The motor screeching or squealing
- Rattling which could be loose components or something caught in there
- A hum when the pump is not turning on at all
- Banging, a sign of a clog or air in the system
Do not put off a pump that has become uncharacteristically loud. Motors and bearings will only deteriorate and what would have been a small repair can end up requiring a new unit.
Weak Water Flow or Suction
The pump is supposed to exert a steady force in pulling and pushing the water. A drop in suction and you have lost the circulation your pool requires.
Indications of poor flow include:
- The skimmer does not seem to be drawing in its share of leaves
- Return jets have little to no pressure
- It is a long time for the water to clear after you have cleaned
- Air bubbles at the returns
This can be due to a leak in the line, a clog or a pump on its last legs. Rather than guessing and putting money toward the wrong solution, let us have a look at it.
Water Leaking in the Vicinity of the Pump
A puddle is never welcome near your pump. What starts as a small leak can get away from you and see to it that the motor is damaged.
Leaks are commonly found in:
- Seals and gaskets past their prime
- The pump housing if it is cracked
- Fittings and connections not tight enough
- Old plumbing at the point of the pump
If left to it, a leaking pump will run dry and the motor will burn out. Any water where it does not belong merits some attention.
The Pump Will Not Stay On
When a pump is cycling on and off it is under stress from the motor. It is either overheating or having difficulty with power. This type of behavior can be electrical, or the motor is giving out, or there is not enough airflow about the unit. In any event it will not be long before the life of the pump is shortened.
Cloudy Water That Defies Effort
In some cases the water gives you the first clue.
Proper filtration is beyond the pump and you may find:
- A hazy quality to the water
- Debris on the floor of the pool
- Algae in spite of the chemicals you put in
Get the pump back in order and the clarity will follow. If your chemistry is in balance and the water is still not right, look to the pump.
An Increase in Energy Bills
It takes more from an old pump to do its job and that is reflected in what you pay each month. Should your costs be on the rise with no other change to account for it, the pump is probably using more power or running longer than it ought to.
Leave It to the Pros
Few want to go about dismantling their own pool pump. For the safety of the work, the seals and electrical parts must be done right.
We are licensed and insured at West Meade Pools and our 100% satisfaction guarantee speaks for itself. Our 4.6 star rating on Google is a testament to the trust our neighbors in Nashville, TN place in us. We are at your service Monday to Friday from 8 until 5.
Do not put it off until the pump has given up entirely. For a free estimate on getting your pool to run as it should, contact us at (615)-989-2424.