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The Top 7 Causes of Pool Pump Pressure Loss and How to Fix Them
Pool pumps are an essential part of any swimming pool. They circulate water through the filter, keeping the water clean and safe for swimmers. However, sometimes, you may notice that your pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes of operation. This can be frustrating and can affect the overall health of your pool. In this article, we will explore the causes of pool pump pressure loss and provide solutions to fix the problem.
Why does my pool pump keep losing pressure?
Fixing the pool pump is not much complex once you get your hands on the underlying problem. To find answers to why a pool pump loses pressure, check the following issues in your pump.
Clogging
The most common issue in pools that leads to the malfunctioning of the pool pump is the accumulation of debris in different parts of the system. You will need to check the motor, filter, and hose to make sure no debris is present. In case of clogging due to dirt, you can easily clean it yourself without professional help.
Air Entrapment in Suction Line
Air or leakage in the suction line is another common reason if the pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes. Air is usually trapped in the system due to low water levels in the pool. Check for the strainer basket if it is closed tightly. If there is space for air to enter the suction line, it can affect the airflow and be one of the causes why the pool pump loses prime after a few minutes.
Cracks and Leaks
You might need professional help to fix your pool pump; when the pool pump starts strong then gets weak. Inspect the thread sealant, o-ring, impeller housing, and rubber seals to ensure no leaks or are cracks found in the pool. You may also run the pump to observe if any leaks are present.
Dirty Pool Filter
A dirty pool filter can cause your pool pump to lose pressure. Over time, debris and contaminants can build up in the filter, reducing the flow of water through the system. This, in turn, can cause the pump to lose pressure. To fix this issue, you should clean your pool filter regularly, ideally at least once a week.
Clogged Skimmer Basket
Another common cause of pool pump pressure loss is a clogged skimmer basket. The skimmer basket collects debris, leaves, and other objects before they reach the filter. If the basket becomes clogged, water cannot flow freely, leading to a loss of pressure. To fix this issue, you should clean the skimmer basket regularly, ideally daily.
Valves
Apart from the suction lid and clogged lines, do not miss to check the valves. Sometimes when the pool pump primes and then lose pressure, it is caused as a result of a leaking foot valve. While these valves are present in the pool pump to keep water in the intake line, a faulty valve may cause problems in the pump. Replace the valve to get your pool working smoothly.
Air Leak in Pump Lid
The pump lid is another common location for air leaks. If there is a leak in the lid, air can enter the system, causing the pool pump to lose pressure. To fix this issue, you should check the pump lid for any cracks or damage and replace it if necessary.
Low Water Level in Pool
A low water level in the pool can also cause your pool pump to lose pressure. If the water level drops too low, the pump may suck air instead of water, leading to a loss of pressure. To fix this issue, you should maintain the water level in the pool, ideally halfway up the skimmer opening.
Pump Impeller Issues
Finally, pump impeller issues can cause your pool pump to lose pressure. The impeller is a fan-like device that moves water through the pump. If the impeller becomes damaged or clogged, water may not flow freely, leading to a loss of pressure.
How to Fix a Pool Pump That Loses Pressure
Now that we have identified the common causes of a pool pump losing pressure, let’s explore how to fix the problem.
Clean the Pool Filter
As mentioned earlier, a dirty pool filter can cause your pool pump to lose pressure. To fix this issue, you should clean your pool filter regularly, ideally at least once a week. This will help to remove any debris or contaminants that have built up in the filter, allowing water to flow freely through the system.
Clean the Skimmer Basket
If your skimmer basket is clogged, water cannot flow freely, leading to a loss of pressure. To fix this issue, you should clean the skimmer basket regularly, ideally daily. This will help to remove any debris, leaves, or other objects that have accumulated in the basket.
Check and Fix Air Leaks
Air leaks in the suction line or pump lid can cause your pool pump to lose pressure. To fix this issue, you should inspect the suction line and pump lid for any cracks, damage, or leaks. If you find any issues, you should repair or replace the affected parts immediately.
Maintain Proper Water Level in the Pool
A low water level in the pool can cause your pool pump to lose pressure. To fix this issue, you should maintain the water level in the pool, ideally halfway up the skimmer opening. This will ensure that the pump is drawing in water instead of air, allowing it to maintain proper pressure.
Check and Replace Pump Impeller
Finally, if you suspect that the pump impeller is causing your pool pump to lose pressure, you should inspect it for any damage or clogs. If you find any issues, you should clean or replace the impeller as necessary.
How to Increase The Pool Pressure?
It is possible that your pool pump suddenly loses pressure despite having a fully functional gauge or none of the above-mentioned issues. In such a situation where your pool returns low pressure, follow these instructions to increase pool pressure by yourself.
- As a low pool pump loses pressure after a few hours can be caused by low water levels, filling the pool at the proper level.
- Check the suction pump and replaces hoses if any unrepairable leaks are found.
- Clean the skimmer basket after a couple of weeks to avoid the buildup of debris that results in clogging.
FAQs
The Pool Pump Starts Strong Then Gets Weak. Why?
If you wonder why my pool pump loses its prime after starting, you might need to check for a suction leak that causes low pressure. Check all parts of the pump, including the drain plugs and o-ring, to eliminate the possibility of air entering through any cracks. If the leak is large, it will suck more air into the system, causing damage.
Why does my pool pressure fluctuate?
While you might experience that your pool pump loses pressure after an hour or so, sometimes it may show a fluctuation in the pressure. An air leak majorly causes this fluctuation through a crack. When air enters the pump, it has a higher tendency to get sucked, eventually obstructing the normal functioning of the pool pressure system.
How to fix the cracks and leaks?
Depending on the size of the leak, you may fix the leak yourself by sealing the cracks or leaks. If the damage is beyond repair or the line is concrete-covered, do not hesitate to ask for professional help. The cracks can be sealed with duct tape if the rubber seals are not in place properly.
What to do when the pump runs dry?
Never run your pool pump dry! Yes, immediately switch off the pool pump and only operate it when the pool is filled with water. Running it dry will damage it, and it may need a permanent replacement.
How long does a pool pump last?
Pool pumps last for as long as 12 years, while the motor or the plastic on modern ones might need replacement.
Final Words
If your pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes, check all parts of the pump, including the motor, hose, filter, and rubber seals, to make sure no leaks are present. Use duct tape to seal the leaks or seek professional help if the damage is beyond repair. Additionally, never run your pool pump dry, and ensure adequate water levels in the pool for the smooth running of the pump.
