Pool Pump Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Your pool pump is the heart of your pool system. When it stops working, your pool can turn green within days. This guide helps you diagnose pump problems and determine if it's a quick DIY fix or requires professional service.

Quick Safety Warning

NEVER work on pool pump electrical components while power is on. Always:

• Turn off circuit breaker
• Lock breaker in off position
• Verify power is off with voltage tester
• Call a licensed electrician for electrical repairs

When in doubt, call a professional. Electrical work around water is dangerous.

Common Pool Pump Problems & Solutions

Problem 1: Pump Won't Turn On (No Sound, No Hum)

Likely Causes:

• No electrical power
• Tripped circuit breaker
• GFCI outlet tripped
• Blown fuse
• Timer issue
• Faulty switch

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check circuit breaker

   • Go to electrical panel
   • Look for tripped breaker (switch in middle position)
   • Reset breaker firmly to "on"
   • Try pump again

2. Check GFCI outlet (if pump plugs in)

   • Look for "reset" button on outlet
   • Press reset button
   • Try pump again

3. Check timer (if pump is on timer)

   • Verify timer is set correctly
   • Check timer display is lit
   • Manually override timer to test pump
   • Try pump in "on" position

4. Test power at pump

   • CALL ELECTRICIAN FOR THIS STEP
   • Should measure 220-240V at pump
   • No voltage = wiring or breaker issue

DIY Fix: Resetting breaker or GFCI Call Professional: If breaker trips repeatedly, no power at pump, or electrical component replacement needed

Problem 2: Pump Hums But Won't Start

What it means: Motor is getting power but impeller isn't turning

Likely Causes:

• Impeller blockage
• Bad capacitor
• Seized motor bearings
• Bad motor

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check for impeller blockage

   • Turn off power at breaker
   • Remove pump strainer basket
   • Look into impeller housing (behind basket area)
   • Remove any debris blocking impeller
   • Try to spin impeller with screwdriver
   • Should spin freely

2. Test capacitor (most common cause)

   • CALL PROFESSIONAL FOR THIS
   • Capacitor stores electrical charge - dangerous even with power off
   • Bad capacitor is cheapest fix ($20-$50 part)
   • Common failure in Florida heat

3. Check motor bearings

   • With power off, try to spin motor shaft
   • Should spin smoothly
   • Grinding, catching, or won't turn = bad bearings

DIY Fix: Clearing impeller blockage Call Professional: Capacitor replacement, bearing issues, motor problems

Cost to repair:

• Capacitor replacement: $150-$300
• Motor bearings: $200-$400
• Motor replacement: $300-$800+

Problem 3: Pump Turns On But Low/No Flow

What it means: Pump motor runs but water isn't moving

Likely Causes:

• Air leak in suction line
• Clogged impeller
• Closed valves
• Clogged filter
• Suction line blockage

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check all valves

   • Verify all suction valves are open
   • Verify return valves are open
   • Check valve positions match desired setting (skimmer vs. main drain)

2. Check filter pressure gauge

   • Normal pressure: 10-20 psi (varies by system)
   • High pressure (25+ psi) = clogged filter
   • Low/zero pressure = no flow

3. Check for air leaks

   • Look for bubbles in pump strainer basket
   • Check pump lid o-ring (common air leak)
   • Inspect suction side pipe connections for leaks
   • Listen for sucking/hissing sounds

4. Check strainer basket and impeller

   • Turn off pump
   • Remove strainer basket - should be clean
   • Look into impeller area for blockage
   • Feel impeller - should be clean

5. Check skimmer and main drain

   • Remove skimmer basket - look for blockage
   • Ensure skimmer weir door moves freely
   • Main drain could be blocked by debris

DIY Fixes:

• Opening closed valves
• Cleaning strainer basket
• Cleaning filter (backwash or cartridge rinse)
• Lubricating pump lid o-ring
• Clearing visible blockages

Call Professional:

• Suction line leaks
• Underground pipe blockages
• Impeller replacement
• Major component failures

Problem 4: Pump Makes Loud Grinding Noise

What it means: Mechanical problem inside pump or motor

Likely Causes:

• Worn motor bearings
• Damaged impeller
• Debris in impeller
• Motor going bad

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Turn off pump immediately

   • Continued operation damages motor further
   • Metal-on-metal grinding destroys components

2. Check for debris

   • Turn off power at breaker
   • Remove strainer basket
   • Inspect impeller area for rocks, twigs, debris
   • Remove any foreign objects

3. Check motor bearings

   • With power off, try to spin motor shaft
   • Should spin smoothly and quietly
   • Grinding feeling or sound = bad bearings

DIY Fix: Removing debris from impeller Call Professional: Bearing replacement, motor issues

Warning: Worn bearings can seize completely, leading to full motor replacement. Address grinding noises quickly.

Problem 5: Pump Losing Prime (Air in System)

What it means: Pump can't maintain suction to pull water

Symptoms:

• Pump basket has bubbles/air
• Pump cycles on and off
• Water level in strainer basket drops
• Gurgling sounds

Likely Causes:

• Pump lid o-ring dried or damaged
• Suction side air leak
• Low water level in pool
• Clogged suction line

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check pool water level

   • Must be at least halfway up skimmer opening
   • Low water level causes air suction
   • Top off pool if needed

2. Inspect pump lid o-ring

   • Remove pump lid
   • Check o-ring for cracks, dryness, twisting
   • Clean o-ring and groove thoroughly
   • Lubricate o-ring with pool lube
   • Ensure o-ring seats properly

3. Prime the pump manually

   • Fill pump strainer basket with water
   • Replace lid, ensuring good seal
   • Turn on pump
   • Should prime within 60-90 seconds

4. Check for suction leaks

   • Inspect all PVC connections on suction side
   • Look for cracks, loose fittings
   • Check union o-rings
   • Listen for hissing sounds

DIY Fixes:

• Raising pool water level
• Cleaning and lubricating pump lid o-ring
• Replacing pump lid o-ring ($5-$15)
• Tightening loose unions

Call Professional:

• Underground suction line leaks
• Cracked pump housing
• Persistent air leaks you can't find

Problem 6: Pump Leaking Water

What it means: Seal failure or loose connection

Common Leak Locations:

1. Pump lid

   • Cause: Bad o-ring or warped lid
   • Fix: Replace o-ring, ensure lid seats correctly
   • Cost: $10-$20 (DIY)

2. Shaft seal

   • Cause: Worn seal between motor and pump
   • Symptom: Water drips from motor housing
   • Fix: Professional shaft seal replacement
   • Cost: $200-$400

3. Pump drain plug

   • Cause: Plug loose or o-ring worn
   • Fix: Tighten plug or replace o-ring
   • Cost: $5 (DIY)

4. Union connections

   • Cause: Loose union or bad o-ring
   • Fix: Tighten union or replace o-ring
   • Cost: $10-$20 (DIY)

DIY Fixes:

• Pump lid o-ring
• Tightening unions
• Drain plug o-ring

Call Professional:

• Shaft seal replacement
• Cracked pump housing
• Major leak requiring parts/repair

Problem 7: Pump Won't Turn Off

Likely Causes:

• Stuck contactor
• Failed timer
• Faulty switch
• Automation malfunction

Immediate Action:

• Turn off circuit breaker
• Don't leave pump running continuously (motor overheating risk)

Call Professional: Electrical/control issues require technician diagnosis

Preventative Maintenance

Weekly Checks

• Clean pump strainer basket
• Check water flow and pressure
• Look for leaks around pump
• Listen for unusual noises

Monthly Maintenance

• Clean or backwash filter
• Lubricate pump lid o-ring
• Inspect for leaks or corrosion
• Check electrical connections (visual only)

Annual Service

• Professional inspection
• Capacitor testing
• Bearing condition check
• Electrical connection inspection

When to Repair vs. Replace

Repair Your Pump If:

• Less than 5 years old
• Simple component failure (capacitor, seal)
• Repair cost under $400
• Pump otherwise running well

Replace Your Pump If:

• 8+ years old
• Major motor failure
• Repair costs over $500
• Frequent ongoing issues
• Opportunity to upgrade to variable-speed

Variable-Speed Pump Benefits:

• 70-90% energy savings
• Quieter operation
• Longer lifespan
• Qualifies for utility rebates
• Pays for itself in 2-3 years

Cost: $800-$1,500 installed

Emergency Pool Pump Tips

Pump Stopped - What to Do Now:

1. Don't panic - Pool won't turn green overnight
2. Try basic troubleshooting - Check breaker, clean basket
3. Call for service - If you can't fix it quickly
4. Add extra chlorine - Manually dose pool while pump is down
5. Brush pool daily - Prevents algae while awaiting repair

Prevent Weekend/Holiday Breakdowns:

• Schedule pre-summer pump checkup
• Don't ignore warning signs (unusual noises, slow flow)
• Keep backup chemicals on hand
• Have emergency pool service contact saved

DIY vs. Professional Service

Safe DIY Fixes:

• Cleaning pump basket
• Resetting breakers/GFCI
• Cleaning or replacing pump lid o-ring
• Backwashing/cleaning filter
• Opening/closing valves
• Removing visible impeller debris (with power off)

Requires Professional:

• Any electrical repairs
• Capacitor replacement
• Shaft seal replacement
• Motor replacement
• Underground leak repairs
• Complex diagnosis

Cost Guide: Common Pump Repairs

Service call: $75-$150 Capacitor replacement: $150-$300 Shaft seal replacement: $200-$400 Motor replacement: $300-$800 New pump (standard): $400-$800 New pump (variable-speed): $800-$1,500 Installation labor: $200-$500

Central Florida Considerations

Heat and Humidity:

• Capacitors fail more frequently in Florida heat
• Motors work harder in high temperatures
• Preventative maintenance more critical

Storm Season:

• Power surges damage pumps
• Lightning strikes can destroy equipment
• Consider surge protection ($100-$200)

Year-Round Operation:

• No "off season" for pool pumps in Florida
• More wear and tear from constant use
• Regular maintenance essential

Conclusion

Most pool pump problems have straightforward causes. Start with basic troubleshooting—check power, clean baskets, inspect for obvious issues. Many problems are DIY fixable. However, don't hesitate to call a professional for electrical work or complex repairs.

Pool pump not working in Central Florida? Central Florida Pool & Spa offers same-day pump repair service throughout Osceola, Orange, and Polk Counties. We stock common parts and can often repair pumps the same day. Call (863) 353-6873 for fast, reliable pump repair.

Don't let a broken pump ruin your pool—get it fixed quickly by professionals who know Central Florida pools inside and out.