Pool Pump Repairs

An electric motor drives the wet end.

The wet end (pump) has an impellor, which pushes the water. The Hair and Lint Pot Basket collects any large debris that bypasses the skimmer box basket and prevents it reaching the wet section. (For fine debris use "Filter Sox" in the skimmer box); Available from Pool Assist with a pool cleaning call.
The Hair and Lint Pot also acts as a priming chamber if the pump is to be installed above water level. Where this is so, it is recommended for maximum performance that the pump be installed no higher than one metre above the water level of the pool. Use of a "Non Return Check Valve" is recommended to maintain the pumps prime where a suction lift of more than one metre is necessary. Pool Assist installs these as a matter of course.

PRIMING

To prime the pump, remove the Hair and Lint Pot Lid and fill the chamber with water. Refit the lid and start pump. If no water appears to be coming from the pool return after a short period of time, stop and reprime the pump. The Hair and Lint Pot will gradually fill completely with water; bubbles should all but disappear. If not, check that the clear lid and O-ring are sealed and there are no leaks in the suction lines.
Where the pump is installed below water level it is necessary to fit isolating gate valves on the suction and return lines in order to isolate the equipment from the pool to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

POOL PUMP MAINTENANCE; NO FLOW.

The Hair and Lint Pot basket must be regularly cleaned of debris to avoid clogging the impeller and causing loss of flow. Remember to re-prime the pump (where necessary) after cleaning. It is important to maintain good flow as it cools the shaft seal. Reduced or stopped-flow will burn out the seal and damage the wet section and VOID the warranty. For this reason, also clean the pool filter and skimmer basket/s regularly and check that isolating valves are open before starting the pump. Filter Sock should be placed in the Skimmer Box basket to catch debris such as pine needles and Jacaranda passing through the basket and possibly damaging the wet section or seal. This is also a good remedy for situations where these can build up and jam the impeller. Pool Assist has some innovative solutions to leaf problems. Look underneath the pump between the motor and the wet section when doing a maintenance check on your equipment. Water leaking out there is a sure sign of mechanical seal damage. This should be repaired immediately before damage to the motor results. Electric motors subject to water damage may NOT be covered by warranty or insurance. The pump should be located so that it is covered and able to be kept dry. This is added safety for you and the electric motor and will extend the working life of the pump and motor. It is normal for the pump to run warm to hot. There is an external fan at the rear of the motor to aid cooling. Adequate ventilation, however, is essential.
Use lanolin, silicone or Teflon based lubricants to preserve rubber 'O' Rings. Do not use petroleum jelly or Vaseline lubricants.

Minimize Pool Pump Repairs

  • To protect your equipment from the weather.
  • Do clean Hair and Lint Pot basket and pool filter regularly.
  • Do check that the pump is primed and isolating valves are open before starting the pump.
  • DO NOT run the pump on an extension lead. This causes a voltage drop and will damage the motor.
  • DO NOT place chemical tablets in the Hair and Lint Pot Basket.
  • NEVER RUN THE PUMP DRY OR ALLOW IT TO STARVE FOR WATER. DO NOT LEAVE PUMP UNATTENDED WHILE USING IT TO EMPTY THE POOL OR LOWER THE WATER LEVEL.

Pool Assist provides pool services that include regular inspection of all equipment, pool pump repairs parts, and new pool pumps and filters.

Pool pump repairs