How to Know if Your Pool Pump Needs Repairing

Your pool’s pump is one of its most important features.

Think of it as the heart of your swimming pool, ensuring water is properly circulated, the necessary chemicals are dispersed, and water does not become stagnant. 

Without a working pool pump, you will likely experience a wide range of problems as the pool will become dirty over time and chemicals will not be circulated throughout the water, meaning algae may begin to form.

With this in mind, it’s important to recognize the signs that could suggest your swimming pool pump needs repairing. This way, you can act early and organize repairs or a replacement before significant damage occurs to the pool.  

Signs your pool pump needs repairing 

It’s important to address problems with your pool pump before they become a major issue, and luckily there are several key signs you can look out for that indicate a repair may be necessary. 

This includes:

Strange or loud noises    

When in good working order, pool pumps should be quiet and not disturb your peace and quiet as you relax. 

Therefore, if you hear any loud or disruptive sounds coming from the pump, such as screeching or grinding, then it’s likely a sign there is a problem.

It keeps turning off

If your pool pump is continuously turning itself off, it is a sign that there is an issue. This could be that the motor is overheating and needs to be replaced or repaired. If this has happened, you should get the problem checked out as soon as possible to avoid the pump completely failing. 

It’s losing suction

One of the main functions of a pool pump is to draw in and filter the water before pumping it back into the pool and circulating it appropriately. If the pump’s suction has broken or become damaged, then it will not be able to perform one of its main functions and repairs will be necessary. 

Leaking water

If you notice excess water in the area around the pump, it might be a sign that a leak has occurred. A leaking pool pump can result from loose connections, cracks, or damaged seals and they will need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Pool pump replacement or repair?

Sometimes, a swimming pool pump repair will be sufficient to address the problem but in some cases, you may need to fully replace it. 

In particular, a replacement may be needed in the following circumstances:

• If the pump is too old – Pool pumps have an average lifespan of between 8-12 years so if your pump is around this age and is constantly needing repairs, a replacement may be more economical.

• If you’re spending a lot on repairs – No matter the age of the part, a pool pump replacement may be needed if you find yourself spending increasingly more money and time on repairs. If costs look like they will exceed the amount of a new pump, then it is more cost effective to replace it.

• If you’re seeking energy efficiency – Typically, newer pool pump models are more energy efficient, so if this is something you’re interested in then a new pump might be a great way to reduce your energy bills.

• If you’re experiencing repeat problems – If the same problem continues to reoccur, then it may be worthwhile just to replace the entire pump.

How to repair a pool pump

There are some minor repairs that pool owners are able to do themselves. 

This includes tightening loose connections to avoid leaks, lubricating motor bearings to stop loud noises, and cleaning vents to prevent overheating. 

However, most repairs need to be conducted by a professional pool company as pool pumps will often require specialized equipment and expert knowledge.

At Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, our team can provide leading pool repairs as part of our comprehensive service offering. This includes pool pump repairs and replacements. As well as building new, customized pools that are tailored to your unique vision, we will also ensure they remain in the best condition so you and your loved ones can enjoy them for years to come. Creating personal paradises across Spring, The Woodlands, Montgomery, and the wider Greater Houston area, our expert technicians are here to help transform your backyard. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.