Keeping your pool pump in top working condition is essential for clear, clean pool water all season long. Regular maintenance prevents problems down the road and prolongs the life of this expensive equipment.
This in-depth guide will walk you through the entire pool pump maintenance process in 8 steps. Follow along to keep your pump running smoothly for years to come.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power to the Pump
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing your pool pump, you must disconnect power to avoid electric shock. Here’s how:
- Locate the circuit breaker that controls power to the pump.
- Flip the circuit breaker to the “Off” position.
- Verify power is cut by trying to turn on the pump.
With the power off, it’s safe to open up the pump and get started on maintenance.
Safety Precautions
Take these additional precautions whenever you work on your pool pump:
- Never handle the pump with wet hands or when standing in water.
- Allow the pump motor to fully cool before service to prevent burns.
- Keep children and pets away from the pool pump when working on it.
- Use caution when opening the strainer basket lid, as the pressure can be built up inside.
Step 2: Clean Out the Strainer Basket
The strainer basket is the first line of defense, catching leaves, sticks, debris and other gunk before it reaches the pump impeller. Over time, this basket can become clogged, reducing flow and efficiency.
To clean out the strainer basket:
- Unscrew the lid/locks and remove the basket. Dump out debris.
- Use a hose on low pressure to spray away the remaining dirt inside the basket. Check areas around the sides and bottom for compacted leaves.
- Scrub away stubborn debris with a brush.
- Rinse out the housing where the basket fits. Feel around the inside walls for slime buildup or debris.
- Replace the cleaned basket, replace the lid and lock it down.
Ideally, clean the strainer basket at least once per month. If you have lots of trees or debris around your pool, you may need to clean it more frequently.
Step 3: Inspect and Replace Pump Lid
The pump lid protects internal components from weather, debris and UV rays. Over time, these can degrade plastic and rubber components.
Inspect your pump’s lid for the following:
- Cracks or damage: Look closely for any cracks that allow water intrusion or might cut skin. If the lid is compromised, replace it.
- Missing/damaged fasteners: Ensure all locking tabs or screws are present to keep the lid securely closed. Replace any that are damaged or missing in action.
- Gasket wear: Run your finger around the lid’s gasket (rubber seal). It should be flexible, not stiff or cracked. Replace worn gaskets.
- UV fading: Severe fading indicates material breakdown. Consider replacing the lid if plastic parts look extremely weathered.
Step 4: Lube the Pump Seal
The pump seal creates a tight junction between components. This Seal keeps water flowing smoothly through the system.
Over time, seals dry out and allow air and water leaks – reducing efficiency. Keep your pump seal lubricated with silicone grease for maximum life.
Here’s how:
- Remove the strainer basket lid to access the seal. Remove any debris or old grease.
- Apply a small bead of silicone grease completely around the seal.
- Use your finger to gently coat the seal surface with a thin, even layer.
- Replace the lid, locks and strainer basket.
Re-lube the seal 2-4 times per year as part of seasonal maintenance. Look for dried out, cracked or leaking seals that need replacement.
Step 5: Inspect Pump Housing
The pump housing takes a beating from weather, debris and constant vibration. Inspect your housing closely for:
- Cracks/damage: Even small cracks allow water intrusion that leads to internal rust and failure. Replace cracked housings.
- Bolt issues: Check that all housing bolts are present and tight. Replace damaged bolts and washers.
- Mounting: Ensure the pump base is solidly attached to the equipment pad. Tighten any loose mounting bolts.
- Leaking water: If you notice leaking joints between components, tighten bolts. If leaking persists, replace gaskets.
- Rust: Check inside and out for rust. Spot clean with steel wool and touch up paint where needed.
Step 6: Service the Pump Motor
The pump motor powers the entire system. These tips will help it run smoothly:
- Inspect wiring: Check power cables for damage. Ensure connections are tight with no exposed wire.
- Clean debris/vents: Use compressed air to clean out motor vents and internal fan blades. Debris buildup reduces cooling.
- Test bearings: Spin the motor shaft by hand. It should rotate smoothly. Sticking or grinding indicates worn bearings.
- Listen: Power up the motor briefly. Unusual noise can indicate issues.
- Monitor heat: Feel around the motor casing after 15 minutes of operation Make sure it’s not excessively hot, which causes premature failure.
If bearings require replacement or mysterious electrical issues pop up, it’s best to call in a professional service technician.
Step 7: Impeller Maintenance
The small finned wheel inside the pump is called an impeller. As it spins, the impeller accelerates water through the piping.
To clean and maintain the impeller:
- Remove strainer cover and basket to access the volute (engine housing).
- On most pumps, you can see the impeller by looking inside the volute. If not, you’ll need to remove the bolts fastening the volute to the engine to get a clear look inside.
- If built-up debris covers 30% or more of the impeller vanes, remove the impeller retaining screw and pull the impeller straight out from the motor shaft.
- Clear debris from impeller using a flathead screwdriver and spraying water. Be very gentle – impellers are plastic and fragile.
- Make sure the rounded end of the impeller shaft is clean and lubricated with Vaseline or silicon grease.
- Visual check that all vanes are intact, with no visible cracking or chipping.
- Reinsert the impeller in the exact centered position and retighten the retaining screw. Spin the impeller by hand to ensure smooth, rub-free rotation.
- Reassemble pump housing.
In most cases, debris removal is all that’s needed. If your impeller is corroded or damaged, professional replacement is recommended. Running a compromised impeller can damage the pump.
Frequency: Inspect/clean the impeller 2-4 times per season. Monthly if excessive debris around your pool.
Step 8: Reconnect Power and Prime Pump
You’re almost ready to power up your freshly maintained pump! Follow these final steps:
- If you’ve drained system water during maintenance, replace the drain plugs. Make sure all pump and hose clamps are tight.
- Reconnect pump and turn power back on at circuit breaker.
- Stand clear of the pump and briefly activate system to ensure proper power up. Then shut back off.
- Manually fill pump basket with water until the volute fills. This helps prime the system.
- Turn on pump and let run until all air discharges and there’s a steady stream water flow.
Take a moment your admire your clean, running-like-new pool pump! Just be sure to keep an eye out for leaks, odd noises or other issues post-service.
The Importance of DIY Pool Pump Maintenance
Keeping your pool pump properly maintained isn’t just for appearances – it’s crucial for safety and environmental reasons.
Prevent Electric Shock Risks
Electricity plus water equals danger, so power issues can create unsafe pool conditions.
Routine maintenance prevents situations like:
- Exposed wires sending stray voltage into water
- Short circuits blowing fuses or GFCI switches
- Motor failures due to compromised insulation
Make sure pump electrical components remain intact, grounded and dry.
Ensure Proper Sanitation
The pumping system circulates hundreds of gallons of water per hour through your filter system. If flow is reduced by clogs or wear, your filter can’t remove contaminants effectively.
Stuck debris also provides areas for bacterial biofilm “slime” growth inside pumps and pipes, releasing it back into water.
Proper maintenance keeps water flowing quickly to sanitize through filtration and chemical treatment.
Maximize Energy Efficiency
As pumps wear down, they use more energy to move the same amount of water. Experts estimate that pumps lose 0.5% – 1% efficiency per year.
Regular maintenance helps ward off excessive wear for big energy savings. The Department of Energy reports a mid-life pump service can cut energy use by 30-50%
The eco-friendliness of lower electric bills is just icing on the cake!
Extend Equipment Lifespans
With proper care, a quality pool pump can operate reliably for 10-15 years. Lack of maintenance often cuts this lifecycle in half.
Preventing little issues like strain basket clogs and eroded seals wards off much bigger problems down the road – saving you thousands in replacement costs.
DIY or Hire a Pool Service Pro?
Many handy pool owners can handle basic cleaning and inspections on their own. But if certain maintenance tasks make you queasy, hire help! Professional pool technicians have specialized tools, knowledge and skills for every system component.
DIY Maintenance
You can DIY tasks like:
- Cleaning baskets/covers
- Testing warranties
- Lubricating seals
- Clearing debris
- Tightening fittings
- Checking electrical
Professional Maintenance
Consider hiring a pro for complex repair tasks:
- Identifying leaks
- Replacing bearings
- Impeller replacement
- Pipe/fitting replacement
- Major equipment installation
- Electrical troubleshooting
Discuss appropriate DIY vs. pro maintenance when chatting with your pool builder or service company. You want to handle simple upkeep tasks while properly outsourcing risky repairs.
Pool Pump Maintenance Supplies Checklist
Having the right gear, parts and tools on hand makes maintenance much smoother for DIYers.
Here are handy supplies to keep stocked:
Safety Gear
- Insulated gloves
- Safety glasses
- Dust mask
Cleaning Tools
- Soft scrub brushes
- Old toothbrushes
- Compressed air
Lubrication
- Silicone grease
- Petroleum jelly
Miscellaneous Supplies
- Replacement lid gaskets
- Lid locking tabs
- Hose clamps
- PTFE plumbers tape
Optional Specialty Tools
- Digital voltage meter
- Tachometer
- Infrared thermometer
Don’t currently have everything you need? Pick up maintenance accessories right alongside your other pool chemicals – companies like Leslie’s and Intheswim stock all these handy supplies.
Common Pool Pump Problems and Solutions
Even with diligent maintenance, pool pumps eventually run into problems.
Review these common issues and fixes to troubleshoot your next breakdown:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Fixes |
| No water flow | Power, clogs | – Check breaker- Clean basket- Clear blockages |
| Leaking water | Damaged seal/gaskets | – Replace gaskets- Tighten bolts |
| Overheating motor | Debris inside | – Clean ventilation- Lubricate bearing |
| Noise/vibration | Unbalanced impeller | – Clean impeller- Replace impeller |
| Rust stains in water | Internal rust | -Replace rusted component-Shock water |
| Reduced water flow | Old impeller | – Replace impeller |
| Cloudy water | Clogged filter | – Backwash filter- Replace filter media |
If problems return rapidly after correcting, the underlying issue likely remains. Keep troubleshooting or call in an experienced repair technician to diagnose and service the pump.
Keeping your pool pump humming along takes just basic mechanical skills and a little investigative work to hone into issues before they spiral.
By carving time every month for simple maintenance, plus periodic in-depth cleaning, you can keep water flowing cleanly for years on end.
Review this complete guide anytime issues pop up or when conducting seasonal maintenance for crystal clear pool enjoyment all summer!