Your pool pump is the heart of your circulation system, responsible for keeping water moving through filters, heaters, and chlorinators. When it starts to weaken, you’ll notice subtle warning signs before it finally gives out—if you catch them early, you can avoid costly emergency repairs and keep your pool in top shape. Here’s what to look for:
If your pool pump is struggling, the first thing you’ll notice is weaker water flow from your return jets. Swivel the eyeball fittings and pay attention—if the stream feels noticeably softer or inconsistent, your pump may be losing prime or the impeller could be worn. Compare with a neighbor’s pool or run the pump on high speed to see if output picks up again.
A healthy pump runs smoothly and quietly. Grinding, rattling, or high-pitched squeals usually mean bearings are failing or the motor shaft is misaligned. Don’t run your pump if you hear these sounds—continuing to operate it can burn out the motor entirely. Instead, turn it off and have a professional inspect the internals.
If your pump turns on and off more than usual, your pressure switch or timer could be malfunctioning—or worse, the motor is overheating and tripping the built-in thermal protector. Either way, erratic on/off behavior shortens the pump’s lifespan and could leave your pool unfiltered for hours.
Leaks at the pump base or around unions indicate worn gaskets, seals, or cracks in the housing. While a small drip might seem harmless, it lets air into the system—causing loss of prime—or can lead to electrical hazards. Inspect the pump wet well weekly and replace any deteriorated O-rings or gaskets.
An aging pump draws more amps to deliver the same flow, driving up your electricity costs. If your monthly utility bill creeps upward without a change in usage patterns, compare your pump’s current power draw to its rated specification. A spike of even 10–15% suggests the motor windings are deteriorating.
Finally, check the pump’s exterior for rust, corrosion, or faded labels. These telltale marks often accompany internal wear and mean that replacement parts may soon become unavailable. If your pump is more than 8–10 years old, start budgeting for a new energy-efficient model before it fails completely.
Don’t wait for a full breakdown—if you recognize any of these symptoms, contact us today for a free inspection and quote. We service pools in Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa, AZ, and can have your pump running smoothly again in no time.
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