While relatively simple by most mechanical standards, there are still pool parts that are mission critical to the health and usability of a pool, and which without the proper installation, use, and care, will fail. One of the most common of these is your pool’s pump, specifically the motor that powers it.
Here’s what this pool part does, why it matters, and what can cause failure.
What Is a Pool Pump? What Does It Do?
A pool’s pump is the beating heart of the pool’s circulation system that keeps the water moving. To keep things as simple as possible, the system consists of a motor that powers the impeller (which actually moves the water) and a hair and lint trap/skimmer.
Again, to keep things basic, here is a simple overview of what the pump system does. The motor drives the impeller, which creates a pressure differential, which pulls water through a skimmer, into a main drain, and over a filter. The water continues through the system, returning to the pool through the main returns.
At its most fundamental, this is how all pool pumps work, even though they might vary slightly in configuration.
Now, the motor that drives the pump - this is a sensitive electrical component without which the entire pump system cannot work. The motor makes sure that the water circulates, keeping it well-mixed (which improves the efficiency of pool heaters) and making sure that pool chemicals properly circulate.
As you might expect, the pool pump motor is a component that must be kept in good order or else the whole pump system fails. Unfortunately, there are a whole bunch of reasons that pool motors can fail, which will be explored here.
Why Do Pool Pumps Fail?
The power rating and operational conditions of the pump motor will determine its viable lifespan, but it is not uncommon to have a pool pump motor that will last for 4 to 5 years. All the same, here are some of the things to look at if something goes wrong with your pool pump’s motor.
● The pump overheated (can be caused by running dry)
If a pump overheats, the motor can burn out, which can cause it to fail. Running dry is even worse, which can cause the motor to burn out too. If the pump runs dry, it’s likely that the main seal will become distorted, which can cause leaks and which will make it impossible for the pump to generate and maintain the pressures necessary to circulate the water.
● Chlorine killed the pump
Chlorine is dangerously reactive, which is a blessing and a curse. Its chemical volatility is what gives it the ability to keep your pool water sterile, but it is also a curse on any metal in the area. Moreover, chlorine evaporates into the air as chlorine gas, which is also highly corrosive of metal. Never store your chlorine or other pool chemicals where your pool pump operates, even if they are sealed or there is a lid on them. Even a small concentration of chlorine gas in the atmosphere where a pool pump is operating is nearly guaranteed to destroy it. Specifically, chlorine gas that comes into contact with an air-cooled pool pump motor will corrode and destroy the bearings. The bottom line: store your pool chemicals away from wherever your pump is.
● The climate killed the pump
Believe it or not, high ambient operating temperatures can cause the pump to overheat, damage the seals, and cause a premature failure. All else being equal, a pump operating in a slightly cooler climate will last longer than one in a hotter environment. Consequently, pumps in the southeast and southwest tend not to last as long as those elsewhere in the country.
● Flow resistance damaged/burned out the motor
A dirty pool can be, and often is, the cause of premature pool pump motor failure. As leaves, hair, dirt, and other debris fill up the pool and occlude the water, they can gum up the filter, all of which increases the level of strain on the motor, making it work harder to circulate the water. It’s a good habit to clean your pool filters and screens periodically, but remember, you can’t just use an acid cleaner right away - this can fix greases and oils into the mesh. In some cases, you must use a degreaser first before using an acid cleaner. Anything you can do to keep the operating pressure low (or at least within a good range) will help extend the life of your pool motor.
● Electrical issues
Another common problem associated with pool pump motor failure is running it at an inappropriate voltage. If the supply run is long, there could be a big voltage drop, which results in inadequate voltage being fed to the pump. This can cause failure, but oversupplying voltage can also burn out the motor prematurely. Ultimately, you should work with a specialist or an electrician to ensure that you’re providing the proper voltage supply to the motor, and that everything is installed as it should be.
● System leaks that cause pressure issues
Leaks in the system that allow water out and air in create an immense strain on the pool pump motor, making it work much harder to expel the air and maintain the appropriate operating pressure. Pool pumps are also designed to be self-priming, so if a little air gets in the system, it should be able to self correct, but if there’s a leak that creates constant pressure drop, it’s only a matter of time before the pump motor burns out.
Shop a Huge Inventory of Pool Parts
If you’re experiencing a problem with your pool pump and suspect it might be the motor, we’re here to help. We carry a wide inventory of pool parts for repairs and replacements. Contact us to get in touch with our customer service team, let us know what the problem is, and we will do our best to help.