How Does a Pool Pump Work and Why Do You Need One?

While you may have owned and enjoyed your pool for many years, you may not be familiar with how all of the various pieces and parts of your pool equipment work together, helping to keep your pool beautiful and clean. This includes the pool pump, which is an essential part of your pool. In fact, you can look at the pump like the heart of your swimming pool’s circulation system. However, it also works as the kidneys, as it helps to remove and filter debris from the pool’s water. If you do not have a properly sized pump, or if it is not working properly, it’s likely you will encounter various problems you must contend with.

What Does the Pump Do?

The pump features two parts. It has an electric motor with an impeller located inside of the pump housing. It is the pool pump impeller that is responsible for driving the water through the filter, heater, chlorinator or salt generator, delivering clean water to each of the pool returns. Before the water flows into the pump, it passes through a plastic pump strainer. The pump strainer helps filter out all of the various types of large debris, such as leaves, small twigs, rocks and gravel that could clog the pump. The pump strainer basket is your second line of defense (pool skimmer baskets are 1^st) in keeping your pool clean and protected from debris which could damage some of the more intricate operations of your pool equipment. Smaller debris is allowed to pass through the strainer basket and is captured by the pool’s filter. Your pool filter may consist of: sand, cartridge elements or filter grids coated with diatomaceous earth (D.E.) During a regular pool cleaning, leaves and other debris are removed from the strainer. Your sand, cartridge or D.E. filter has recommended cleaning and service intervals indicated by the manufacturer which ensure proper filtration and prolonged life of the filter elements. Without a properly functioning filter, it won’t be long before you and your loved ones will be swimming in not-so-inviting water that is full of debris. Your pool filter and pool pump are key to providing you with a clear blue pool you and your family can enjoy year-round.

When the pump stops working properly, it is typically because there is an issue with the motor. There are many different issues that can develop with a pool pump motor. Some of these include defective bearings, clogged impellers, short-circuiting, and overheating for example. In addition, there is a chance that the people who may have serviced or replaced the pump and motor in the past may have chosen a size that was incorrect for the pool.

In some cases, it might be necessary to install a new motor and pump. However, it is often possible to simply repair or replace only the parts that are needed. This can provide you with some great benefits. Namely, the repair costs are going to be much lower than trying to buy a new system. It also tends to mean that the pool is going to have less downtime, which is certainly important for those who like to use their pool regularly.

Should You Repair or Replace?

Determining whether you should be repairing or replacing your pump can be difficult to discern, mainly because there are so many moving parts in your pump it can be hard to zero-in on the root problem(s) you are experiencing. Troubleshooting and repairing the pump on your own can be time-consuming, not to mention confusing, and is something you may not want to take on as a DIY project. Often, you will be better off getting in touch with a professional company, experienced in pool equipment repair. They can give you a better idea of when you should repair and when you may wish to consider a replacement for the pool pump or pool motor.

Typically, if the bearings are the only issue, bearing replacement is going to be all you need. The bearings are much cheaper than buying an entire new unit, even when you have the professionals take care of the repairs for you. If the impeller has issues, it is generally possible to have only a repair, as well.

However, there may come a time when you find it is a better option to have a new replacement pool motor installed. If the motor happens to be old and has worked beyond what is typically considered its life expectancy, it is usually a good idea to replace it. Additionally, if you decide that it is time for an upgrade, you can put in a new pump, as it will make more sense than just choosing parts to replace.

Regardless of whether you feel you need to have a replacement or a repair, it is recommended that you act sooner rather than later. If you notice there is a problem, even something that might seem like a small problem right now, it is only going to get worse. The longer you wait, the costlier the repairs are likely to be and the more likely you are going to end up needing a replacement rather than a simple repair.

Choose the Right Company for Pool Pump Repair and Replacement

Ideally, you will want to work with a company that can provide you with quality motor and pump repair, as well as proper replacements when needed. Take some time to learn more about the company you are considering, so you can be sure they have the experience you need to offer repairs, not just replacements. Find companies that have a good reputation with their customers, and you are more likely to be happy with the results. Additionally, see if the company can provide you with a free quote. This way, you will have an idea of what type of work needs to be done – repair or replacement – and how much it is likely to cost.

If you need to have a replacement, you will want to make sure that the company you are considering offers top quality pool pumps and motors that are going to work well with your pools size and water features. In addition, if you have a spa, you might want to see if they have spa pump repair and replacement services, as well. This way, you can get everything you need from a single source.

If you have a pump that’s not working right, that is making too much noise, or that has any other type of issues, get in touch with the professionals to see whether a simple repair or a replacement is what you need. You never want to wait too long to take care of your pool pump!