Keeping your pool water at an optimal level includes filling the pool when water loss from evaporation occurs. If you find yourself filling a pool more frequently, a leak may have developed. Pool pump leaks may cause water loss in your pool.
Pool pump leaks are a major problem that can burn out the pump's motor. Water is sucked into the filter system from the drain and the skimmer. The filter cleans out impurities and sends the water back into the pool. The water may also be heated and chlorinated before returning to the pool.
Water is pulled into the pump system through the intake valve, pool and spa tub lines, and the skimmer and main drains. If the skimmer works efficiently, the water should be debris-free.
Water moves through underground pipes to the pump system, passing through another strainer basket, filter, and heater. It can also pass through a chlorinator. The water is then returned to the pool through another pipe. All pump system components must work to keep your pool clean, and the pipes must stay free of cracks and debris to function efficiently.
There are three main areas where your pump can leak:
If you see water on the pump room floor, look at these three areas closely. The hoses or lines that take in water and force it back to the pool after filtering may be loose. Tighten the threaded connections if needed.
A motor seal shaft leak is easy to identify. You will notice dripping from the area of the seal shaft in the pump housing. The seal keeps water from contacting the electrical parts of the pump motor. Replacing the seal is easy. Check for leaks regularly to prevent a larger electrical issue from developing.
An ignored seal leak will cause water to damage the motor and cause significant problems. The impeller that turns on the shaft controls the pressure on the moving water. It can also crack, causing a leak. Address this quickly because water damage to the shaft seal and motor will likely require pump replacement. Check the impeller, too.
Pool pump leaks caused by the intake lines are often the result of a hose that is not connected tightly to the pump unit. An underground crack or tear can also be responsible.
Intake symptoms include:
When the intake hose breaks, the suction line takes in the air instead of water. The first action is to check the connection to the filter and pump. It should be tight to allow the water to be sucked into the filter and continue to the return line.
Check the skimmer basket and the area around it for a crack or tear in the pool wall. If the suction line is plugged, clean it where it meets the skimmer.
Excessive water on the decking often indicates a broken suction line close to the skimmer assembly or under the deck. This line break will affect the pump because it cools the water returning to the motor.
This leak check also begins by observing the return line connected to the pump motor assembly. Water dripping from this line indicates that the connection is the problem. Water will not return to the pool if the return line comes loose. A loose return line will lower the pool's water level.
This PVC line can have a crack that causes a small leak. This repair is also easy, but replacing the part before it becomes a major problem is still important.
The process sounds simple, but it is often not. The motor powers a shaft-driven impeller in the housing, pulling water from the drain and sending it to the filter system. This must be airtight suction to keep the water under pressure until it returns to the pool. Depending on the location of the return outlet, you can often feel and see the movement of the water when it is returned.
Water may leak from a worn-out shaft seal, keeping water away from the motor. Water on the pump area's floor indicates this problem. Inspect the shaft seal and impeller for wear. Replacement is usually necessary when this occurs.
A low water level caused by a leak may result in air in the pump basket. This will interfere with the pump motor and the filter. Check the flap going into the system from the skimmer. If it is in the up position, it may suck air into the lines. Check the drain for a leak at the fitting.
If you suspect this is a problem, turn off the pump and look for spray quickly backing out of the area near the skimmer where the air was coming in. If the pump is not working as well as it should, check the filters and skimmer for excess debris. You should also check the pump basket and impeller assembly to ensure nothing is clogged.
Pool pump leaks require immediate attention to save the pump and its parts. Contact Aquaman Leak Detection if you cannot locate the problem. We serve Brevard County and all of Florida.
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