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5 Common Problems With Your Pool's Pump | Slater Pumps

Brendon Johnson • Apr 05, 2017

The most important component of any pool is its pump. Without the pump, the pool would simply become stagnant, full of scum and entirely gross and unhygienic. When your pool's pump stops functioning correctly, you need to fix the problem before using the pool again. Luckily, usually the problem falls under one the following five categories.

1. Not Pumping Water

If you notice that your pool's pump doesn't pump or move any water, check the pump baskets first and ensure that the lint pot lid is airtight.. Then check the skimmer to make sure it's empty. Generally, over a period of time mud gathers there and restricts water flow.

After checking the pump baskets and skimmer, check the impeller motor shaft are free to rotate. leaves and other debris will clog or jam it. If neither of these tricks work, the suction line could have a small air leak.

2. Sucking Air

Though a pool pump’s purpose is to suck water, air has less mass. This means that air moves easier than water, so if the pump can suck air, it will. Small leaks in your pump’s system on the suction side will allow the pump to suck air instead of water and the pump performance will be significantly degraded.

Pump leaks are somewhat common, but they aren’t a big deal unless they’re given the opportunity to grow. Typically, leaks occur around the mechanical seal, (between pump and motor) or valves and fittings on suction side.

The easiest way to find pump mechanical seal leaks is to check under the pump for moisture, when pump is running. Seals usually leak trying to prime the pump and beginning to pump. Slater Pumps can solve this issue for you.

3. Leaking Water

If your pump leaks water, the leak will be evident on what’s know as the ‘pressure side’. There are a number of reasons your pump could leak water.

Leaks can occur due to shrunken threads or bad thread sealant, as well as bad O-rings in the impeller housing or faulty shaft seal. If it’s a seal or the O-ring, it’s probably best to replace every seal at the same time. If you go this route, the repair could cost less than buying them one at a time. Slater Pumps can solve this issue for you.

4. Loud Noise

There are typically two types of noises your pump could make. You may hear a rattling that makes it sound like your pump has rocks in it, or you might hear what sounds like high-pitched screaming.

If the noise is a rattling, the pump might be loudly vibrating on the surface the pump sits on. You can solve this problem with a rubber mat. Put the mat underneath the pump and see if the noise stops.

If that’s not it, the problem could be what’s called cavitation. Cavitation occurs when the pump can’t get enough water or when it is drawing air during the priming process. Getting rid of foreign matter and debris in the skimmer and suction strainer and any blockages in suction pipe could solve this issue.

A screaming noise, on the other hand, can indicate worn, corroded or old bearings. While new bearings are fairly inexpensive, installation labour can be rather intensive and you should probably leave it to a pumping professional. Slater Pumps can solve this issue for you.

5. Motor Not Working

If the motor simply doesn’t work, it’s probably an issue with the power. Check the power supply, voltage and electricity. If the pump has plenty of power, then the problem could be the capacitor. Listen to the motor to see if you can hear a humming sound.

On the other had, if the motor runs for a while and then turns off, it could indicate an overheating issue. The problem could also be, however, that the motor’s fan failed or a vent has become clogged by leaves, dirt and other debris. Clear the vents of any debris. You can also buy a motor cover to keep sunlight from heating it up too much. Air ventilation is always required.

The problem could also be, however, that the motor's fan failed or a vent became clogged by leaves, dirt and other debris. Clear the vents of any debris. You can also buy a motor cover to keep sunlight from heating it up too much.

If you’re still unable to pinpoint the problem or you’re not sure how to fix it, call a pump professional. They’ll be able to diagnose and repair the problem with relative ease.

To resolve motor or electrical issues it is imperative that the work is done by a qualified electrical professional for safety reasons. Slater Pumps can support these issues either infield or client carry into Workshops.

By Slater Pumps 20 Sep, 2022
Bushfires are a part of the Australian landscape’s annual rejuvenation and every year, bushfires burn through millions of hectares of land – of course, heralding natural regrowth of vegetation, but also purging and displacing billions of animals, not to mention ruining our local communities. Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world, bushfire preparation is fervently followed by private entities and communities. Slater Pumps has been in the pump repair and pump sales business since the 1950s. We have been at the forefront of bushfire combat since our conception, and since the 1970s, there has been a marked rise in the intensity of the bushfires we have had to fight. We have seen the evolution of firefighting pumps that aids bushfire combat and can help you with all fire pump-related doubts. What is A Fire Fighting Pump? To be fair, all pumps come in handy when there is a fire to put out. However, only firefighting pumps are structurally and functionally designed to withstand the extreme conditions of a fire and give you the safe results you are seeking. While most pumps come with a list of ideal working conditions, fire pumps are designed to give you full function even under heavy duress. A fire pump is usually made of sturdy steel or lightweight aluminium, without any components that might melt in the proximity of a fire. They are fuel-based and are designed to start in any condition while giving you the maximum output using the lowest amount of fuel. A fire pump packs all the power needed to give you maximum water flow and high pressure. Even the most basic fire pumps come with enough power to give you a water pumping height that covers at least a single-storey building. Most firefighting pumps are centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pumps. They are set up close to a water source that is adequate for supply in case of an emergency. These core machines can support a variety of firefighting systems like standpipes and firehoses, fire sprinkler systems, misting systems and more. When it comes to power and efficiency, the philosophy of fire pumps has been, "more the merrier". There are several models from portable fire pumps to industrial fire pumps, perfect for big, small, or multi-storeyed properties, or even properties like farmsteads that have dispersed buildings and assets. Commercial buildings and high-rises are required to have a firefighting system in place, as well as heavy-duty fire pumps and pipe systems, which require a separate pump room set up. For rural properties we can supply portable or vehicle mounted pump systems and additionally “remote electric start” pumps if you are away from your property. With Slater Pumps, you will find all the jockey and booster-type fire pumps that lead the market. We are adept with pump repair and pump sales and when it comes to fire pumps, our expertise and interest peaks hand-in-hand, much to our customer’s benefit. Who Needs to Have a Fire Pump? Anybody with fire-perishable assets needs to have a firefighting plan. However, the law requires certain entities to have efficient firefighting infrastructure to function and it is a good idea to make sure you have the minimum fire safety support as required by law, to begin with. Residential Properties The understanding is that if a building is too big to be supported by the local government's firefighting apparatus like a high rise or a multi-storeyed apartment block, you are required to have a water source and firefighting apparatus in place. Keep in mind that a fire pump will be of help in not just a bushfire, but any fire. Even when not legally bound to have one, a firefighting pump will help irrespective of the kind of firefighting support you have externally especially if your property is further removed from the populated areas. However, if you fall in the areas that are vulnerable to bushfire, you need a firefighting pump no matter what firefighting support is available externally. Look for a pump that you may be able to wield and get a water pumping height that covers the roof if you don't have fire sprinklers already. Commercial Properties Big, medium or small – commercial complexes are required to have a firefighting set-up. Besides firefighting tools like buckets, extinguishers and hoses, all medium and big commercial buildings have a fire pump room that is well-maintained and checked regularly. Get a fire safety pump and apparatus that can give the maximum coverage with ideal water pressure, and the pump rooms themselves usually are the most easily accessible rooms in a warehouse compound. Areas Prone To Natural Disasters If your property lies in the bushfire vulnerable zone, you know you need a fire pump. You are going to defend your property from the bushfires annually, so invest in a fire pump that makes you feel secure. Look for a portable option that is suitable for your water source and gives the water pressure and flow you are looking for. Stationary fire pumps will be a great choice if your land area is vast, or on a slope as bushfire behaves predicably in these conditions and it is a question of your fire readiness and capacity. Portable pumps and vehicle mounted pumps are also available, as well as “remote electric start” pumps. What Should I Look For in A Fire Pump? There are several factors to be considered while buying your fire-fighting pump. You want to be sure that you are getting yourself an option that needs little maintenance while offering you good durability. While shopping for a pump, do not opt for cheaper low-quality pumps, but look for the most cost-efficient and fuel-efficient pumps with maintenance and spare parts support into the future, that will not cost too much in the long run. Material Low-quality pumps have plastic parts or substandard metal structures that spell disaster when you are trying to fight a fire as massive as a bushfire. Your fire pump needs to be made of solid cast metal or aluminium construction best suited to the duty required. Power Source Your pump should give you full functionality while in use, for which its power source must be unfailing. So, unless you are 100% sure that your electricity backup will endure well and last you through a raging fire, do not buy a pump that runs on electricity. The best fire pumps use petrol or diesel and will have fuel tanks secured especially against a fire breach. Look for models that come with a fuel tank that is big enough to give you multiple rounds over your entire property. Familiarity Get a pump that you can take care of yourself. You should be able to set up, turn on and work your fire pump without external assistance. You should also have enough experience working it so that there are no glitches in your fire response. It would be ideal if you also know the parts of your pump and their functions, as this will save a lot of time in case you have to seek remote assistance with a glitch in an emergency. Ease of Use Fire pumps come with several features that are suited for various styles of firefighting. Most features have to do with the mobility, durability, and stability of the pumps. There are models that offer you bigger capacities, lower emissions, automated features and remote electric start, better sensors, etc. Get a pump that has the function and access features that supports your work method. Accessibility Even with a great pump, your bushfire fighting plan will fall short if you do not have your water source sorted. Your heavy-duty fire pumps should be installed near tanks, ponds, or swimming pools so that the effort spent in pumping the water is minimal, allowing you to focus the power consumption on the water flow and output. What Pressure Should A Fire Pump Be? The function of a regular pump may be just the transfer of water, but in a fire pump, the amount of water pressure that a pump can work up is the most crucial. Water pressure translates into water discharge speed and gives you the water pumping height you need. Most fire pumps work with the available water flow, but some do indeed ask for a minimum water flow capacity to be able to work up the ideal water pressure. In any case, a fire pump will have a flow rate mentioned to give you an indication of the minimum purpose and capacity. Water pressure directly depends on the size of the pump. However, do not choose the biggest pump you can get – you are looking for something that is proportionate to the size of your property. Make sure that it has the structural capacity and discharge outlet size to accommodate the water flow you are looking for. It should also be able to work up water pressure within the limits you want. Weak water flow may prove ineffective, and a pressure build-up that is too high can cause accidents, too. On average, you need a maximum head of 76m, or water pressure above 105 PSI to support a medium-sized residential property’s fire response. Engine-Driven Pump Units – Petrol Petrol-based firefighting pumps are one of the most common choices in residential and farming areas as they are versatile and easy to use and maintain. There are both two-stroke and four-stroke powered engines – four-stroked being the more favoured, and the diversity in this range is staggering. The firefighting capacity in this category is good enough for bushfire response and the best that are available in Australia are the Davey Fire Fighting Pumps. There are single and twin impeller options, all providing high head performance at 3600rpm. The Davey petrol firefighting pumps employ Honda engines and depending on the pressure, flow rate and maximum head you are looking for, there are over 20 options with Davey Firefighters. Engine-Driven Pump Units – Diesel Diesel-based firefighting pumps are more common in industrial-grade pumps, but these are more fuel efficient and provide more durability. They provide a better torque than petrol pumps and are high on performance, giving you the maximum water head with minimum fuel usage. When it comes to the best diesel fire pump, Davey firefighting pumps are a leader, with three very popular options. They use the world's best Yanmar engines and give you better fuel shelf life and features like remote access. They also are highly purpose-oriented and offer better rigging possibilities. The Davey Firefighters are not only Australia's best but are pretty much recognised as top-grade units all over the world. Need Help With Your Fire Pump Shopping? Slater Pumps has been involved with the evolving water transfer technologies since the 1950s, and we truly have seen the advancement of pumps with a reference to actual real-life performance. We are pump nerds with sound product knowledge that comes from years of listening to the experiences of our clients. We have seen firefighter pumps since their conception and you will find all the latest fire pumps, with all suitable rigging, in our huge and veritable collection. Call Slater Pumps & Stay Fire Safe If you are interested in discussing your needs and check out what fire pump will suit you the best, you will find that the Slater Pumps team is your true friend. Call us today (03 9314-4977) to make sure that you get a fire pump that is capable of being at the core of your firefighting plan
By Slater Pumps 20 Sep, 2022
Pool safety is an essential factor to consider when you own a pool, especially when you have children playing around the pool area. The Victorian State Government has a predefined set of rules and regulations that all pool owners must comply with. To begin with, your pool must be registered with the local council and pool owners must have their pool certified by a licensed pool inspector. Aspects such as pool barriers, the height of the fence, drains and more must be taken into consideration. The continuing compliance of the safety barrier must be renewed every four years.
By Sarmad Sohail 23 Aug, 2018
In terms of domestic luxury, there are two main options to consider: a swimming pool, or a hot tub. Both are synonymous with luxury, and make a wonderful addition to any home. With a swimming pool or hot tub – or both! – you will find your lifestyle effortlessly enhanced. However, there is a potential downside to owning your own pool or hot tub – it’s nowhere near as simple as you may hope. There’s the ongoing maintenance, the need to manage the pH with various chemicals, and much more besides. In this post, we’re going to focus on the need for a suitable pump for your swimming pool or hot tub. As a well-known vendor of swimming pool and spa pumps in Melbourne , we have the experience to guide you through choosing the right pump for your needs. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the deep end… Why are swimming pool and spa pumps necessary? Swimming pool pumps create a flow of water through your pool. Pumps transport water between the filter, heater, and chlorinator to ensure that the water is always sanitised and ready for use. As a result, swimming pool pumps are vital, and no swimming pool should be without one. A spa pump provides the same assistance for filtration, but it is possible to find combination models that both filter and heat a hot tub. The combined filter/heater models are popular due to their ease of maintenance and simplicity. Should a swimming pool or spa pump always be in operation? In both cases, the answer is no. You don’t need to constantly run a swimming pool pump; a few hours per day is usually sufficient for domestic pools. Even commercial swimming pools in constant use should only need the pump to run for around eight hours per day. Spa pumps tend to only need to be in operation when the hot tub is in use. Which swimming pool pump is right for you? There are numerous different types of swimming pool pumps. First, you will need to choose the right speed for your needs… · Single speed pumps are highly affordable and premium models have excellent durability. They are perhaps more expensive to run than higher technology variable speed pumps, as they are always running at high speed maximum flow, but they are cheaper to purchase and maintain. · Variable speed pool pumps can change the speed at which they work depending on the conditions. This also means the amount of electricity used varies, which can help to control costs when used correctly. Your next consideration is the size of the pump. If you choose a pump that is too small, the motor will exhaust itself and fail prematurely, so it’s important to get this right. · You’ll need to know the entire water capacity of your pool when choosing a pump size. Measure the length & width of your pool & depth at each end and your pool professional can size the pump. · Look for a pump that can circulate the entire pool capacity within six to eight hours. This information is usually found in the product description. If you can’t find this, just give us at Slater Pumps a call; we’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction. Finally, consider the motor design of the pump. High quality motor design from recognisable brands such as Davey , Pentair & Onga can offer a range of benefits. These include energy saving and noise reduction. Again, if you’re unsure of any element of the motor design, we can advise you further. Which spa pump is right for you? With spa pumps, you also have to consider the size and capacity. However, the key decision is whether you want a spa pump that also has a heater, or whether you would prefer to have two individual devices. When you have made this decision, all you need to do is find the right size for your hot tub. This information should be readily available on the item description. At Slater Pumps we can provide advice and support on selection of all spa and hot tub equipment. Which swimming pool pump brand should you buy? If you are buying a swimming or spa pool pump for the first time, it can seem daunting. There’s so many brands to choose from, and most of them will be entirely unfamiliar to you. We understand this confusion, which is why we have sought to make the process as simple as possible for first-time buyers. We do this while still providing a comprehensive range that is suitable for more experienced purchasers. Our range of options for swimming pool and spa pumps is extensive, and features incredible brands such as… · Davey pumps. Davey are one of the most reputable brands of swimming pool and spa pumps , and offer suitable options for a range of requirements and budgets. The pumps from this Australian company are particularly well-regarded for their ease of cleaning. This makes them a great choice if you’re seeking pumps that are as hassle-free as possible and are a premium quality product with great reliability and support. · Pentair pumps. From variable speed pumps to pool pumps with timers. Pentair are likely to have an option in their range suitable for your specific needs. · Onga pumps. Onga offer a huge range of different spa and swimming pool pumps. They’re a reputable brand who have enjoyed success with options such as the AutoJet and the 500 series, and are well worth considering in your search. They are particularly worthy of attention if you are looking for spa pumps in Melbourne . Onga spa pumps often include highly beneficial function heater also for spa bath applications. The next steps After reading through the above, you should have a fair idea of the type of pump you need and the best brands to purchase from. If you need any further assistance with your swimming pool or spa pump purchase, please get in touch with our team here at Slater Pumps. We’ll be more than happy to help point you in the right direction!
By Brendon Johnson 26 Oct, 2017
We discuss the pros and cons of sand, DE and cartridge pool filters so you can find the right pool filter for your situation
By Brendon Johnson 11 Oct, 2017
You finally achieved your life goal of having a pool but what type of pool pump do you need to make sure your pool stays clean, we have the answer
By Brendon Johnson 24 May, 2017
Here are 3 reason why you should swap from a chlorine pool to a salt water pool and not only is it more healthy it can save you money as well
By Brendon Johnson 03 May, 2017
Here we look at and discuss common water tank pump problems and the possible solutions associate with fixing the issue
By Brendon Johnson 19 Apr, 2017
Picking the right pool heater for your pool is an important decision as well as ensuring you can enjoy a warm pool even during those cold winter days
By Brendon Johnson 22 Mar, 2017
Regardless of what pump you have you still need to perform basic maintenance on it on a regular basis to ensure you get the most life out of your pump
By Brendon Johnson 08 Mar, 2017
Sometimes you can repair your pump but then there are the times you have to buy a new one, here's 5 signs to tell you which one it is
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