Owning a pool is fantastic—until something stops working. One day, your pool is sparkling; the next, your neighbor is complaining about the noise your pump is making, and your water's gone cloudy. The good news? You don’t have to be a pool pro to troubleshoot and fix many common issues! With a little know-how and support from us at PoolPartsToGo.com, you can get back to worry-free swimming in no time.
Here’s a handy guide to identifying and fixing some of the most common pool equipment issues.
1. Pool Pump Isn’t Working
Symptoms:
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Won’t turn on
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Running with less flow
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Turns off unexpectedly
Possible Causes:
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Power issues: Tripped breaker or faulty wiring
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Clogged impeller: Small debris stuck in the pump
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Overheating: Often due to blocked airflow or a worn-out motor
Fixes:
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Check your circuit breaker and reset if necessary. For wiring, inspect the lines for disconnections.
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Inspect and clean out the pump basket and impeller.
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Make sure the motor has proper ventilation. Clear away any leaves or dirt.
Pro Tip: If your pump is old and frequently overheating, it might be time to upgrade. Variable-speed pool pumps from PoolPartsToGo.com are energy-efficient and super reliable.
2. Cloudy Pool Water
Symptoms:
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Murky, hazy water
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Reduced visibility of the pool floor
Possible Causes:
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Poor filtration
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Imbalanced chemicals
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Algae beginning to bloom
Fixes:
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Clean or replace your filter cartridges. Backwash your DE and sand filter.
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Test and adjust your pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels.
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Brush the pool walls and vacuum thoroughly.
Bonus Tip: Using a quality pool brush and keeping your chlorine at optimal levels can prevent most cloudiness before it starts.
3. Heater Not Heating
Symptoms:
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Water remains cold despite heater being on
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Error codes on digital display (if available)
Possible Causes:
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Dirty or blocked filter
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Malfunctioning thermostat
Fixes:
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Backwash or clean the filter to improve water flow.
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Check for error codes in your manual and reset the system.
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Ensure your heat pump is receiving proper voltage and airflow.
Many pool owners choose energy-efficient heat pumps available through PoolPartsToGo.com for reliable performance.
4. Cover Pump Not Draining
Symptoms:
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Water accumulating on top of your pool cover
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Pump not activating automatically
Possible Causes:
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Clogged intake or discharge
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Electrical or float switch malfunction
Fixes:
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Unplug and clean the intake screen and discharge hose.
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Check the float switch for debris and free movement.
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Test the outlet and pump with another device to rule out power issues.
5. Air Bubbles in Return Jets
Symptoms:
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Bubbles coming out of pool jets
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Gurgling noises near pump
Possible Causes:
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Air leak in the suction line
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Low water level
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Loose pump lid or O-ring
Fixes:
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Check water level—it should be halfway up the skimmer.
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Tighten the pump lid and inspect the O-ring for cracks and flattening.
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Use soapy water to detect suction leaks in exposed pipes.
When to Call in a Pro
If you've tried the above and the issue persists—or if electrical components are involved—it’s smart (and safe) to bring in a professional. No DIY fix is worth risking damage or injury.
Keeping your pool equipment running smoothly doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of patience, regular maintenance, and help from trusted resources, you’ll be back to enjoying your pool in no time. For expert advice, products, and solutions for all your pool equipment issues, we're here to help.