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The major functioning part in your pool pump is the motor, so it isn’t surprising that a lot of the questions we hear are about motors. One of the leading complaints we hear is, “My pool pump is running too hot.” Well, what exactly is too hot? We first want to note that it is normal for a motor to run hot. However, if it becomes way too hot to touch, or the motor label is starting to fade as a result, then you may need to check some things to ensure your motor is not overheating.
Sometimes a motor will cycle on and off at regular intervals. This occurs when the motor is running just a bit too hot. When the motor gets hot enough, the thermal sensor will cut it off until it cools down. Once it cools down, the motor should automatically turn back on. Here are some possible reasons your motor may be overheating.
The Motor May Be Receiving Improper VoltageImproper voltage happens very often. If the voltage to the pump motor is 10% above or below the voltage stated on the motor specifications, the motor may overheat.
Double check the terminals at the back of the motor to ensure correct voltage. If it’s too low, either the wiring to the motor is insufficient or the power to the house is too low.
You also want to check the wiring diagram on the motor. Pool motors specify whether they can be connected to 115V or 230V or both. Some installers get this wrong. If the motor is hooked up incorrectly, it may run for a while but eventually, it will stop
If you need help testing the voltage to your pump then check out this Guide on How to Test Pool Motor Voltage.
The Pump Vents May Be BlockedPump motors are air-cooled and if the air is blocked, this may be a contributing factor to your motor overheating. Be sure to keep leaves, dirt, and debris from collecting around the motor. We offer protective motor covers to help safeguard the motor from outside debris.
The Pump May Have Internal BlockageIn addition to checking for blocked vents, you also want to check for internal blockage. Sometimes sand or fibers get into the impeller and can make the motor work extra hard. Here is a good guide which will give you more detailed information on How to Clean your Pool Pump Impeller.
You Ordered The Wrong MotorWhenever we have a customer who calls about an overheating motor and they recently purchased it, we first like to verify if they ordered the correct motor. Ordering the wrong motor is an easy mistake that happens pretty frequently. For example, a customer will order a 1.0 horsepower full rated motor when they actually have a 1.0 horsepower up-rated motor. The incorrect motor may start and run for 15 minutes, but eventually, it will overheat and stop. To ensure you ordered the correct motor, you always want to make sure the total horsepower is the same. Multiply the horsepower by the service factor to calculate your total horsepower.
If you checked all the trouble areas and are positive the motor is overheating due to a complication, get in contact with the retailer where you purchased your motor. It could very well be the motor. The majority of motors have a one year manufacturer’s warranty and are usually fairly easy to swap out.
For more info contact Swimming Pool Pump Dubai or call Us at +971 4 252 2966.
Sometimes a motor will cycle on and off at regular intervals. This occurs when the motor is running just a bit too hot. When the motor gets hot enough, the thermal sensor will cut it off until it cools down. Once it cools down, the motor should automatically turn back on. Here are some possible reasons your motor may be overheating.
The Motor May Be Receiving Improper VoltageImproper voltage happens very often. If the voltage to the pump motor is 10% above or below the voltage stated on the motor specifications, the motor may overheat.
Double check the terminals at the back of the motor to ensure correct voltage. If it’s too low, either the wiring to the motor is insufficient or the power to the house is too low.
You also want to check the wiring diagram on the motor. Pool motors specify whether they can be connected to 115V or 230V or both. Some installers get this wrong. If the motor is hooked up incorrectly, it may run for a while but eventually, it will stop
If you need help testing the voltage to your pump then check out this Guide on How to Test Pool Motor Voltage.
The Pump Vents May Be BlockedPump motors are air-cooled and if the air is blocked, this may be a contributing factor to your motor overheating. Be sure to keep leaves, dirt, and debris from collecting around the motor. We offer protective motor covers to help safeguard the motor from outside debris.
The Pump May Have Internal BlockageIn addition to checking for blocked vents, you also want to check for internal blockage. Sometimes sand or fibers get into the impeller and can make the motor work extra hard. Here is a good guide which will give you more detailed information on How to Clean your Pool Pump Impeller.
You Ordered The Wrong MotorWhenever we have a customer who calls about an overheating motor and they recently purchased it, we first like to verify if they ordered the correct motor. Ordering the wrong motor is an easy mistake that happens pretty frequently. For example, a customer will order a 1.0 horsepower full rated motor when they actually have a 1.0 horsepower up-rated motor. The incorrect motor may start and run for 15 minutes, but eventually, it will overheat and stop. To ensure you ordered the correct motor, you always want to make sure the total horsepower is the same. Multiply the horsepower by the service factor to calculate your total horsepower.
If you checked all the trouble areas and are positive the motor is overheating due to a complication, get in contact with the retailer where you purchased your motor. It could very well be the motor. The majority of motors have a one year manufacturer’s warranty and are usually fairly easy to swap out.
For more info contact Swimming Pool Pump Dubai or call Us at +971 4 252 2966.
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The first manufacturer to guarantee a leak-free pool pump is definitely going to corner the market. Until that happens though, pumps will leak and pool owners will probably utter some choice words as they attempt to locate and troubleshoot the source. Let’s review some of the most common leaks and how to address them.
Suction Side Leaks
On the suction side of the pump, any leaks will be air leaks. This means air is being sucked into the system from some point between the skimmer and the impeller. With this type of leak, you will commonly see air bubbles in the pump strainer basket and at the returns in the pool wall.
You might feel daunted by the task of troubleshooting the entire suction side but there are several likely problem areas to check first:
Pump Strainer Lid
If not completely sealed, the strainer cover will allow air in. With the pump on, slowly pour water over the lid. If that decreases or eliminates air within the basket, you have found at least one leak. You might be able to get by with just cleaning and lubricating the lid o-ring but if it looks worn or misshapen, it is best to replace it. Also be sure to check the lid for any cracks.
Cracked PVC and Valves
Cracks in plumbing connections and valves are common sources of air leaks. To test, you can try pouring water over these also. Even if a valve is intact, it might still need a replacement seal.
Low Water Level
Probably the happiest cause of an air leak; this allows air to enter the skimmer but is easily addressed by adding water to the pool. Also check for a stuck skimmer weir.
Strainer Basket Drain Plug
It’s small but this plug can let air in if the o-ring is bad. Inspect it for wear and tear and replace if needed.
For visuals on troubleshooting suction side leaks, see our How to Identify & Correct Air Leaks guide and video
Pressure Side Leaks
Any leaks on the pressure,or discharge, side of things will be water. Since this part of the system is under pressure, water will be forced out any compromised area. The pressure side is anything located after the pump strainer. Signs of a problem are dripping or spraying at the discharge pipe fittings, water collecting underneath the pump, and reduced pool water level.
Impeller
The impeller spins on the motor shaft and creates water pressure. If it gets damaged by lodged debris or simply worn from long use, the impeller can become the source of a water leak. You will need to remove the motor from the wet end of the pump in order to inspect and replace the impeller.
Housing O-ring or Gasket
If water is leaking from where the the pump housing and motor meet, check for a worn seal here. Should it need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to replace the diffuser o-ring at the same time.
Discharge Pipe
You can have a poorly sealed fitting on this pipe, or possibly PVC shrunken from heat. If your schedule 40 pipe shrinks, a leak can form. To repair this and prevent it from happening again, try using schedule 80 pipe nipples on the suction and discharge. Schedule 80 is heavier duty and will stand up to heat better.
Pump Housing
Cracks can develop in the pump strainer housing. Some try to repair hairline cracks but I have not heard of too many success stories over the years. It might be time to replace the housing, if the pump is fairly new, or consider a whole new pump.
Between the pump motor and impeller is the all-important shaft seal that keeps water out of the motor. A leak here is a common cause of motor failure so it’s crucial to address quickly. Some signs are water coming from behind the seal plate and collecting underneath the pump where the motor and wet end meet. You might also hear some abnormal pump noises; this comes from the bearings as water gets inside the motor.
A common cause of this leak is replacing the motor but failing to replace the shaft seal at the same time. Reusing the old seal is a bad idea, as seals warp over time and will likely not mate properly with the new motor.
The advice here is simple – replace the shaft seal. If a tune-up kit is available for your particular pump make and model, it is the perfect time to also replace o-rings and gaskets while you have the whole pump apart.
If checking all of the above fails to locate and troubleshoot your pool leak, it could be in the underground plumbing. Checking this will depend upon your level of proficiency and how accessible those lines are. As much as I hate to say it to any and all with DIY hearts, it might require the help of a pool professional and a dip into your pool bankroll.
For all your swimming pool pumps contact swimming pool pump dubai or call us at +971 4 252 2966
Suction Side Leaks
On the suction side of the pump, any leaks will be air leaks. This means air is being sucked into the system from some point between the skimmer and the impeller. With this type of leak, you will commonly see air bubbles in the pump strainer basket and at the returns in the pool wall.
You might feel daunted by the task of troubleshooting the entire suction side but there are several likely problem areas to check first:
Pump Strainer Lid
If not completely sealed, the strainer cover will allow air in. With the pump on, slowly pour water over the lid. If that decreases or eliminates air within the basket, you have found at least one leak. You might be able to get by with just cleaning and lubricating the lid o-ring but if it looks worn or misshapen, it is best to replace it. Also be sure to check the lid for any cracks.
Cracked PVC and Valves
Cracks in plumbing connections and valves are common sources of air leaks. To test, you can try pouring water over these also. Even if a valve is intact, it might still need a replacement seal.
Low Water Level
Probably the happiest cause of an air leak; this allows air to enter the skimmer but is easily addressed by adding water to the pool. Also check for a stuck skimmer weir.
Strainer Basket Drain Plug
It’s small but this plug can let air in if the o-ring is bad. Inspect it for wear and tear and replace if needed.
For visuals on troubleshooting suction side leaks, see our How to Identify & Correct Air Leaks guide and video
Pressure Side Leaks
Any leaks on the pressure,or discharge, side of things will be water. Since this part of the system is under pressure, water will be forced out any compromised area. The pressure side is anything located after the pump strainer. Signs of a problem are dripping or spraying at the discharge pipe fittings, water collecting underneath the pump, and reduced pool water level.
Impeller
The impeller spins on the motor shaft and creates water pressure. If it gets damaged by lodged debris or simply worn from long use, the impeller can become the source of a water leak. You will need to remove the motor from the wet end of the pump in order to inspect and replace the impeller.
Housing O-ring or Gasket
If water is leaking from where the the pump housing and motor meet, check for a worn seal here. Should it need to be replaced, it’s a good idea to replace the diffuser o-ring at the same time.
Discharge Pipe
You can have a poorly sealed fitting on this pipe, or possibly PVC shrunken from heat. If your schedule 40 pipe shrinks, a leak can form. To repair this and prevent it from happening again, try using schedule 80 pipe nipples on the suction and discharge. Schedule 80 is heavier duty and will stand up to heat better.
Pump Housing
Cracks can develop in the pump strainer housing. Some try to repair hairline cracks but I have not heard of too many success stories over the years. It might be time to replace the housing, if the pump is fairly new, or consider a whole new pump.
Between the pump motor and impeller is the all-important shaft seal that keeps water out of the motor. A leak here is a common cause of motor failure so it’s crucial to address quickly. Some signs are water coming from behind the seal plate and collecting underneath the pump where the motor and wet end meet. You might also hear some abnormal pump noises; this comes from the bearings as water gets inside the motor.
A common cause of this leak is replacing the motor but failing to replace the shaft seal at the same time. Reusing the old seal is a bad idea, as seals warp over time and will likely not mate properly with the new motor.
The advice here is simple – replace the shaft seal. If a tune-up kit is available for your particular pump make and model, it is the perfect time to also replace o-rings and gaskets while you have the whole pump apart.
If checking all of the above fails to locate and troubleshoot your pool leak, it could be in the underground plumbing. Checking this will depend upon your level of proficiency and how accessible those lines are. As much as I hate to say it to any and all with DIY hearts, it might require the help of a pool professional and a dip into your pool bankroll.
For all your swimming pool pumps contact swimming pool pump dubai or call us at +971 4 252 2966
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The proper horsepower for your pool pump depends on a number of factors. So before you jump on the bigger-is-better bandwagon, take a moment to get the facts. Let’s start with an unpopular and incredible statement: A typical size residential pool can be circulated effectively with a 1 HP pump. What?! Only 1 HP? Please accept my apology for the rude awakening that many pool builders and installers push unnecessarily over-sized pumps that are more expensive to buy as well as operate.
Pool owners often mistakenly believe if they choose a 2 HP pump over a 1 HP pump, they are getting double the performance. This is simply not true. In this scenario, you will get only about 15% more flow from the 2 HP model. But the amp draw of the larger pump will be significantly higher, raising your electric bill.
There are situations where a larger pump is certainly warranted. For instance, a pool with water features (deck jets, waterfall, etc) tied into the main pool pump might require a higher horsepower to provide enough flow. The same would hold true for installations with a spa or solar panels running off of the pool pump. Long runs of pipe might also require more power. If the pump in these scenarios is undersized, going up to a more powerful pump or installing a second pump dedicated to the water features or spa might be desirable.
Taking all of the above into consideration, here are some key things to keep in mind when increasing horsepower:
For New ConstructionIf you are building a new pool, you have the option to go with pretty much whatever horsepower pump you want as long as it meets the minimum requirements of your pool and is properly sized for the filter and plumbing. I can’t stress that last phrase enough – properly sized for the filter and plumbing. Should you decide a smaller pump is simply not macho enough for you, be sure your filter flow rate is higher than the pump output. Otherwise, you can end up damaging multiple pieces of equipment. Be consistent in your machismo and oversize everything.
For Pump ReplacementIf you are replacing an existing pump and want to increase horsepower, you will have more to consider. First, your current filter size. Since pool filters have a maximum flow rate, your new pump cannot exceed the filter’s gallon per minute (gpm) rating. It is also advisable for the filter to be slightly oversized so for example if your filter has a 62 gpm flow rate and the higher horsepower pump will output 62 gpm, we’d recommend a smaller pump – or a larger filter. You don’t want to be operating right at the limit of the filter’s capacity.
Second, plumbing lines also come into play. Many residential pools have 1.5″ plumbing while higher horsepower pumps (2 HP and up) typically have 2″ ports to accommodate larger pipes. You can use reducers to connect 1.5″ pipe to 2″ ports but this will restrict flow. Keep in mind also that since pipe size has a maximum flow rate, you might not gain any benefit from a larger pump while you will lose money on energy. Here are the most common pipe sizes with the correlating maximum flow rate:
Pipe Size
1.5″ – 60 GPM
2″ – 100 GPM
2.5″ – 140 GPM
3″ – 225 GPM
Third, be sure to check your voltage. Higher horsepower pumps are mostly 230v only. If you only have 120v standard household current available at your equipment pad, you will not be able to power a larger pump.
For Motor ReplacementOften a pool owner is replacing only the pump motor and sees this as an opportunity to upgrade to a higher horsepower. In this case, you will need to consider the same filter and voltage limitations as above.
In addition, this will require replacement of the impeller and possibly the diffuser. Both of these parts are rated by the horsepower they are designed to handle. The impeller definitely needs to be replaced whenever changing the pump horsepower, whether lower or higher. Diffusers typically cover a range of horsepower ratings. For example, when looking up the diffuser for your particular pump model, you might see one listed for .75 – 2 HP and then another for 2.5 – 3 HP. If the new motor falls within the range of your existing diffuser, you can reuse it.
For more info contact swimming pool pump dubai or call us at +971 4 252 2966
Pool owners often mistakenly believe if they choose a 2 HP pump over a 1 HP pump, they are getting double the performance. This is simply not true. In this scenario, you will get only about 15% more flow from the 2 HP model. But the amp draw of the larger pump will be significantly higher, raising your electric bill.
There are situations where a larger pump is certainly warranted. For instance, a pool with water features (deck jets, waterfall, etc) tied into the main pool pump might require a higher horsepower to provide enough flow. The same would hold true for installations with a spa or solar panels running off of the pool pump. Long runs of pipe might also require more power. If the pump in these scenarios is undersized, going up to a more powerful pump or installing a second pump dedicated to the water features or spa might be desirable.
Taking all of the above into consideration, here are some key things to keep in mind when increasing horsepower:
For New ConstructionIf you are building a new pool, you have the option to go with pretty much whatever horsepower pump you want as long as it meets the minimum requirements of your pool and is properly sized for the filter and plumbing. I can’t stress that last phrase enough – properly sized for the filter and plumbing. Should you decide a smaller pump is simply not macho enough for you, be sure your filter flow rate is higher than the pump output. Otherwise, you can end up damaging multiple pieces of equipment. Be consistent in your machismo and oversize everything.
For Pump ReplacementIf you are replacing an existing pump and want to increase horsepower, you will have more to consider. First, your current filter size. Since pool filters have a maximum flow rate, your new pump cannot exceed the filter’s gallon per minute (gpm) rating. It is also advisable for the filter to be slightly oversized so for example if your filter has a 62 gpm flow rate and the higher horsepower pump will output 62 gpm, we’d recommend a smaller pump – or a larger filter. You don’t want to be operating right at the limit of the filter’s capacity.
Second, plumbing lines also come into play. Many residential pools have 1.5″ plumbing while higher horsepower pumps (2 HP and up) typically have 2″ ports to accommodate larger pipes. You can use reducers to connect 1.5″ pipe to 2″ ports but this will restrict flow. Keep in mind also that since pipe size has a maximum flow rate, you might not gain any benefit from a larger pump while you will lose money on energy. Here are the most common pipe sizes with the correlating maximum flow rate:
Pipe Size
1.5″ – 60 GPM
2″ – 100 GPM
2.5″ – 140 GPM
3″ – 225 GPM
Third, be sure to check your voltage. Higher horsepower pumps are mostly 230v only. If you only have 120v standard household current available at your equipment pad, you will not be able to power a larger pump.
For Motor ReplacementOften a pool owner is replacing only the pump motor and sees this as an opportunity to upgrade to a higher horsepower. In this case, you will need to consider the same filter and voltage limitations as above.
In addition, this will require replacement of the impeller and possibly the diffuser. Both of these parts are rated by the horsepower they are designed to handle. The impeller definitely needs to be replaced whenever changing the pump horsepower, whether lower or higher. Diffusers typically cover a range of horsepower ratings. For example, when looking up the diffuser for your particular pump model, you might see one listed for .75 – 2 HP and then another for 2.5 – 3 HP. If the new motor falls within the range of your existing diffuser, you can reuse it.
For more info contact swimming pool pump dubai or call us at +971 4 252 2966
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Here’s the difference between a pool pump and motor
Ok, hear me out. This topic may be on the little shallow end in terms of depth of discussion but for new pool owners this subject can be confusing. I have worked at Inyo for years and if I had a nickel for every time a caller described a motor as a pump or a pump as a motor I would have $20,483.15 (probably not an accurate count.) But you get my meaning. It happens a great deal and the miscommunication can cause frustration for both the customer and the technician, so I am here to clear it up.
This topic idea came from one of our technicians because it is a consistent misstep that is easily avoided by knowing simple terminology. The source of the issue arises when a customer states he or she is needs a 1 horsepower pump, which sends our tech down a path scanning suitable choices for pumps and matching it to their plumbing needs. The whole process can take five, fifteen or thirty minutes – it all depends on the information on hand. All things are going smoothly until we provide the part number and the customer sees it is a whole pump instead of the pump (electric motor) they were looking for. And then the process starts all over again, following a long sigh from both sides of the phone.
The Pump
The pump is an assembly made of two separate parts, the wet end and the electric motor. The wet end’s outer component is the housing which is essentially the hull of the pump; it holds all the inner components and the motor bolts to it. The guts of the pump are made up of gaskets, impellers, diffusers, and strainer basket. All these parts make up the wet end but without something to drive these parts they are merely pieces of well formed plastic. The part that makes it come to life is the motor.
The electric motor is the driving force behind the wet end of the pump, literally and figuratively. The pump’s shaft spins up to 3,450 revolutions per minute to turn the impeller to draw water from your pool and then push it through your filter and back to the pool. The motor is a cylindrical steel enclosure, usually black but sometimes gold or almond colored, bolted to the back end of the wet end.
The Motor
Motors come in three varieties: single, dual, and variable speeds; the latter allows for the most flexibility in terms of pump scheduling and additional water features. The variable speed also provides the most long term savings as it burns less electricity on lower RPM settings and motors can last 3 to 5 times longer than the average life of a single or dual speed motor. Single and dual speed motors are the standard in the industry for now but variable is gaining in popularity. Variable speed motors and newer dual speed motors are made with an attached timer which allows the user to directly program scheduled times into the motor.
A sidenote, part of the confusion of “pump or motor” comes from not understanding the motor label but we have thought of that too. Read our How to Read a Motor Label guide to get a better understanding of your pump.
Thank you for reading this blog and if you have any questions about your pool pump or motor, please do not hesitate to call us at +971 4 252 2966.
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Pool pumps are sometimes referred to as the heart of your pool system, and we all know what would happen if we were suddenly without our hearts. Hearts pump blood throughout our bodies that is rich in nutrients to help sustain us, and help circulate that same blood to bring waste toward our filtration system to be removed from our bodies.
Pool pumps work in the same way. They create the flow of water that circulates chemicals evenly throughout our pools so that they can effectively sanitize the water. They carry water from the pool to the filter, heater, and chlorinator so that it can be filtered, heated, and sanitized before re-entering the pool.
Having an effective pool pump allows you to turn over your water the recommended amount of times per day based off of the size of your pool. This helps remove debris from your pool while increasing the effectiveness of your pool chemicals that fight the growth of algae and bacteria in your water so you can enjoy your POOLSIDE experience and stay healthy.
If you have any concerns about your pool pump, or you are looking to upgrade to one of the efficient variable speed pumps, please contact your local swimming pool pump supplier in dubai or call us at +971 4 252 2966
