Pool Motor Problems

Maintaining your Residential Pool Motor

Pool motors just like car engines. They go bad after a few years.  It is up to the pool owner to look for ways to increase its lifespan. A motor is the heartbeat of a pool.  If it is not pumping well, then everything else stops. Pool water becomes dirty, water chemistry imbalances and algae blossoms.

Your pool motor plays several key functions.  It maintains circulation of water for the distribution of chemicals and oxygen. It filters dirt and prevents stagnant water that inevitably leads to algae.

Your Pool Motor is Failing When...

If your motor has been running properly and you notice the following noises, and then you may need to replace it:

• Humming - When the motor is humming, the capacitor could be damaged. A blown capacitor happens when there is s power surge or overheating.

• Grinding or loud screech - This could mean the motor bearings are damaged. Other than the age of the motor, the bearings can freeze from inside or rust. Bearings are joints that spin the shaft, but you can replace them since some of them are quite cheap.

• Silence - You notice the motor is silent then it means the inner working of the motor has failed. If it gets to this point, then it is beyond repair.

• Click and pop - If the motor is tripping the breaker, it means it is on its deathbed. When it flips the breaker, it could be a sign of deep electrical issues.

Prolong Your Pool Motor's Lifespan

The good news is that making repairs and getting the groove of your pool back is not a difficult task. Here are a few things you can do:

Do not overwork the motor pump - When you overwork this motor, the chances are that it will begin to slow down. You can use a timer to program the motor to run only for a few hours daily, just enough to keep the water clean and free from bacteria and algae. If you do not clean the pump strainer and skimmer baskets, you put stress on the motor that can lead to overheating. You can empty the baskets during leaf season to ensure debris does not pile.

Fix the motor if broken -Motors are machines and cannot fix themselves. If you realize the motor is broken, make sure you replace and frequently take the time to inspect the motor.

Regular servicing and maintenance - Just like car engines, you need to service your pool motor regularly. You should never take longer than you need to service the engine if you want it to stay serve you effectively.

Pool Motor Age

There is no specific time you can say your pool motor will last. Different factors determine how long the motor will serve you, including pool maintenance and service.

When it is time to replace the motor for your pool, avoid making costly mistakes. First, ensure that you have purchased the right motor, and replace the mechanical seal regularly. The seal is what protects the new motor from being damaged by water. You can ask for expert help if you are unsure of what to do.   If you make a habit of taking care of the motor weekly, it will serve you for many years to come.