My Pool Pump Is Making a Loud Noise

Keep your pool space serene by reducing the noise your pool pump puts out.

Swimming pool pumps keep pool water circulating, which prevents water stagnation and increases the quality of the water. Pumps work by spinning a turbine called an impeller, which pulls water through the pump and to the filter. Water is cleaned in the filter and propelled back into the pool by using the pump's pressure. Swimming pool pumps are designed to operate quietly, but a number of problems increase the noise generated by the device. Debris caught in the impeller, a clogged-up pump basket, and air trapped in the pool plumbing all cause the pump to work harder and output more sound.

Things You'll Need

• Water hose

Instructions

1. Shut off flow to the pool pump. Unscrew the plastic pump lid and remove the small basket from inside the pump. Spray the pump basket with water to clean off any debris. Examine the basket for cracks or other indications of wear. A broken, dirty, or worn-out pump basket can cause the pump motor to become loud due to air or debris getting to the impeller.

2. Remove the pump from the rest of the pool system and ensure that it is unplugged. Locate the small tube under the pump basket. Feel inside the tube by hand until you reach the pump's impeller. Apply pressure to the impeller to test for any give. Give in the impeller results in loud noises during normal pump operation.

   Replace the impeller if it is broken or has too much give. Spray the impeller with concentrated water from a water hose to clean off any debris that may have gotten past the pump basket. Reattach the pump to the rest of the pool system.

3. Place the pump basket back into the pump. Set a water hose into the pump basket and begin filling the pump with water. Run the water until it overflows from the pump. Remove the hose and screw the pump lid on. Turn the pump on and run it for a few minutes. This helps remove air trapped in the pump lines. Air stuck in the pump causes the pump motor to run hot and causes loud sounds. If loud noises still occur, repeat the filling process until all air is purged from the lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your pump basket weekly to avoid breaking the pump basket and allowing debris to enter the pump.

References

• Pool Center: Filter Pumps