How to Troubleshoot a Swimming Pool Motor
The process of troubleshooting a swimming pool motor comes down to ruling out all other possible scenarios that would lead you to think the motor is bad. Signs of a faulty motor are primarily the loss of filter pressure or not being able to sustain constant filter pressure that circulates your swimming pool water. An old, damaged or worn pool pump motor can sometimes cause the filter to lose pressure, but troubleshooting allows you to isolate the problem strictly to the motor so a professional can service it or replace it if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Backwash the filter to remove excess dirt and debris caught by the sand or diatomaceous earth, the powder-like substance used in pool filters. A filter in need of flushing will lead to low filter pressure because the filter is clogged by excessive dirt caught by the diatomaceous earth or sand. Backwashing the pool can eliminate the filter as a cause for low pressure. Turn the filter off and turn the release valve near the bottom of the filter to backwash. Allow the earth to flush from the valve and turn it off when the water runs clear. Pump the handle three times to the top of the filter and restart. Add 1 qt. of fresh diatomaceous earth or sand through the skimmer.
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Observe the filter pressure over several days. A gauge on the side of the filter indicates the filter pressure. Consistent and normal filter pressure should lie somewhere between 12 and 17 psi for a diatomaceous earth filter and between 6 and 8 psi for a sand filter. If the pressure falls below 12 psi or 6 psi respectively after you backwash, it could be a sign of a bad pool pump motor.
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Clean the skimmer baskets. Turn the filter off and empty both skimmer baskets. A basket is in the pool skimmer and another one is on the base of the pool filter. The baskets can get filled and block water circulation and result in a drop in filter pressure.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pressure continues to fall regardless of troubleshooting, it still doesn't necessarily mean the pump motor needs to be replaced. Take it to a pool professional to evaluate if the motor needs to be lubricated or replaced now that the problem appears to be isolated to the motor.
