The Most Common Swimming Pool Pump Leaks

There are many kinds of swimming pool pumps. Some are big and some small. The size of the pump will of course depend on the size of your swimming pool. Most pumps are usually about three horsepower or less. They use two pipes, one for water to be pumped in, and one for water to be pumped out. This is where leaks usually occur.

Three common types of leaks
Air leak

A pump system is made of a motor and the piping. The suction side which pumps in the water is underneath. If there is a leak on the suction side through which water is pumped in, then this is probably an air leak. The vacuum is sucking in air while under operation.

How do you know if it is an air leak?

The pump may struggle to start even when the power is on. You may need to refill the pump with water and restart a couple of times. If there is an air leak, the flow of water will be poor. The pressure in the filter tank will decrease and the water in the pool won’t be clean. The pipe will feel loose and if wiggled may come away in your hand. You will be able to see more air bubbles in the strainer. The pool may need to be cleaned more often.

Water leak

The pump system uses pressure for taking in and letting out water. If the side where the water is being let out is under pressure, then it may develop a leak. This is a water leak and usually starts of as a drip. The system which is supposed to remain closed while operating starts dripping water.

How would you know if you have a water leak?

There will be a leak where the pipe is connected to the pump. In the beginning it may just be a drip, but will soon become a fine spray. Sometimes if the drip pump is enclosed and you cannot see the pipe connection to the pump, you may not see the drip, but you will soon see a puddle of water forming under the place where the pump is, every time you use the pump. You will find the level of water in your pool going down, day by day. If not addressed, the pump fitting can disengage from the pump, creating a large spray of water which can even empty out your pool.

Shaft seal problem

If the leak happens in the spot where the motor is attached to the pump, it could be due to a deficient shaft seal. The seal is supposed to prevent water leakage when the motor is in operation. This shaft seal is important as it prevents the motor from getting wet.

How to detect a shaft seal problem?

This type of leak could also cause a puddle of water under the pump. The pump may make more noise than usual which means there is a problem with the motor. If left unrepaired, this can cause major problems to the pump itself, and you may have to eventually replace it.

Maintenance is the key

If you have a swimming pool, you should take care to maintain it properly. If you follow some simple measures, your pool will last long and will be a great place for family hang outs and parties. If you do not take care of leaks and other problems immediately, you will end up having to pay a lot more later on.

So, be sensible and look after the leaks in your pool immediately.

Reference:

http://www.poolcenter.com/leaks