Pumps

< back

	How does my above-ground pump work?
	Why is my pump running hot and cutting off?
	My pump will not fill with water (prime).
	Why is the hose from the pump to the skimmer is collapsing?
	Why can’t I replace the lid when there is water in the basket?
	How do I winterize my pump?

How does my above-ground pump work?

• The above ground pumps operate very similarly to the inground units, with one exception. They need to be installed with the water supply level higher than the inlet to the pump. Aboveground pumps do not have diffusers and cannot pull or draw water. The water supply to the pump drains or “floods” the pump’s strainer basket. This is known as a flooded suction pump.
  

Why is my pump running hot and cutting off?

• If an extension cord is used for the power supply of the pump, it must be the proper gauge to handle the voltage. A thin, smaller gauge extension cord will create resistance and cause a voltage drop by the time the electricity reaches the pump. The pump will run very hot and the internal thermal overload switch will shut the pump down to protect it. If this continues to happen, it will burn out the motor and a replacement will be needed.
  

My pump will not fill with water (prime).

• Above ground pumps are not self-priming and need to be placed below the water source—this allows the water to drain into the pump. This is known as a flooded suction.
• The other possibility is that the impeller inside the pump volute is broken or came off the shaft.
• There may be a blockage in the skimmer or the hose connecting the skimmer to the pump inlet.
• The water level may be below the skimmer.
  

Why is the hose from the pump to the skimmer is collapsing?

• Any obstruction in the hose or skimmer can cause a hose to collapse.
• The hose maybe old and require replacement.
• Check to ensure that the pump is not oversized for the hose and system. With new hoses collapsing, the pump may be too large or the hose diameter too small. If it collapsed once, chances are it will collapse again.
  

Why can’t I replace the lid when there is water in the basket?

• This could be because the pump is a “flooded suction” and the water from the pool is draining into the strainer basket, making lid replacement very difficult. Verify that the pump is off.  The hose from the skimmer to the pump can have a valve installed to shut off the water or plug the skimmer until you can get the lid back on. Bottom line with a flooded suction, there should be, ideally, a valve at the skimmer and one at the return port. This enables you to isolate the plumbing system and work on it without water draining from the pool.
  With valves on the system, you must remember to open them when work is completed, so the pump motor does not burn out from lack of water.
  

How do I winterize my pump?

• Disconnect the pump from the system, drain all the water out and store indoors for the winter.