Pumps
Why is my pump running hot and powering off?
- This maybe caused by insufficient power due to an undersized wire or a poor connection. Check your owner’s manual for proper wiring.
- Your local power company might be experiencing a power drop especially during a heat wave. Restart your pump when the weather cools to confirm that the problem is really in the motor.
- Your pump has a thermal overload, which will shut the motor off when it gets too hot—it will restart once it has cooled down. Check the air intake vents of your motor to ensure they are free of debris. If debris is blocking these vents, it will cause the motor to run hot and possibly shut down.
- Make sure your pump is located in an area with adequate drainage. Flooding from rain and other sources could cause a pump to run hot and cut off.
Why is my pump noisy?
- The motor has an internal cooling fan that can be heard. When installing your pump, it is advised to carefully consider the location; under a bedroom window may not be an ideal location.
- Vibration from the pump’s feet and the base (where the pump rests) can cause the pump to be noisy. A piece of old carpet or rubber between the pump’s base and equipment pad might reduce the noise.
- Ensure the pump is level and the suction lines are not higher then the pump.
- The bearing(s) might be noisy due to age or high concentrations of chemicals and heat. A leaky pump seal could damage the front motor bearing. It is very important to quickly repair any leaks around the pump to prevent extensive damage. It is recommended that you replace the bearings or the entire motor. Contact an Authorized Hayward Dealer for repair.
- Many times a noisy pump can come from cavitation. Cavitation has two possible causes, which are both hydraulically (water flow) related. The first is that the suction piping is undersized. If this pipe is undersized, the amount of water the pump requires to operate properly is reduced. Increasing the pipe size (increase water flow) or dropping the size of the impeller (decrease water flow) can quiet the pump. The second is that there is little or no backpressure on the pressure side of system (water feature pumps are a good example). Adding a valve or something to increase backpressure is advised.
- For all of the above, it may be necessary to contact an authorized Hayward dealer for assistance.
Why is my pump cutting off and on every 5-10 seconds?
- Hayward motors are factory wired for 240 volts unless the motor is 120 volts ONLY. Check the voltage of the incoming supply power and ensure the motor is wired or can be wired for this voltage (data plate on motor will help provide voltage and wiring information). Also check for loose or badly connected wires. Contact a certified electrician for repair.
Why are there air bubbles flowing into the pool from the return fitting(s)?
- If air is returning into the pool there might be a leak on the suction side of the pump. Check the following items that maybe causing air to enter the system: It may be necessary to contact an authorized Hayward dealer for repair.
- The strainer cover and O-ring. Tighten if loose or replace gasket if damaged.
- Level of water in the pool is low causing water and air to mix into the skimmer..
- The skimmer weir may be stuck in the up position causing water and air to mix in the skimmer.
- Check the drain plugs on the pump strainer housing.
- Check all of the threaded fittings for leaks from improper sealants or sealing procedures.
- Check glued fittings for bad glue joints.
- Check all valves for possible leaks. Valve stem O-rings are a common suction leak point.
- Check and ensure the pump is not cavitating.
- Check pump housing for cracks.
Why won’t my pump fill with water (prime)?
- An air leak on the suction side of the pump.
- Check to make sure the suction line is free of obstructions.
- Check to make sure the impeller is still attached to the shaft of the motor. If the impeller has broken off, it will need to be replaced.
- If the pump is installed a distance from the pool or is elevated above the normal deck level, the time needed to prime the pump could be longer. For elevated installations, a check valve may be needed on the suction line to allow for easier priming.
What should I use as a lubricant for my o-rings and gaskets?
- Hayward recommends a silicone or Teflon based lubricant for all o-rings and gaskets. Jack’s 327, by Hayward, is the best for the job. Other lubricants may cause premature failure and swelling of the o-rings and gaskets. NEVER USE PETROLEUM JELLY for a lubricant. Its’ oils will break down the rubber of the gasket or o-ring.
Can I replace my motor with a lower horsepower motor?
- Horsepower is matched with the impeller inside the pump. Having a larger impeller on a smaller horsepower motor will cause premature failure of the motor. It is better to replace it with the same horsepower.
Do I need to keep grass, shrubs, and vegetation away from my motor?
- Always keep the pool equipment clear and ensure that there is nothing growing over the motor. If insects are a large problem in your area, treat for insects. The air circulation around the motor is crucial for proper operation. Failure to ensure proper air circulation will reduce the life of the equipment.
Can I run my pump without water?
- Hayward Pool pumps should never operate without water. The pump seal assembly in the pump volute (The area between the strainer basket and the pump motor) protects the pump motor from pool water. This seal assembly gets hot and is cooled by the pool water. If the pump is running without water, the seal will overheat and melt, If left running without water for a long period of time, the heat generated could damage the PVC pipe and other system components.
How does my in-ground Pump operate?
- Hayward in-ground pumps are self-priming centrifugal pumps.These pumps have a vacuum chamber, commonly known as a pump housing.
The pump housing must be filled with water in order to create a vacuum, resulting in the pump drawing the water out of your pool or spa. The pump housing will remain full of water while the pump is on, and will remain full or partially full when the pump is shut off.
- When powered on, the motor will begin to rotate. 2-speed pumps will power on a pre-selected speed or with some controllers, it will cycle at high before changing to the lower speed. The motor spins the pump impeller, located inside the pump volute. While the motor is rotating, the tips of the impeller are hydraulically sealed inside the pump diffuser, which is responsible for self-priming.
- Self-priming can only occur if the pump has a diffuser—all inground Hayward pumps have an internal diffuser. It helps to eliminate any air approaching into the pump housing from the suction piping. As all the air is removed from the system, you will notice bubbles returning to the pool through the return fittings. A full prime occurs when the bubbles stop returning to the pool and the pump basket is full of water. The filter pressure will rise as the pump reaches full prime. The actual gallons per minute (GPM) vary with the type of pump, horsepower, pipe size, distance from pool and other restrictions within the plumbing system.
- Hayward self-priming pumps are very dependable and simple in design. They require a sufficient supply of water from the pool or spa, and no air in the suction lines. Air could come from a loose strainer cover, a leak in any valve, a pinhole in any suction line or a crack or loose connections in the underground piping.