Low water flow and No water flow are common issues faced by many pool owners every year. There are a few quick checks you can do to see where the issue is and simple ways to rectify them.
Flow problems can happen for a few reasons, and if not fixed quickly can lead to damage to your equipment like cracked baskets, broken internals, motor burnout or leaking seals, which could cost more than expected!
#1 Blocked Baskets
The most common reason for low or no water flow is your skimmer and/or pump baskets are full of debris. Checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will help free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully ‘prime’ and function at full capacity.
*Always turn the pump off before you remove the baskets! If your pool pump is below water level you will need to close any valves in front of the pump and set the multiport valve on the filter to ‘closed’ to avoid water spilling everywhere!
Check your baskets for cracks or broken pieces as this can allow leaves to clog up in other areas of your system.
#2 Low water level
With long spells of hot weather, windy conditions, no rain or just extra swimming, your pool water level can drop below the skimmer box and reduce (or even stop) water flow through the system. The ideal water level for your pool is at least halfway up the skimmer box opening.
*When filling up the pool with water from the garden hose or water tank, ensure that you have your water tested for phosphates after your water level is back to normal.
#3 Check if your pump is primed
Look through the clear pump lid while the system is on, if it isn’t completely filled with water, turn it off and take off the pump lid (don't lose the o'ring!). Empty the pump basket of any debris and replace it, then use a bucket to manually fill the pump, this is called priming. Once the water level in the pump basket is up higher than it started, replace the pump lid with the o’ring and turn your pump back on. This is usually enough to “jump-start” the pump although, if water doesn’t start flowing through after 15-20 seconds, turn the pump off.
If priming hasn’t worked on the first try, to help with water flow, try disconnecting the suction cleaner, taking out the vacuum plate and cleaning the skimmer basket before trying to prime the pump again.
If you’re still having trouble, while the pump is turned off rotate the multiport valve handle to “recirculate” and try priming the pump again. If after these tips you still can’t get your pump to prime, turn the pump off, give the pool a shock dose of chlorine and contact us for assistance.
#4 Clean your filter
A dirty filter will reduce water flow as the pump can only push water through so much dirt and debris. Try backwashing and rinsing your media filter. If this still doesn't work, turn the pump off and set your filter to recirculate. If you now have normal flow, try backwashing again, if it still doesn’t work you may be due for a media change.
If you have a cartridge filter, you’ll need to clean the cartridge by removing it from the housing *ensure that the pump is off and any valves are closed if below water level. Hose the cartridge clean or replace if necessary and re-assemble, lubricate the o’rings and open any valves. Turn the pump on and bleed the air from the top until water comes out and you’re ready to go again!
D.E filters need to be backwashed and every few months they’ll need cleaning by disassembling, hosing & reassembling. Similar to the cartridge filters, ensure the pump is off and any valves are closed beforehand. Clean, re-assemble, open the valves and bleed the air to finish!
If you’re not sure how or confident to do these contact us to do it for you…Call us or book online here
# 5 Check pump impeller
*Never take your pump apart! this can void the warranty and cause further damage. Contact us to have a professional look over your equipment.
The impeller is essentially a spinning, hollow disc that draws in water at the centre and spins it out at high pressure. If your pump impeller is clogged, it will not be able to move as much water through its 'veins' (see image). This blockage is usually caused by a broken or split pump basket.
Common Pool Pump Parts Diagram
Turn the pump OFF (disconnect from power), take the pump lid off and remove the pump basket. Use a small tool or your fingers to remove any debris from the impeller.
If you’re still having continued issues with your pool’s water flow, the fastest and simplest way to find a solution is to call or visit our shop staff who are always on hand to help troubleshoot, don’t forget to bring in a water sample with you, alternatively, you can call us to book a service or click below to request online.