Pool Equipment Troubleshooting
Expert troubleshooting guides for pool pumps, filters, heaters, and more. Fast solutions for DFW pool owners.
🚨 Pool Equipment Emergencies
Pool pump motor burning smell
Action: Turn off immediately at breaker
Danger: Fire hazard
Next: Call professional electrician
Electrical shock from equipment
Action: Turn off power at main breaker
Danger: Electrocution risk
Next: Do not touch equipment, call electrician
Gas smell near heater
Action: Turn off gas supply immediately
Danger: Explosion risk
Next: Ventilate area, call gas company
Major water leak from equipment
Action: Turn off pump and water supply
Danger: Property damage
Next: Call pool professional immediately
🔧Pool Pump Problems
Pool pump not turning on
Diagnosis & Solution:
Check circuit breaker, GFCI outlets, and pump timer settings. Ensure power switch is on and capacitor is functioning properly.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Reset GFCI and check breaker
📞 Call Professional:
If electrical components are damaged or pump motor is burned out
Pool pump making loud noise
Diagnosis & Solution:
Grinding noise indicates worn bearings. Rattling suggests loose mounting or debris. Screaming sounds indicate air leaks or failing seals.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Check for debris in pump basket
📞 Call Professional:
For bearing replacement or motor rebuild
Pool pump running but no water flow
Diagnosis & Solution:
Prime the pump by filling with water. Check for clogged impeller, closed valves, or air leaks in suction lines.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Prime pump and check valve positions
📞 Call Professional:
If impeller is damaged or suction line leaks persist
Pool pump losing prime
Diagnosis & Solution:
Air entering suction side through loose fittings, cracked pump lid, or damaged o-rings. Check all connections and seals.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Lubricate pump lid o-ring and tighten
📞 Call Professional:
For underground pipe leaks or major seal replacement
🧽Pool Filter Issues
Pool filter pressure too high
Diagnosis & Solution:
High pressure indicates dirty filter media. Cartridge filters need cleaning, sand filters need backwashing, DE filters need regeneration.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Backwash sand filter or clean cartridge
📞 Call Professional:
If pressure remains high after cleaning or filter tank is cracked
Pool water still cloudy after filtering
Diagnosis & Solution:
Filter media may be worn out, bypassing dirty water. Check for torn cartridges, channeled sand, or damaged DE grids.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Inspect and replace filter cartridges
📞 Call Professional:
For sand replacement or DE grid repair
Pool filter pressure too low
Diagnosis & Solution:
Low pressure indicates air leaks, clogged skimmer, or pump priming issues. Check water level and suction lines.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Check skimmer baskets and water level
📞 Call Professional:
For suction line repairs or pump problems
🔥Pool Heater Problems
Pool heater not heating
Diagnosis & Solution:
Check gas supply, electrical connections, water flow, and filter cleanliness. Ensure proper thermostat settings and adequate water flow.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Check thermostat setting and clean filter
📞 Call Professional:
For gas line issues, electrical problems, or heat exchanger cleaning
Pool heater short cycling
Diagnosis & Solution:
Heater turning on and off rapidly indicates inadequate water flow, dirty filter, or faulty pressure switch.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Clean filter and check water flow
📞 Call Professional:
For pressure switch replacement or flow sensor issues
Pool heater pilot light won't stay on
Diagnosis & Solution:
Thermocouple may be faulty, gas supply insufficient, or venting issues. Check for proper gas pressure and clear venting.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Clean thermocouple and check gas valve
📞 Call Professional:
For thermocouple replacement or gas supply issues
🧂Salt Water System Issues
Salt water chlorinator not producing chlorine
Diagnosis & Solution:
Check salt levels (should be 2700-3400 ppm), clean salt cell, and ensure adequate water flow through cell.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Test salt level and clean cell with mild acid
📞 Call Professional:
For cell replacement or electrical control issues
Salt water pool tastes salty
Diagnosis & Solution:
Salt level too high (over 4000 ppm). Dilute with fresh water until levels reach 2700-3400 ppm range.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Partially drain and refill with fresh water
📞 Call Professional:
If salt levels won't stabilize or system malfunction
💡Pool Light Problems
Pool light not working
Diagnosis & Solution:
Check GFCI circuit, replace bulb, and inspect for water in light fixture. Ensure proper grounding and electrical connections.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Reset GFCI and check bulb
📞 Call Professional:
For underwater electrical work or fixture replacement
Pool light flickering
Diagnosis & Solution:
Loose connections, failing GFCI, or old bulb. Check all electrical connections and replace LED or incandescent bulb.
🛠️ Quick Fix:
Tighten connections and replace bulb
📞 Call Professional:
For wiring issues or transformer problems
Related Pool Resources
Pool Chemistry Guide
Fix water balance issues that can damage equipment
Emergency Service
When equipment fails and you need immediate professional help
Seasonal Care Guide
Prevent equipment problems with seasonal maintenance
Equipment Questions FAQ
Ask voice assistants about pool equipment troubleshooting
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