When you step into your backyard and hear a loud humming noise, you don’t expect it to be coming from your pool pump. You’re sitting there on a beautiful, sunny day. Bathing suit on, a cold glass of iced tea in one hand, and a book in the other – you’re ready to relax.
Then you hear it-that noisy pool pump.
It can disrupt your whole day. Plus, there’s a good chance your neighbors aren’t too happy with the sounds of your pool pump making a loud humming noise, either.
Learn More About Fixing Pool Pump Humming Noises:
Let’s diagnose the issue and learn how to fix the pump noise coming from your swimming pool pump.
Here Are 3 Ways To Fix Your Noisy Pool Pump
1. Check the Capacitor
A pool pump capacitor helps get the pump up and running to switch to a secondary power source – the pump motor. Think of it like a car battery. If it fails, you hear a clicking noise, and the car won’t start.
It’s the same idea with a pump capacitor. Without the nudge from the capacitor, the pool pump can’t run. But instead of a clicking noise, you’ll hear the dreaded humming sound that’s causing the rift between you and your neighbors.
It’s best to consult a professional to diagnose the issue. The capacitor can store energy even when the power is off, which can distribute a strong shock, so there is some risk in replacing it yourself.
2. Unclog the Pump Impeller
A clogged pump impeller can make an audible grinding sound similar to a low, humming noise. The impeller is essential to a functioning pool pump. It’s responsible for allowing water to move freely through the pump.
When the seasons change and the leaves fall, it’s a common issue that the impeller will suck in the debris and cause a clog. Whenever there is a clog, the water in your pool won’t flow as freely and will decrease the water quality.
Checking the impeller isn’t as risky as testing your pump capacitor, open up the pool motor and check for a clogged impeller or other visible blockage near the motor shaft.
Use these preventative measures to avoid clogs:
- Make sure your pump basket is in working order.
- Don’t run the pump without a pump basket.
- Use a pool cover in the off-season to protect the water pump.
3. Clean the Pump Basket
The pump basket is responsible for catching all the debris in your pool that would end up clogging the impeller. Eventually, this will negatively affect your water quality and filtration rate – eventually causing a clog and the pool pump motor to burn out or trip the circuit breaker.
You can use an automatic skimmer basket to rid your pool of leaves, dirt, and rocks – but it won’t catch everything.
Thankfully, cleaning your pump basket is straightforward. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Turn the pump & filter off.
- Step 2: Open the pump basket lid.
- Step 3: Check for any debris and worn bearings. Remove the basket & hose it out.
- Step 4: Put the basket back, replace the lid, and switch the power on.
With these tips, you’re equipped with the basic knowledge to troubleshoot your pool pump when it’s making a loud humming noise or vibration noise. Go on and invite your neighbors over for a swim enjoy not hearing any pool pump noise.