Pool Pump Loses Pressure After A Few Minutes?

Maintaining a pool is never easy—at least, when it comes to the tedium and actually keeping on top of it. At times, you might even have your tools fail you while you’re trying to work on the upkeep. Keeping things working smoothly can be difficult, especially if you noticed that your pool pump loses pressure after a few minutes of work. What causes this to happen, anyway?

A decrease in pressure in a pool pump is caused by air in the pump. You should check your pool pump’s suction line for leaks or clogs. Sometimes, having a dirty filter can also decrease the pressure you have. Performing a backwash can help you avoid this issue.

Having a pool pump that suddenly loses pressure can be annoying, but it’s not an emergency. Even so, you should make an effort to fix the problem sooner rather than later. Otherwise, your pool will likely suffer for it.

For the most part, you should expect to see your pool pump problems fade away after you completed the troubleshooting above. If you can’t find an air leak and everything is well-maintained, there is a chance that you might have a pool pump that is going bad. However, you usually will see several symptoms kick alongside a sudden loss of pump pressure.

Most pool pumps that are on their last legs will have specific issues that signal it’s done. For example, pool pumps gone bad tend to make strange noises, might have low flow rates, and may also have a motor that turns off mid-run. Should you notice these things, it’s time to consider getting a new pump.

The price you pay for a new pump will depend on whether you decide to DIY it or hire a pro. A DIY pool pump replacement typically costs between $150 to $800 depending on the pump motor you’re replacing. Hiring a professional to do the work means that you will pay between $700 to $1,500 for the work to be done.

If you have an unusually high-end pool, you might find yourself paying extra to get the pump replaced. The high end of pool pump replacement prices caps out at $2,400. However, you shouldn’t expect to pay this much unless you have a custom pool and a very unique pump system.

Another sign that your pool pump could be going bad is its age. If your pump stops having pressure after short periods of running and has been getting up in years, it makes sense to replace it. Most pool pumps will work perfectly fine for up to eight years. From eight to 10 years, most pool owners will see a decline in their pump’s quality or need a replacement.

There are incidents where pool pumps last for as long as 20 years. However, this is the exception to the rule rather than the rule itself. You should expect to replace a pool pump every decade or so.

Related Questions

How long should I run my pool pump every day?

When your pool is in service, a pool pump should be run at least eight hours every day. This will help circulate the water in your pool, clean out stuff that shouldn’t be there, and keep your water fresh. If you so choose, you can run the pump for longer. Going over the minimum is more of a preference than a rule.

Can you run a pool pump 24 hours a day?

Though you only need to have your pump running eight hours every day, the ideal runtime would be constant. This is because having the water constantly flowing prevents plant growth and also helps keep the pool running at optimal efficiency. So yes, you can run a pool pump for 24 hours in a row. It’s actually the best thing you can do for your pool!

Why does my pool get cloudy after I vacuum it?

If you’re noticing that your pool is starting to gain a milky appearance after a vacuuming session, you probably need to shock your pool. The most common cause of cloudy water is a lack of chlorine. Another potential reason for a cloudy pool is the need to improve your pool’s clarity through clarifiers and a quick vacuuming. If all else fails, consider doing a thorough cleaning to make things clear up.

What does it mean when a pool pump loses its prime?

A pool pump that loses its prime means that your pump has air inside of the head, preventing it from being able to move liquid around. Since this affects your ability to get pressure out of your pool pump’s functioning, many people use “losing its prime” and “losing its pressure” interchangeably.

What happens if my pool pump runs dry for a long period of time?

You should avoid letting your pool pump run dry whenever possible, simply because it poses a risk to the pump’s integrity. It can blow out your shaft’s seal, cause leaks to occur, and in extreme cases, cause the pump basket to melt. If you’re very unlucky, the shape of your pool pump might become deformed as a result of the dry run.