Common Reasons Your Pool Pump Isn't Building Pressure

So your pool pump isn't building pressure, what gives? There are a handful of usual suspects behind this problem, and any expert custom pool builder has seen them all. We're talking clogged filters, air leaks, impeller issues, blocked skimmer baskets, low water levels, and worn-out O-rings. The good news? Most of these fixes are straightforward once you know what to look for. Let's break down each one so you can get your pump back to doing its job.

Clogged Filter

This one's probably the most common culprit we run into. When your filter gets gunked up with debris, water can't flow through the system like it should. The pump ends up working overtime, and the pressure tanks.

The fix is pretty simple, check and clean your filter regularly based on whatever your manufacturer recommends. Sometimes that means backwashing, sometimes it means getting in there and cleaning it by hand.

Either way, you're clearing out all the junk that's blocking water flow. Keeping your pool chemistry balanced helps, too, since it cuts down on algae buildup that can clog things up faster.

Air Leaks

Air getting into your system is bad news for pressure. It messes with suction and can actually damage your equipment over time if you let it go. The spots you want to check are the pump lid o-ring, the pump housing itself, valves, and any connection points. You're looking for cracks, wear, or anything that's come loose.

Tighten what needs tightening and swap out any seals or O-rings that look rough. If you can't find the leak visually, try a dye test, inject some colored dye into the system and watch where it goes. That'll show you exactly where air's sneaking in.

Pump Impeller Issues

Your impeller is what actually moves water through the pump, so when something's off with it, you'll notice. Debris can clog it up, it can get knocked out of alignment, or parts can crack and break down over time.

Get in the habit of checking your impeller periodically. You want it spinning freely with no resistance. If it's dirty, clean it out. If you spot cracks or damage, it's time for a replacement. Don't put this off, a bad impeller means your whole system struggles to circulate water properly.

Blocked Skimmer Basket

Your skimmer basket catches leaves, bugs, and random debris before any of it reaches your pump. It's doing you a favor, but it needs you to empty it out regularly. When the basket gets too full, water can't flow into the pump efficiently, and pressure drops.

Turn off the pump, pull out the basket, dump whatever's in there, and put it back. Simple as that. Make this part of your regular pool routine, and you'll avoid a lot of headaches.

Low Water Level

Here's one people overlook all the time. If your water level drops below the skimmer intake, your pump starts sucking in air instead of water. That kills your pressure fast. You want your water level sitting around halfway up the skimmer opening.

Check it regularly, especially during hot stretches when evaporation speeds up or after a lot of splashing and swimming. Topping off the water when needed keeps everything flowing the way it should.

Faulty Pump O-ring

That little O-ring between your pump lid and housing does more work than you'd think. It creates the seal that keeps air out of your system. When it wears down, cracks, or warps, air gets in and pressure suffers.

Pop off your pump lid and take a look at the O-ring. Even tiny damage can cause problems. If it looks worn or you can't remember the last time you replaced it, grab a new one. Swapping it out periodically as part of your maintenance routine saves you from chasing down mystery pressure issues later.

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