Why Is My Pool Pump Not Circulating Water?
If the pump is on but little or no water is moving, the system may have lost prime, be drawing air, or be blocked by low water, debris, a valve position, a dirty filter or an obstructed impeller. Shut the pump off if it is running dry, making unusual noise or getting excessively hot.
SAFE FIRST CHECKS
With the power off, check whether the pool water is high enough to cover the middle of the skimmer opening and whether the skimmer and pump baskets are packed with debris. Confirm that the normal suction and return valves have not been closed accidentally.
Look through the pump lid. A healthy primed pump basket is generally full of moving water with little air. A large air pocket, repeated bubbles from the returns or a basket that will not fill can point to a suction-side air leak or priming problem.
COMMON CAUSES OF POOR CIRCULATION
• Water level below the skimmer opening.
• Clogged skimmer or pump basket.
• Pump lid gasket that is dirty, dry, damaged or not sealing.
• A suction or return valve in the wrong position.
• Dirty filter creating excessive resistance.
• Blocked impeller or plumbing line.
• Variable-speed setting too low for a heater, cleaner or salt-cell flow switch.
• Pump, capacitor, motor or automation failure.
DO NOT KEEP A DRY PUMP RUNNING
Water cools and lubricates important pump components. Running dry can damage the seal and other parts. Do not open electrical panels, reach into equipment, or disassemble a pressurized filter unless you are qualified and have followed the manufacturer’s shutdown procedure.
IS THE PROBLEM THE PUMP OR THE FILTER?
Low pressure with an air-filled pump basket often points toward the suction side, priming or pump. High pressure with weak return flow more often suggests a dirty filter or restriction after the pump. Those are clues, not universal diagnoses; valve layouts and equipment combinations vary.
For persistent no-flow, air leaks, strange sounds or automation faults, use pool equipment repair and troubleshooting — https://www.superiorpoolpro.com/pool-equipment-repair. If the main symptom is rising pressure and reduced return flow, review pool filter cleaning — https://www.superiorpoolpro.com/pool-filter-cleaning. Contact Superior Pool Pro — https://www.superiorpoolpro.com/contact-us for help in Chino and nearby service areas.
FAQ
Why does the pump lose prime after it turns off? A leaking lid gasket, valve, fitting or other suction-side component can allow air into the system.
Can a dirty filter stop circulation? It can severely reduce flow, but a completely air-filled pump basket usually suggests an additional priming or suction-side issue.
Source: Jandy filter and circulation troubleshooting guidance — https://www.jandy.com/en/product-archive/filters/sand/js.
