Pool pumps are one of the hardest working components in your pool system, and they don’t come cheap. So when your pool pump starts making noise, it’s natural to be concerned.
However, the main reason why your pool is making loud humming noise could be an indicator of an overloaded motor. It’s recommended you turn off the unit immediately you hear buzzing noises or else risk burning the motor.
Below are some of the different reasons why your pool pump could be making loud noises and different ways to fix it.
1. Problem with the Pool Pump Impeller
The impeller is what moves the water through the pump, and it is responsible for creating the suction that pulls water into the pump.
If your pool pump impeller is not working properly, it can cause a number of problems, including reduced circulation, increased noise, and even damage to other components in the pump.
There are a few things that can cause noise problems with the pool pump impeller. One of the most common problems is debris lodged in the impeller. This can happen if there is something in the pool that gets caught in the blades of the impeller.
Another common problem is wear and tear on the impeller itself. over time, the blades of the impeller can become dull or damaged, which can reduce its efficiency.
If you think that there is a problem with your pool pump impeller, the first thing you should do is take a look at it. If you see any damage, such as cracks or chips in the blades, you should replace the impeller.
If you don’t see any damage, but the impeller isn’t spinning as fast as it should be, you may need to clean it. Use a soft brush to remove any debris that may be lodged in the blades, and then rinse the impeller off with clean water.
Once you’ve checked the pool pump impeller for damage and cleaned it if necessary, you should put it back together. Make sure that the O-ring is in place, and then screw the cover back on.
If you’re having trouble getting the impeller to spin, you may need to adjust the tension on the spring. Once you’ve got the impeller spinning freely, turn on the pool pump and check to see if it’s working properly.
If your pool pump impeller still isn’t working properly after you’ve tried these steps, you may need to call a professional. A qualified pool technician can come out and take a look at your pool pump and diagnose the problem. They can then recommend a course of action to fix the problem, such as replacing the impeller or adjusting the tension on the spring.
2. Pump Bearing Problems
If your pool pump is making noise, it may be due to the motor going bad. The bearings in the motor can start to wear out, causing the motor to make a grinding or humming noise. If the motor is going bad, it will need to be replaced.
Follow these steps carefully.
- First, you’ll need to remove the motor from the pump. This will give you access to the bearings.
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the bearing in place. Be careful not to damage the threads on the shaft.
- Pull out the old bearing and clean out any debris that may be inside the housing.
- Place the new bearing in the housing and hand-tighten the nut until it’s snug.
- Use the wrench to finish tightening the nut until it’s tight enough that the bearing can’t move.
- Reattach the motor to the pump and turn on the power to test it out. If everything is working properly, your pool pump should be as good as new.
Other signs of the motor going bad are:
- Making strange noises
- Not starting up properly
- Overheating
- Tripping circuit breakers
3. Bent Pump Shaft
A bent pump shaft causes relatedly high vibrations, especially if the bend is close to the shaft center.
However, bends mostly occur near the coupling, and the resulting vibrations will cause humming noise.
Use dial indicators to test when the pump shaft is bent.
If this is the case, getting a new pump shaft will help resolve your problem.
4. Misaligned Pool Pump Shaft
The shaft may not be bent but misaligned. In such a case, you are better off getting a professional to fix the shaft correctly for several reasons.
One, a professional will also gauge how the shaft position affects performance and make changes to ensure optimal performance.
Also, detecting a misaligned shaft is not easy since there are sensors to detect this problem.
If you notice some oil leaks around the bearing seals, excessive coupling failure, and cracking or breaking of shafts, a misaligned shaft may be the problem.
Other signs of shaft misalignment include excess radial and axial vibrations, high temperatures close to bearings and casing, and loose coupling.
5. Impeller Imbalance
If the pump impeller is imbalanced, vibrations are inevitable, and this may not be the only problem you have to worry about.
An imbalance in the pump impeller will also lead to overheating, bad bearing, and consequently, the pump will look misaligned.
Getting in a pool with an imbalanced pump impeller can be hazardous.
The mechanical packaging may fail, there may be seizing in the pool pump, and the shaft may get deflected.
The pump impeller imbalance causes a force imbalance, which is detrimental for your pump.
6. Cavitation
Cavitation is the formation of cavities in a liquid, and is a side effect of fluid flow. When cavities form, they collapse violently, releasing a large amount of energy. This can cause damage to nearby objects, and is the reason why cavitation is sometimes referred to as “liquid explosives“. It can also cause noise and vibration, and can reduce the efficiency of the equipment.
It can occur in any liquid, but is most commonly seen in water. It can also occur in other fluids such as air or oil.
Additionally, it typically happens when there is a sudden change in pressure or flow rate. This causes the formation of bubbles, which then collapse when the pressure returns to normal.
The collapse of the bubbles creates a shock wave that can be strong enough to damage nearby objects. Cavitation can also occur when liquids are exposed to high levels of sound or ultrasound waves.
7. Pump Flow Pulsation
It can be a serious issue in many industries. If not properly controlled, it can lead to process instabilities, vibration, and even equipment damage. There are many ways to control or suppress pump pulsation, but the most effective method is the use of pulsation dampers.
These are devices that are used to reduce or eliminate the pulsation of a pump. The dampener works by absorbing the energy of the pulsation and converting it into heat. This heat is then dissipated into the environment, which reduces the overall temperature of the pump.
Another common way to reduce pump pulsation is to use a bypass line around the pump. This allows part of the flow to bypass the pump, which reduces the overall pulsation level. However, this method can only be used if the system can tolerate some reduced flow.
In some cases, it may be necessary to use a combination of these methods to effectively control pump pulsation. The best way to determine the most effective method is to consult with an expert in the field.
There are many companies that specialize in the design and manufacture of pulsation dampening devices, and they can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
When selecting a pulsation damper, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Pump type
- Flow rate
- Discharge pressure
- Temperature
8. New Pump Noise
Is your pump new? If this is the case, the reason the pool is making loud humming noise maybe just that is the way it is designed.
Some pumps are naturally noisy, and the only way to resolve this issue is to invest in a new quiet pump.
Fortunately, many manufacturers have gone to great lengths to produce quieter pumps.
It is also possible that your pump is too powerful in relation to your pool.
In such a case, you may need to get a much smaller one to match your pool needs.
When shopping for a new pump, check for one in the quieter varieties. There are enough options in the market, so you are guaranteed of getting precisely what you need.
The quiet running pumps may be a bit pricier, but you cannot put a price to the peace you will enjoy every day.
9. Faulty Capacitor
One of the most common reasons for a pool pump to make noise is a faulty capacitor. The capacitor is responsible for providing the initial burst of energy needed to get the motor started.
If it is damaged or defective, it can cause the motor to make loud humming or buzzing noises. Replacing the capacitor is usually a fairly simple and inexpensive repair.
On Pool Pump Making Loud Humming Noise
If your pool pump is making noise, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. First, check to see if there is anything blocking the impeller. If there is, remove it and see if the noise goes away.
If the impeller is clear and the noise persists, it could be an indication that the bearings are going bad. You will need to replace the bearings to fix this issue.
Finally, if the pump is still making noise after checking these things, it may be time to replace the entire pump with a quiet pool pump, or alternatively, you can hire a professional handyman to fix the problem for you.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.