The Pool Community

Pool pumps normally make some noise, but grinding, screeching, rattling, humming, or suddenly becoming much louder than usual can be a sign that something isn't right.

Possible causes can range from debris and vibration to restricted water flow, air entering the system, worn bearings, cavitation, or problems with the motor.

Pool owners: What kind of noise was your pump making, and what turned out to be the problem?

Pool pros: Which pump noises immediately tell you something needs attention? What should a homeowner safely check before calling for service?

If you're troubleshooting your own pump, include the pump model, approximate age, and a description or video of the sound if possible.

A dropping water level doesn’t always mean your pool has a leak. Heat, wind, low humidity, splash-out, and heavy pool use can all cause normal water loss — but persistent or excessive loss may point to a problem.

Common warning signs can include unusually fast water loss, increasing water bills, wet areas around the pool or equipment, air entering the system, cracks, or water consistently settling at the same level.

Pool owners: Have you ever suspected a leak? What ended up being the cause?

Pool pros: What are your first steps for determining whether water loss is evaporation, a plumbing leak, an equipment issue, or a problem with the pool itself?

Share your experiences, troubleshooting methods, and leak-detection tips below.

Your pool pump is running, but the water doesn’t seem to be circulating properly. Before assuming the pump itself has failed, there are several common things worth checking.

A clogged skimmer or pump basket, dirty filter, low water level, closed or incorrectly positioned valves, air entering the system, or a loss of pump prime can all reduce or stop circulation.

Pool owners: What circulation problems have you run into, and what ended up being the cause?

Pool pros: What are the first things you check when you arrive at a pool with weak or no flow?

Share your troubleshooting tips and experiences below. Photos of equipment setups are welcome too.