Customer FAQ: Why Does My Pool Have No Water Flow?

We’re starting with the basics. It seems like a no-brainer, but this is a surprisingly common answer to why pools have zero or limited water flow:

• Check that your pump is plugged in and switched on
• Ensure your house has running power
• Check for any damage to the pump’s electrical cord.

If you’ve checked that your pump is running, also check for the following:

• Does your pool pump sound excessively louder than normal?
(Check #3 of this article before you deem this an issue)
• Is the motor releasing extreme heat? (Pool pumps run hot, but if you’re unable to touch the motor with your hand for a few seconds without being burned, then it’s too hot!)
• Does your pool pump have any leaks?

If yes, turn your pump off immediately and contact our team for assistance.

Like an iron, your pool needs to have sufficient water for your pool equipment to function correctly. Without enough water, your skimmer will suck air, which can cause loss of prime or damage to your pool pump. The water in your pool could be dwindling simply because of wind, heat or humidity. How to manage:

• Make sure the water level in your pool always stays at least halfway up the skimmer box opening
• Check your water level once a fortnight

If you notice that the water level in your pool is dropping rapidly, run a test for potential leaks.

The most common reason for low or no flow is that your pool skimmer box or pump basket is full. When we experience torrential rain, leaves and debris land in our pool abundantly and end up in these baskets. Skimmer box basket:

• Check for leaves, debris or objects in your skimmer box basket and empty
• Check the basket for signs of damage or splitting
• If you see damage, you’ll need a new skimmer basket
• Check that the weir door (the flapping door of the skimmer box) isn’t jammed

Pool pump basket:

• Check for debris buildup in the hair and lint pump basket
• Check the basket for signs of damage
• If you see damage, you’ll need a new lint basket
• Check that the basket is sitting correctly in the pump so the lid can close and prevent air from entering the system

It’s also important to clean the O-ring inside the pump lid and ensure that it is in good condition.

• Check if the O-ring appears damaged (cuts, warped shape) and replace the worn ring
• Clean the O-ring in the pump lid with an old wet rag simply by feeding it through your fingers
• Clean grime from where the O-ring sits, as well as any grime around the pump lid
• Grease the O-ring to protect against abrasion or scuffing damage. Don’t use Vaseline, as it will cause the ring to stretch and lose shape. Instead, we recommend greasing the O-ring with Hydra-Slip silicone lubricant.
• Check all connections are tight and that no leaks are present when the motor is switched back on.