Pool Equipment Troubleshooting Guide
This guide was designed as a reference to help diagnose common equipment issues. Please note that Tallman Pools does not manufacture pool equipment. Always refer to your specific pool equipment manufacturer’s manual and guidelines for installation, operation, maintenance, and repairs to ensure safety and warranty compliance.
⚠️ Safety First
- Turn off all power at the breaker before opening or inspecting any equipment.
- Never run the pump dry.
- Never attempt repairs involving wiring, internal pump components, or pressurized filter tanks. Contact a licensed pool professional.
- If you smell burning, hear grinding, or see leaking around electrical components, stop immediately.
🌀 Pump Problems
Pump Won’t Turn On
- Check power: Ensure breaker is on and GFCI hasn’t tripped.
- Timer settings: Confirm the schedule isn’t set to “off.”
- Loose connections: Inspect plug and control panel connections.
- Overheating: Motor may have overheated; allow 30 minutes to cool.
Call a pro if: breaker repeatedly trips, motor hums but won’t start, or wiring looks damaged.
Pump Loses Prime / No Water Flow
- Water level: Must be halfway up the skimmer opening.
- Air leaks: Check pump lid O-ring, tighten lid, lubricate with silicone.
- Clogged skimmer or pump basket: Empty debris.
- Clogged impeller: Reduced flow even with clean baskets; requires technician.
🧼 Filter Problems
Low Pressure (0–5 PSI)
- Pump not pulling water.
- Water level too low.
- Pump lid O-ring leaking.
- Skimmer weir stuck closed.
High Pressure (20+ PSI)
- Filter is dirty; backwash (sand) or clean cartridges.
- Return lines may be blocked.
- Too much sand or incorrect media in sand filter.
Sand Filter Specific Issues
- Sand returning to pool: Broken laterals or standpipe; requires professional repair.
- Cloudy water after backwash: Rinse cycle may be too short.
🧂 Salt System Issues
Salt systems require proper flow, correct salt levels, and clean cell plates. Always follow your equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Low or No Chlorine Production
- Low salt level — verify with a reliable test.
- Dirty or scaled cell — rinse with fresh water; acid wash only if manufacturer requires.
- Low water temperature — most systems reduce output in cold water.
- Low flow — check pump speed, baskets, and filter.
- Output setting too low.
“Check Cell” / “Service Cell” Alerts
- Cell needs cleaning or inspection.
- Loose or corroded cable connections.
- Cell nearing end of lifespan.
- Internal sensor or polarity reading issue.
“Low Salt” / “High Salt” Warnings
- Test salt independently; sensors can drift.
- Add salt in small increments if low.
- If high, switch the chlorinator to OFF or 0% output until levels come down.
System Not Powering On
- Check breaker, GFCI, and transformer (if present).
- Inspect for loose connections.
- Confirm automation isn’t overriding the system.
White Flakes in Pool
- Calcium scale breaking off the cell; check calcium hardness and inspect cell.
Excessive Chlorine Levels
- Output set too high or pump run time too long.
- Reduce percentage and retest later.
Best Practices
- Maintain proper salt level per manufacturer.
- Keep pH and calcium in fiberglass-safe ranges.
- Inspect cell every 2–3 months.
- Use only pool-grade salt.
💡 Pool Light Issues (Nicheless LED)
Light Not Turning On
- Check GFCI outlet.
- Confirm transformer (if present) is powered.
- Inspect for tripped breaker.
- If water is inside the light housing, discontinue use and call a technician.
Light Flickering
- Loose connection at junction box.
- Voltage drop from long cable runs.
- LED driver failure (replace light).
🔥 Heater Problems
Heater Won’t Ignite
- Gas supply off or low (for gas heaters).
- Dirty filter restricting flow.
- Water flow too low; check pump speed.
- Thermostat set too low.
Heater Turns On, Then Off
- Internal safety sensor triggered.
- Scale buildup in heat exchanger.
- Flow switch malfunction.
Heaters should only be serviced by a licensed professional.
🌬️ Air Bubbles in Returns
- Pump lid O-ring not sealing.
- Low water level pulling air into skimmer.
- Suction leak at unions or valves.
- Recently opened system still purging air.
💧 Leaks Around Equipment
- Pump: Usually lid O-ring or shaft seal.
- Filter: Loose band clamp or cracked tank.
- Heater: Internal corrosion; requires technician.
- Plumbing: Loose unions or cracked PVC.
Turn off equipment if leaking near electrical components.
⚡ Control Panel / Automation Issues
- Check for error codes.
- Reset system by powering off for 30 seconds.
- Confirm Wi-Fi or app connection.
- Firmware updates may be required.
🧊 Freeze Protection Problems
- Ensure freeze mode is enabled in automation.
- Verify temperature sensor is connected.
- If pump won’t run in freezing temps, switch to manual mode and call a technician.
When to Call a Professional
- Electrical issues of any kind.
- Pressurized filter tank problems.
- Pump motor grinding or smoking.
- Heater ignition or gas-related issues.
- Repeated loss of prime.
- Sand or debris returning to pool.
