I am a first time pool owner - I removed the cover, put in Yellow Out, and put the filter on "recirculate" for a few hours. I now realize that the water level was far too low (just at the bottom of the skimmer line) . I increased the water line. But now when I turn on the pool, the pump makes a loud noise and the pressure gauge is at 0. I don't see water going through the impaler or entering or leaving the pool, and the skimmer does not seem to be sucking in any air. Did I break the pump?
Did I break my pump? Ran pump with water too low.
- Thread starter FirstTimer00
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,011
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to TFP! 
Did you notice the pump/motor get hot, overheat, or shut-off? Maybe you just need to help it (prime) with some water. Remove the clear lid at the pump, fill the pot with water, then turn it on high. Try that a couple times if necessary. Also be sure any 3-way valves before or after the pump are open to allow water to pass. Back at the skimmer, besides the elevated waterline, be sure the weir door (flap) isn't stuck closed. If it's still not working, post a pic or two of your equipment pad so we can see everything.
Did you notice the pump/motor get hot, overheat, or shut-off? Maybe you just need to help it (prime) with some water. Remove the clear lid at the pump, fill the pot with water, then turn it on high. Try that a couple times if necessary. Also be sure any 3-way valves before or after the pump are open to allow water to pass. Back at the skimmer, besides the elevated waterline, be sure the weir door (flap) isn't stuck closed. If it's still not working, post a pic or two of your equipment pad so we can see everything.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 15,724
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Maybe yes, maybe no. What broke or happened to be seen, but likely the shaft seal. Can you fill in your signature like mine below (landscape mode on a phone). Like to know what make/model of pump...
The pump may need to be primed. Stick the garden hose in where the pump basket is, fill it up with water, close lid and turn pump on. I do this every year after winter once I reinstall my pump. Your pump just lost its prime because the water was to low and you got air in the lines.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 64,953
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Welcome to TFP.
What type of pool?
What model pump?
In ground pool pumps are all self priming. Above ground pool pumps are not self priming since it is assumed the water level is above the pump inlet.
What type of pool?
What model pump?
In ground pool pumps are all self priming. Above ground pool pumps are not self priming since it is assumed the water level is above the pump inlet.
Thank you so much for all of these ideas. Unfortunately, even with the pump primed it is not working and nothing is being sucked into the skimmer or being released back into the pool. I've attached photos of my setup. The first time I ran the motor (when it worked), I turned it off after 3 hours but I did not notice it overheat.Welcome to TFP!
Last edited:
- Jun 22, 2014
- 52,011
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Well that's a shame. 
Before you call it quits on that motor/pump, did you happen to check inside the pump pot at the impeller to see if anything got stuck or wrapped around the inside that may be restricting water flow? Maybe something like that happened during those 3 hrs you weren't around? Or be sure to rule-out a suction line blockage as well.
If you find no other possible cause of water flow restriction, it sounds as if running it dry for 3 hrs or so might have indeed cause a failure. If so, are you going to replace the entire pump or just replace the motor and seals yourself?
Before you call it quits on that motor/pump, did you happen to check inside the pump pot at the impeller to see if anything got stuck or wrapped around the inside that may be restricting water flow? Maybe something like that happened during those 3 hrs you weren't around? Or be sure to rule-out a suction line blockage as well.If you find no other possible cause of water flow restriction, it sounds as if running it dry for 3 hrs or so might have indeed cause a failure. If so, are you going to replace the entire pump or just replace the motor and seals yourself?
Thanks. Can you clarify how I can rule out a suction line blockage? I need to think over your next question about replacing the whole pump or the motor/seals. The pump and filter are 8 years old. What do you recommend?Well that's a shame.
If you find no other possible cause of water flow restriction, it sounds as if running it dry for 3 hrs or so might have indeed cause a failure. If so, are you going to replace the entire pump or just replace the motor and seals yourself?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 64,953
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Pressure gauge is going to be 0 when in RECIRCULATE. Don’t let that distract you.
While we don’t recommend using flex lines and worm clamps use them to your advantage.
Disconnect at the filter the white hose that runs from the pump to the filter. Turn on the pump and see if you get a fire hose of water out.
While we don’t recommend using flex lines and worm clamps use them to your advantage.
Disconnect at the filter the white hose that runs from the pump to the filter. Turn on the pump and see if you get a fire hose of water out.