My pool pump does not move as much water as it has in the past. Skimmer works poorly. Do the pumps wear out?

Question

Pump is about 10 years old. Performance has decreased over the past year or two. Has no problem priming. Runs pretty Quiet.

Answer 1

Yes, they can wear out.If this is a brass pump, the impeller is likely brass as well. Over the years, with water erosion and aggressive water chemistry, the blades can wear down to nothing. I've seen one with little more than a couple partial blades and the hub left.
There are other possibilities as well. Small debris can sometimes make it past the pump basket (pine needles are bad) and jam up inside the impeller, between the blades. With all power to the pump off and a safety lock out placed over the switch ( so no one can turn it on while you work), you can , on some pump models, feel inside the hole behind the basket for the impeller. If it's a decent sized blockage, you'll feel the debris clogging the impeller.The fix is disassembly and using a piece of wire to poke out the material.
An obstruction in a line can do it as well. If this is the case, the pump will make a surging sound as it gains prime, then loses it a bit due to cavitation introducing a bit of air as water gets past the obstruction at speed.
Another possibility is if this is a sand filter. Over time, with a high calcium hardness, the sand can actually calcify (turn to stone). It reduces the water flow through the filter. That pump needs to have a clear shot back to the pool. A restriction such as this on the return side of things, can prevent it. An indicator is slightly elevated filter pressure and your pool going cloudy more often, even with proper water chemistry. The sand in a sand filter ought to be changed out at least every 8 years, perhaps more, depending on your fill water and how long your swimming season is.
You mention that the pump gets it's prime ok. Do you notice this performance issue when you're vacuuming and if this is the case, have you noticed if the pump is running at full prime and no bubbles out the returns during a vac? If these things are happening, then it's possible that there's a suction leak , either in the line ( it shows up more noticeably during vacuuming ) or a fitting on the front of the pump, or the front basket drain plug is loose or a bad o ring on the pump lid.
That's about all I can think of, given the info you provided.

Answer 2

Some good answers here. All I can add is you have two leaf baskets, the skimmer being one and the pump basket being the second. If the first is missing the debris should be trapped by the second or pump basket. It is not a good idea to operate this way long term since the pump basket can fill quickly and impede waterflow to the pumb causing it to overheat and burn up the seals. Second is there often is a second piece under the basket in the skimmer. It is called a diverter and is round and shaped like a flying saucer. It makes sounds when you shake it and if you find one in your pool shed install it with the hole flap down. This device will keep your pump from sucking air as the water level drops below the skimmer opening and could save your pump. As for your DE filter, time well spent would be to determine the maker and part and serial number go on line and down load the owners manual as you will need it to fully dissasamble any DE filter. It will show you how much DE to add once cleaning is complete. You're welcome!!

Answer 3

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Answer 4

You might want to have a "pool guy" check your pump. Any problems back-flushing? Your filter medium (usually silica sand) may need to be replaced. 10 years is a pretty good run for a pool pump, especially if you live somewhere warm, and you keep your pool open year-round. Good luck on this!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

pumps do wear out but you need to trouble shoot the problem before you come to that conclusion, it may be restricted on the inlet or outlet filter,screen ect,depends on the type pump you have. also it may be sucking air on the inlet side hose crack or loose clamp ect.