No Flow? No Problems

No water flow can happen for a few reasons, and if not rectified quickly can lead to damaged pumps, broken impellors, and leaking mechanical seals costing much more than expected!

“There is a light on the chlorinator and it’s beeping", "there's no water going through the system" or "the cleaner isn't moving" are all symptoms of no or low water flow through the system we hear every day.

Blocked Baskets

The most common reason for low or no flow is that the baskets are full of debris. By checking and emptying both the skimmer basket (by the pool) and the pump basket (inside the pump) will free up the water flow, allowing the system to fully ‘prime’ and function at full capacity.

*Always turn the pump off before you remove the baskets, if your pool pump is below water level you will need to close the valves in front of the pump and set the multiport valve on the filter to ‘closed’.

Download our factsheets for easy operation of the 2-way valve and multiport valve.

Low water level

With long spells of hot weather, no rain or just extra swimming, the water level can drop below the skimmer box and reduce or even stop the flow of water through the system.

The ideal water level for your pool is at least halfway up the skimmer box opening (see image).

*When filling up the pool with water from the garden hose or water tank, ensure that you have your water tested for phosphates after your water level is back to normal.

Check if your pump is primed (full of water)

Look through the clear pump lid, if it looks like there is no water in it, turn off the power, and unscrew the pump lid (don't lose the o'ring!).

To help with water flow, disconnect any suction cleaners and remove the vacuum plate as well as clean out the skimmer basket. Check your vacuum hose for any damage or holes.

Empty the pump basket of debris, then fill up a bucket with water and pour it into the pump, this is called priming.

The water will only reach the height of the inlet pipe (about halfway up) so don’t worry that the pump basket is not “full”. Replace the pump lid and ensure the o’ring is lubricated, and turn your pump back on. This is usually enough to “jump-start” the pump although, if water doesn’t start flowing through after 15 seconds turn the pump off.

*Some chlorinators have an automatic pump shut-off if they don’t detect water flow after 30 seconds or so. To bypass this issue, disconnect the pool pump and insert it into its own power socket. Once the pump is primed, return the pump power cord to the chlorinator.

If you’re still having trouble, while the pump is turned off rotate the multiport valve handle to “recirculate” and try priming the pump again.

If after these tips you still can’t get your pump to prime, turn the pump off, give the pool a shock dose of chlorine and contact us for assistance.

Clean your filter

A dirty filter will reduce water flow as the pump can only push water through so much dirt and debris. Try backwashing and rinsing your media filter to ease the path for the water.

If this doesn't work, turn the pump off and set your filter to recirculate. If you now have normal flow, try backwashing again, if it still doesn’t work you may be due for a media change.

If you have a cartridge filter, you’ll need to clean the cartridge by removing it from the housing *ensure that the pump is off and any valves are closed if below water level.

Hose the cartridge clean or replace if necessary and re-assemble, lubricate the o’rings and open any valves. Turn the pump on and bleed the air from the top until water comes out and you’re ready to go again!

D.E filters need to be backwashed regularly, then every few months they’ll need a full clean by disassembling, hosing & reassembling. Always ensure the pump is off and any valves are closed beforehand. Clean, re-assemble, open the valves and bleed the air to finish!

If you’re not sure how or confident to do these contact us to do it for you… book a service here!

Check pump impeller

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The impeller is essentially a spinning, hollow disc that draws in water at the center and spins it out at high pressure.

If your pump impeller is clogged, it will not be able to move as much water through its 'veins'. This blockage is usually caused by a broken or split pump basket.

To fix, turn the pump off, remove the pump lid and pump basket. Then use a small tool or your fingers to try and remove any debris from the impeller.

If you’re still having continued issues with your pool’s water flow, the fastest and simplest way to find a solution is to call or visit our shop staff who are always on hand to help troubleshoot & don’t forget to bring in a water sample with you!

Alternatively, you can call our Service Department or book a service online.