How to Unclog Your Pool Pump Impeller! (and warning signs)

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

Folks, don't stick your hand or a hand tool in the pump without first turning off the main power to the pump. Turning off the switch is not enough as some systems have a setting that automatically turns the pump on and can turn the system on while your hand or hand tool is in the pump. I've seen it happen and its not good. Whenever you're working inside a pump that's connected to main power, ALWAYS turn off the main power to the pump first before sticking your hand or a tool inside the pump. The inconvenience of having to reset a clock or some other automated feature is well worth not ruining your pump or suffering possible severe injuries. Next, cleaning out the impeller port is often not enough. Debris small enough to pass through the pump strainer and yet, large enough to become lodged in the actual impeller itself will significantly reduce water flow through the pump. In this case, the pump will need to be taken apart where the motor and the basket are joined and the impellers will have to be cleaned out. Its not a difficult process but, it is tedious especially when it comes to reassembling the pump.

[@subatomic10]

Unscrewing two Pvc barrel unions with a pair of Stillsons and taking off 4 bolts is all it took me

[@TrueMethod]

I am glad mentioned this, you are absolutely correct. When sticking your hand into a pump or working on your pump you always want to make sure that your pump is not only off but the schedule has been disabled. When Turning the power back on check your timers/ time clock to make sure that the time of day and schedules are correct. As for your last paragraph, you are also correct however, this video was meant to solve a problem in the simplest way. If they did have the problem you stated, we would recommend them calling a pool professional instead because we would not want a homeowner performing that tedious task. Thank you for your comment, we have pinned it to the top so other viewers can see it.

[@JaredBallou]

This is only 2 and a half minutes, but has more useful info than most 20 minute videos. Thanks!

[@SteveS-s8j]

4 years later, this video was great for helping me solve the pumping issue I had. A screwdriver dislodged debris in my pump impeller then everything ran great again. Thanks for your video!!!

[@juliopancheto2159]

Thank you so much!! I was going to call a pool company to figure out why my pressure was low (6psi). After watching your video, I followed your video and now my pump is running at 20psi. You saved me $$$$ - thank you!!

so glad the video helped save you money !!

That is what we strive for...help saving pool owners $$$ !!

Glad we could save you some $$$ !! That is what we strive for !!

[@1083Samantha]

After spending 30min trying to get my filter to work I found this video. It worked perfectly! Thank you!!!!

[@funnyhaha6070]

So it’s pollen season in central Florida. My water flow through my jets and spilling over from the spa was extremely slow. All baskets clean and filter cleaned. I saw this video and tried cleaning the impeller. It worked like a charm and now it flowing like it did when it was brand new. Easiest repair job ever. Thank you for posting.

[@TrueMethod]

So glad it helped your situation !! Thank you for the comment !!

[@vareckwalla1302]

Man, this has been an issue for years with our pool. No one ever told us about the impeller. Always had low pressure to the polaris, jets had air and our chiller would barely pump water unless at max (sometimes just stop). Cleaned it out for the first time and WOW!! Solved all the problems. This should be the first thing they teach you to do when you get a new pool. Thanks for the video!!

[@oldhssst]

Very easy to follow video, very helpful! I really like the cut away to see what you are doing with the screwdriver. Thanks for posting!

[@urslageorge1265]

Thank you!!!! Low suction and was shopping for new pump. Watched your video and had my pool pump fixed in 10 minutes. Thank you.

[@TrueMethod]

We are thankful this helped and no need for a new pump !!

[@Lou_Chandler]

This guy is the hero we never knew we needed!

[@PickleRicardo]

Thank you for this video! I was about to call in a pool pro but figured that I would give KZbin a shot first. You just saved me a bunch of money!

[@TrueMethod]

We are so glad this video helped solve your issue and we appreciate the comment !!

[@poonamkumaru]

You helped me save 200$. Thanks a ton

[@TrueMethod]

That is what we strive for...tips to save people money !

[@allandawe9177]

Greetings from Spain. My pump was down to about 30% power, and after trying everything I knew without success, I found your excellent advice on KZbin. Now back to full power. Thank you so much!

[@TheCandyHole]

OMG thank you for showing the impeller fans, my pressure was low and I cleared all the baskets and thought it would be an expensive fix. You not only pointing out the impeller clearly & concisely, but also showing a cut out side view of it was the problem, THANK YOU!

[@kevinsambleson5480]

I have this problem today and I thought I was gonna have to call the pool company to come in for a service call. This was exactly my problem and this video solved it for me! So happy!

So glad to hear this video helped you out ! Thank you for the comment !

And we are so happy this helped you !!

We are happy that you are so happy !!

[@lucamraule]

You just saved me a HUGE headache. Suction was down at least 60% and after trying everything, this finally got things up and running. Thank you!

[@TrueMethod]

Thank you for the reply and hopefully the headache stays gone !

[@glennes48]

I tried everything I could think of. Was waiting for a Pool Service to come when I discovered your video. I had my doubts but did what your video showed and Varoom! Works better than ever! Thanks so much!

[@TrueMethod]

Thank you for the comment. We love when our videos help people !

[@subsonicflighttraining]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I had a big accumulation of pine needles that clogged up hoses when cleaning the pool for the first time this year. The flow was reduced and I kept checking hoses. Then I thought, "can they get in the motor, 1 minute of your video solved the problem. Learned something new today about impeller blockage...

[@MicDropBBQ]

I ordered a new pool cleaner and it was moving kinda slow, just like the old one. I decided to see what the issue could be, and I ran across your video. Low and behold, there was all kinds of stuff in there! Now my little sprayer fountain squirts across the pool again AND the cleaner moves fast! WOOOOOOO! The power of KZbin! And I thought MY videos were useful. Man, you just saved my summer! Bought this house almost three years ago and NEVER cleaned it. Been cleaning the filters like crazy, thinking it was a filter issue. Nope. Leaves and gunk trapped on this piece. Pulled it all out in a single clump and voila! Thanks for saving summer...and my pool pump!

[@TrueMethod]

We are about to enter another summer and hope all is working well with your vacuum and equipment. Thank you for the comment

[@MicDropBBQ]

@@TrueMethod Oh yes. I had to get new skimmer baskets because grass would wrap around the impeller. I would clean it every other day, but now it's been grass free for a week. That impeller trick is a LIFESAVER! I just use a little hook and pull that crap outta there...and it works just fine!

[@margogould4925]

I thought I needed a new motor and pump , tried everything else but your video took me down the right track . I got several handful of pepper leaves. Now the water flow and suction is better than when it was new . THANK YOU BOB

[@Handy_Dave]

Thank you so much, learned something new today. 2yrs as a pool owner 😅 Pool pressure slowed down I was worried and did this pressure back to normal. Thank you

[@TrueMethod]

We are glad this helped you and thank you for the comment !!

[@stephanoszunez7185]

The cut-out is extremely useful for visualisation. Thanks for the video!!

[@thomas6824]

Thank you! I just got my pool filter system back up and running thanks to your video. Took only and short period of time as you described. 👍

Glad this video helped you !!

[@mayorb3366]

The acid test is to close/block all suction lines and fill the pump pot with as much water as it will hold. Turn on the pump with the pump pot lid off. The water in the pot should be sucked down immediately. If it does, not an impeller clog issue. (Maybe a lid o-ring issue which I would have already checked. Suction leaks and clogged impellers show the same symptoms). If it goes down less than immediately, we have a clogged impeller. It would be great if jamming a screwdriver around would resolve this every time. That works for what is in the face of the impeller, but does nothing for debris that is wedged in the vanes of the impeller. That's one of the things I love about your first pump, the Challenger. No tools needed to open it. I can get in and out of one in a few minutes. Your second pump, the WhisperFlo, a bit trickier. I have to get behind it and pull out 6 bolts. Because I've been in this racket long enough to know, that just because I pull leaves out of the impeller face doesn't mean deeper clogs are not in the vanes of the impeller. Just my 2 cents. Best regards!

[@roba1497]

Thanks dude! This fixed my low pressure issue after our 2023 AZ winter storms

[@TrueMethod]

Us dudes (lol) really appreciate you found this helpful and thank you for the comments !!

[@MikeyMike-ql3ry]

Thank you so much for this this info. My pump is working better now, much better. I was wondering why I wasn't having the same pressure I had before I vacuumed my pool. Thanks

[@stevenknese1602]

YOU ARE DA MAN!!! The suggestion worked GREAT!!! Thanks for the info

Well, not sure if we are DA MAN but will take it and we appreciate the encouragement and glad it helped you !!

[@mikesmotors3153]

This video helped me identify what my problem was and how to fix. Thanks!

[@chrismatrone8650]

Thanks! I had 2 different pool guys said that they could not help me because they could not get parts to the pump that I had. Fixed it in 5 min with a screwdriver! It was clogged.

[@angelaflow6981]

Excellent help!!! great video. hope can work on my issue. Just get motor replacement after that the presser of vacuum in none. Now the pinch penny tech is telling me that I have to replume because I have problems with my old valves. Before that all was running without problems. there is other way I can unclogged or find any air escape? thank you

[@JessePalacio-uj4jk]

Awesome , helpful & very simple explanation.

[@taureanlivermore4380]

I’m a pro now! I followed the instructions to the “T” and it worked like a charm. My wife thinks I can fix everything now, and she doesn’t know this video taught me the pool part!

[@TrueMethod]

That's awesome thank you for the comment! Can we use that as a testimonial?

[@tallen87]

@@TrueMethod sure can!

[@Kegels_gti_16V]

Yes, this what I Needed to know,, pressure is allot better, but I Will take the pump appart after summer close down, thanks!

you are welcome !!

[@Kegels_gti_16V]

If I could only post a picture of the hair’s that where stuck in the impeller 😂😂

[@BroniusMotekaitis]

Terrific little video, a simple fix. I love that cross-section cut view of a real pump! Super helpful. And... 🎉 Sweet screwdriver spin: you're a real pro 😜

[@BroniusMotekaitis]

Quick follow: In my case, a jandy multi speed, I could not find anything that felt like that with a screwdriver, so I tried a plumber's snake: still no way in 🤷 What ultimately.worked for me was to pump water backward into the pipes from the pump basket end. I shot water backward while running the pump, and eventually (pretty quickly actually), my system was primed and flowing again. Root cause still not sure: - recently added salt: did it bunch up in the pipes? - recently had LOTs of rain, and rain draws sand up from under my patio deck into the pool (yeah.. I know). Maybe sand built a blockage? - big gorgeous Chinese tallow recently dropped a LOT of pollen: maybe that gunked the pipes?

Thank you for the encouragement !!

[@LTD123CO]

Great video and straight to the point!.. no unnecessary bla bla like many others...

[@danstout2184]

Perfect. Exactly what I needed. And straight to the point. Thanks

[@TheAdunnus]

omfg! after watching this video i was able to easly fix the clogged impeller! thank you so much!

[@TrueMethod]

Glad to hear it was an easy fix for you !!

[@TheArredondoenrique]

Could you please tell me the name of the metal tool you used to open up the lid? is it available on Amazon ? thanks

[@margaretballantine3676]

Tried it but didn't get any debris but once I primed and restarted it worked, so happy so many thanks

[@amansandeep15]

Thanks for putting this together. The pump is back to life. However, a question. Sometimes (within a week or so) the impeller still gets stuck. Could it be that the pump is nearing its life? Is there a way to lubricant the impeller bearings?

Glad this helped. As per the "impeller is getting stuck", this may an issue that would require a professional to pull apart the motor and diffuser.

Sorry for the delay in replay. It could be a few items. The impeller could be coming off the seal and gettting jammed against the volute but it may be a few different issues. In this case, it would be best to call a pro.

[@prusia1976]

great video. I had been checking everything else except this. Instant fix. Thank you for posting

[@rkfreese]

Fantastic advice, thank you. It's currently 20h13 here, but I'm going to go and do this right now.

[@TrueMethod]

Thanks for watching, I hope this worked out for you.

[@toddntrail155]

Thanks for making this video!! Just cleaned a ton of trash out of my pump and motor isn't struggling like it was!

[@josejusino6171]

You were spot on that fixed my issue...thank you so much

[@chrisb6838]

Thanks a million! You just saved me a ton of painful phone calls with the pool company! :D

[@TrueMethod]

Beautiful! That is exactly why we make these videos.

[@leofeld9511]

There was a glass jar that had a lid with holes in it inside the pump basket. Is that supposed to be there?

[@reginaacevedo8093]

What would be another issue why we don't feel any pressure coming out of the pool jets?

[@charlie-gx3ny]

My pump is super loud that’s means it is time to replace it? Thank you

[@popaof3]

Well it really does work the simplest way is just get your hands dirty and clean the whole system out I’m happy with the results and a very big thank you for the advice and video 👍👍

[@TrueMethod]

Getting your hands dirty ....great way to save money !!. We are glad this was helpful

[@georgebokas8616]

Dude! Roger you’re the best. In a few minutes I cleared my clogged impeller and removed the worry that I had to replace my pump! Thank you!

[@danaoberlander5754]

I have a small pool (6600 gallons) that has two jets. One jet seems to be working fine ... the other one is barely churning the water. I did a backwash today and the pressure stands at 20 psi. What do you think is causing this situation? Is it possible for a clogged impeller to cause this situation? Your help would be appreciated.

[@Jesusgamboa19]

Thank you sir, i was about to order a new pump then i seen your video and boom,, pump running like new👍🏼👍🏼

[@TrueMethod]

Glad we can help, this is exactly why we make these videos!👍

[@S4R1]

Thank you. I couldn’t figure out for the life of my why the pump was barely sucking. Thanks exactly like you stated. I tried a coat hanger like other videos suggested but the screw driver worked the best.

[@marval550]

Love the cut open view! Thanks

[@jamoney45]

Thanks so much! really appreciate this video, was my exact problem!

[@TrueMethod]

awesome !! Thank you for the comment

[@firstname9150]

Thanks. Your video was very helpful.

Thank you!

[@mikedevita5558]

Where did you get the lid opener?

[@jacynthe2153]

Need to know as well!

[@DLHappens]

I've been taking care of my pool for years with very little headache but this year I have an issue I have not seen before. When I open the pump glass normally the water recedes as air moves in. Today it's staying full! If I turn the pump on with the glass back on it seems to fill up the housing reservoir but before it gets to pushing out the release valve on top the water in the pump area drops to nothing... Any ideas?

[@billyrobertrivera6799]

Thanks for the information I was ha I get that exact problem went in there and did exactly what you said fixed it right up thanks!!!!!!!

[@reginaharrell2556]

Thank you, I thought my capacitor was gone out but the impeller was clog. Pool is up and running.

[@gregmiller7809]

My pump just stopped after I was cleaning my filter for the second time after vacuuming is my pump fried , get too hot and thermistor tripped? How long should I let it sit before trying again ? Power is there but when plug the pump in on a gfci power strip it Tripp’s

[@jamesmav99]

Fixed my problem exactly. Thank you.

[@pietballas1]

Thanks solved my problem.

Glad we helped in that and thank you for commenting !

[@lucyhood-thesmokymountaint4494]

This was so freaking helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@TrueMethod]

You are freaking welcome....lol !!! And thank you for commenting !!

[@Texasmediatv]

Tech note: It should take anywhere from 30 seconds to 45 seconds for a pump to prime. IF not the O-Ring could be incorrectly lubed or something else.

[@christimooney3368]

Where do I get one of those tools to remove lid?

Best way is to take a picture of your lid and take into your local pool store. There are a few types of lids/tools so going to the store ensures the correct purchase.

[@seerex8398]

thank you this helped me fix my Hayward pump with debris in it

[@TrueMethod]

thank you for the comment and glad to hear

[@josephcolella995]

Would this trip the breaker????

[@anthonysolis8933]

Great video

Thank you !

[@ray.a7343]

My pool pump is running and the water in it is boiling? Not circulating water through jets any suggestions????

[@elpipetuanis]

Thank you!

[@bettybentley4771]

I'm still having the same problem. The pump is making a popping sound when I turn it on and I have to prime it myself every time. Not bringing up the full amount of water either. Grrrrr!

[@patrickconroy8729]

Very good, thanks!

Glad to help !!

[@patrickconroy8729]

That cut-out pump & motor is great

[@DanOKC]

Good Information -------- Poor dark Video detail such have used a backfill light source.

[@michellerocha4578]

I need that tool my lid is stuck

[@swayederm]

Thank you so much

You are welcome !!

[@warrengamble2786]

I have a piece of plastic stuck in there I think it’s from a swimming goggle and I can’t get it out what do I do ?

The motor may need to be removed from the wet end/pump pot. We recommend calling a professional for this. There may be some good videos that show how to remove the sections

[@fatefinger]

When mine gets clogged I have to take the motor off and use a pliers to pull the plant fibers out. 4 palm trees and the neighbors pine. Every year, sometimes twice.

[@jordiortega4436]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@islam56928]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

thank you and thank you for the 👍👍👍👍👍 !!

[@sainwolf2]

My pump has plastic squares in front of the impaler. Can't get a screw driver in there...

The pumps that have those squares is unfortunate because it does not allow for access. The pump would have to be removed from the wet end/pump pot. Our recommendation is to call a professional to remove and clear out.

[@StevenKeener-uv1ti]

So maybe I'm an idiot, but how do I stop the flow of water into the impeller area so I can clean it. Anytime I take the lidoff , water gushes out like crazy, especially when it's off

By chance is your equipment lower than the level of your pool water, below grade ?

[@subatomic10]

Bro thankyou for this , worked a treat ! 🇦🇺👍

[@TrueMethod]

No problem, thank you for watching

[@oscarfernandez1416]

the motor doesn't turn at all what can I do?

[@shachiafication]

thank you

[@gsheverything_2716]

Very nice video

[@kolapobalogun8752]

Mine just making sound but not priming at all

is there any water movement at all?

[@jjohns288]

Another way to check is to drain all of the water from your pump completely which may require using a little cup to scoop out the last bit. Then hold your phone down in so you can take a picture into the hole into the impeller and you may be able to see debris. You will need to use the flash and you’ll need to keep a tight grip to not drop your phone.

[@jellysonic2fanlover451]

Thank you!!!!!

[@Schleprokkk]

This video saved my marriage 🙏

[@stucru2]

Great video! Informative, concise, to the point! Thanks!

[@Mark-OutWest]

Stick a wet vacuum hose down there to help .

[@TheBaltherion]

I can tell he was working with an elevated system. Man had to get it done with the quickness haha. That chugging was a time limit.

[@mikefulkerson6874]

💯 helped me out. I almost hired someone to get it done for me

[@TrueMethod]

Nice, we saved you moola💰

[@2exiw]

It it was only that easy

[@CoreySchmidt-s6q]

I woulda actually cleaned the basket ... just saying

[@grrmtthgrrmtth3000]

👍🇺🇸🌭