Unclog Your Pool Pump with This One Simple Trick!

[@spikesmundranos3308]

The clearest, most precise and informative videos I've seen on the internet. This guy is an excellent instructor on pool supply and maintenance. Thank you so much!!

[@financialadvisor1000]

This guy knows what he’s doing.

[@billallert9963]

This was so helpful. I can't thank you enough. Pump was making a gurgling sound, no pressure, hardly any water coming out of the return pipes. I took apart our pump and cleaned a very clogged impeller. Saved hundreds of dollars of pool servicing thanks to you!

[@Marie-kj3xf]

Great video, simple and straightforward…no stupid music and half hour introductions. Thanks

[@KellyReed-e7z]

Thanks for showing and not just explaining. Great instructor. Wonderful instructions. Thanks for showing as you are saying what you're doing because some of us need that. If you could though, include putting that pump back together because some of us have poor memories and are not mechanical and need it.😅😂 I appreciate your video. I'll be looking forward to more of your videos for maintaining and troubleshooting my pool. Thank you so much!

[@troyyee217]

Great video ! It gave me the motivation to open up the case and look. My pump had wood chips in the impeller. psi was at 5, cleared obstructions and now back up to 15. Thanks !!!

[@jeannelk]

Thank you, very informative. Appreciate the slowness of your explanation… 👍🏻

[@halawala08]

Thank you so much Mark for your valuable tips. I'd unclogged the pump successfully. You'd probably saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@drummerdonny1752]

Love the video and the work bench with a sink ! also your screw driver assortment . As a retired electrician , I love screwdrivers . Thank you for the video.

[@petemichalski487]

I watched a few of your vids. Trouble shooted leaks and blockages. I was 95% sure I had an air leak until I tried unblocking the impeller. Cleaned out the impeller with a coat hanger and dragged out a few leaves. Now running amazing and have the vacuum cleaning again. Thanks so much!

[@David-jn4fx]

That was great Mark! You make it look so easy 👍Thanks!

[@coldparanoia1540]

These videos have been absolutely fantastic. Thank you guys so much for this. This is the first year I've owned a pool and your tutorials have been invaluable!

[@JeffMinnichbach]

This is seriously an amazingly educational video guys. I have a brand new pool and the pump isn't working, it's making a loud grinding noise. I looked in the filter by the pump and no water is going through so something seems clogged. I'm going to use your tips to try to diagnose it myself but just wanted to say thank you for such a detailed and easy to follow video.

[@stevewasilow5556]

Excellent info thanks for sharing your expert knowledge

[@roller9158]

You Sir, are the MASTER. Thank You!

[@edsabado7107]

i learned a lot. Thanks mark

[@williamfeinberg920]

Thanks for all of the great knowledge appreciate it

[@albertopadilla3227]

Bet channel. Well explained ..,

[@rafatsuilman4443]

Damn you are the best. I have learnt so much

[@andrewkennedy1482]

Thank you Mark!

[@rachelarendt4889]

Thank you Mark! Great video :)

[@jomaslover]

Good stuff ! Wonder why my pump says running with 0 rpm’s and it’s a Hayward by the way

[@charliek9742]

This gentleman is absolutely fantastic. I've watched many of his videos and have learned so much. I definitely appreciate the effort that goes into this. I believe I live just over an hour away fr5om his shop and I'd be inclined to drive over vs. using a local pool store. Keep up the great work!

[@rowellhowell2707]

Excellent

[@Louceci29]

I’ve been watching your videos. They are very informative, thank you very much. I can’t find a video that can help me understand what’s happening with pool 😢. I’ve taken videos. How do I share?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you need help, check out my patreon page, l do videos and phone sessions and will be glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@RicardoMachin-hn4hs]

The best on youtube

[@chrispippin1242]

Just had to clean mine last Saturday pump wouldn't prime . Got excellent water flow now.

[@warriorfamily3730]

Thanks!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Thank you very much.

[@dame6661]

Great video.

[@anitarushlow4022]

I have a question please. Wouldn't a clog in the main or skimmer lines cause the same issue? I'm just trying to understand how you arrived at the problem being a clogged impellor. Can you please tell me how this trick isolates it to the impellor? Thank you!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If isolating the lines gives you the same result then the next step would be to check the impeller on the pump, process of elimination.If you have any questions feel free to contact me I will be glad to discuss in detail.

[@halraines9]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies There is a Hallmark Pool Supplies video covers the process of elimination. Thanks Mark. I'm not sure how much money I saved, but THANKS for teaching me new skills.

[@dakotasmith3900]

So what could the problem be if when I turn it to circulate the jet works perfectly. Would it be the filter itself then?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@dakotasmith3900 Yes, in recirculate you are bypassing the filter. If you have a flow problem in the filter position then you need to clean the filter. Thanks for watching.

[@shireendreyer1847]

Hi Mark thanks for the video i have a problem with my pump i need to replace bearings but struggling to remove impeller, i removed the back part at the fan but front side there is no screws or nuts to remove the impeller can you please assist. Once again thank you

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It depends on the pump you have, most impellers will unscrew once you lock the back of the motor (shaft) by hand. Depending on the pump you have, some pumps have reverse screws on the impeller that need to be removed. If you don’t have a lock screw on the impeller you can simply unscrew the impeller counter clockwise once you lock the shaft from the back of the motor. Thanks for watching.

[@alksmdlaks]

took me way to long to find a video of a teardown

[@RyanBomgardner-p8y]

Low skimmer pressure issue. (Can only have 1 skimmer on at time instead of 2 and have to have floor turned off) or there isnt enough suction. I Backwashed several times, tightened pipes, cleaned impeller, did recircuate to verify it isnt related to filter... still not enough pressure to run like last season. Any ideas?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you are trying to vacuum, you would normally turn off the drain and one skimmer to get more suction on the skimmer you are vacuuming from. If you have isolated each skimmer with the same result, then you may have a clogged skimmer line. If you have a check valve (flow valve) on the system that is not working properly, this could also be the problem. There are several questions that I have and I need more information, if you would like to check out my patreon page I will be glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@Siafalovetee]

My impeller and diffuser are damaged cause of damage basket

[@billybatsc208]

Do you think I could have this issue if my Pentair CC100 filter tank isn't getting any water to it ? I do have good pressure from my jets in the pool and it does look like water is flowing through the pump basket. But every time I go to clean my filter the tank is almost always empty and I am expecting it to be full of water.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like you need to clean or replace the filter cartridge. Thanks for watching.

[@billybatsc208]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies my filter cartridge is brand new

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Before cleaning a cartridge filter you will open the air relief valve. When doing this the water in the tank will go back towards the pump (back pressure), this is normal.

[@ItchyKneeSon]

Nice. Here's a comment for your benefit.

[@matthewpolo227]

HEY MARK - BOY I CAN REALLY USE YOUR HELP IN TRYING TO RETRIEVE A #11 PLUG ( I THINK IT'S AN 11 ) IT WAS SUCKED DOWN THE SKIMMER. I TIED A BOBBER TO FISHING LINE AND IT STOPPED AT AROUND 10 FEET SO I THINK THE PLUG IS STUCK THERE. THE REASON SO MUCH SUCTION OCCURED AT THAT SKIMMER IS BECAUSE I CAPPED OFF THE NEXT SKIMMER INLINE WITH THE CLOGGED ONE AND THE 3RD SKIMMER WHICH IS A SEPERATE LINE WAS CLOSED AT PUMP SO INSTEAD OF THE PUMP DISTRIBUTING SUCTION FOR 3 SKIMMERS ALL OF IT'S SUCTION CONCENTRATED TO THE ONE WHICH WAS ENOUGH TO PULL THE PLUG IN...( I PLACED THE PLUG IN WHILE SUCTION WAS ON ) SO IS THERE A WAY TO DUPLICATE THAT SUCTION IN REVERSE DIRECTION TOWARDS SKIMMER ? I'LL BE WORKING ON THIS ALL WEEKEND IF YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS I'D APPRECIATE IT-THANKS...I BOUGHT A BLADDER THAT ATTACHES TO GARDEN HOSE WHICH WHEN INFLATED WITH WATER SEALS PIPE BUT LET'S WATER CONTINUE OUT END OF IT IF I FILL A 50G CONTAINER W WATER, I HAVE A ONE EIGTH HP SUMP, CONNECT THAT TO THE BLADDER WOULD THAT BE SIGNIFICANT FORCE CONSIDERING DISTANCE FROM PUMP TO CLOG IS ABOUT 60 FEET...DISTANCE FROM SKIMMER TO CLOG ONLY 10 FEET WHICH IS WHY I'D RATHER FIGURE OUT HOW TO PULL IT BACK TEN FEET RATHER THAN PUSH IT 60.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It will take a little bit of plumbing but you can try cutting and disconnecting the suction pipe at the pump. Hook up one good skimmer line to the pump, leave the skimmer with the plug disconnected from the pump. Then run your waste line into the skimmer line with the plug where you disconnected it at the pump. You want to push the plug from the pump side towards the skimmer (opposite direction that the plug got clogged). Your pool pump should blow out the plug that is clogged. If this doesn’t work then you will have to cut the skimmer line and snake the plug out. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@matthewpolo227]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies HEY MARK THANKS FOR THE QUICK REPLY ! WHEN I FEED THE WASTE LINE INTO THE SKIMMER LINE I DISCONNECT, DO I NEED TO PLUMB THAT IN SO IT IS A TIGHT SEAL OR CAN I WRAP A RAG AROUND IT AND STUFF IN SORT OF SEALING IT ? WOULD THERE BE MUCH DIFFERENCE IF IT'S CONNECTED WITH FITTINGS AND GLUE ? THANKS I HOPE THIS WORKS THE CLOSEST I CAME WAS SNAGGING IT WITH A HOOK ATTACHED TO BOBBER BUT THE LINE BROKE RUBBING ALONG EDGE WHILE PULLING SO I TIED ON A STRONGER LINE BUT BEFORE I GOT ANY BITES THUNDERSTORM ROLLED IN.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You can try without gluing but if this doesn’t work, glue the plumbing for an air tight seal. This will also help the pump maintain prime so you have good pressure. When you hook the waste line to the skimmer that is clogged it would be best to glue that line because it will be under pressure. If not you will have to hold or it will come apart. Once your done than you will have to cut and redo the plumbing. This is a lot of work but it should pay off.

[@aarondenise]

This is helpful, I am going to try this. Our PSI keeps running at 35 after about 40 min of backwashing then we have no suction at the skimmer. We bought a rental that my daughter lives at and it had a lot of leaves. The pool company opened it and have replaced lots of things. It keeps prime but keeps running so high and losing pressure. Any other suggestions if it's not a clog?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Try putting the system on recirculate, if the pump runs the same, then you may have a clogged impeller or even a clogged skimmer line. However, there are a lot of other things to consider, for example, if the pump runs good in recirculate, then the problem may be with the filter. It is a process of elimination. Thanks for watching.

[@aarondenise]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies it does work fine on recirculate. We checked the impeller tonight. I switched the drain and skimmer valves back and forth. It kept prime when just skimmer was on. When it switched to only main bottom drain, I had lots of bubbles and basket was only half full. I didn’t leave it very long like that because I didn’t want to damage anything. Do you think that sounds like bottom drain is blocked or has a leak?

[@aarondenise]

Also, I turned my pump down to about 2900 rpm and it was running at 20psi so that was better than 35 but still loses suction after awhile.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Sounds like you may have a clog or a break in the line.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If your line has a break then you are dealing with a suction leak. This will cause the pump to suck air and can also make it harder to maintain prime. You will also experience water loss.

[@grimreaper4015]

Cool

[@perlei8897]

Waaah, what do you have against a Jandy! I find the ONE great instructor, with logical and coherent steps, and he doesn't cover my pump model 😞...

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@perlei8897 I have nothing against Jandy, I just haven’t made a video on that brand. Thanks for watching.

[@dekklin5517]

What about those who have a jandy pro series?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@dekklin5517 I don’t have a video on Jandy, even though the pumps are different the concept is the same. Thanks for watching.

[@dekklin5517]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies ok could you tell me how I would get stuck union for the salt cell unstuck? I have used filter pliers and no go. I recently bought a house with a pool and the previous owner didn't take care of the pool unfortunately

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@dekklin5517 Try using a large pair of channel locks.

[@amberpulido9559]

What if you do this and it's still not getting pressure and filter reads no psi

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If your impeller is not clogged then there is another problem. I have several questions myself and would like to help. If you would like to check out my patreon page I will be glad to go into more detail pertaining to this problem. Thanks for watching.

[@kathyabel5338]

How do you know if your impeller is clogged.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

For example, close your skimmer line, if you can pull water from the drain line than your pump is not clogged. If you can not pull water from either the skimmer line or the drain line then you may have a clogged impeller. Thanks for watching.

[@andreaalexanderwarke1693]

What happens if the water isn’t even trying to circulate, motor doesn’t even sound like it’s on. My dad died 2 yrs ago & my mom let it go so I’m tryin 2 help her and know NOTHING!!! Pleeeease help!!!!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Sorry to hear about your father, first thing you need to do is verify that you have power to the pump.

[@turdferguson12]

If a video says trick I’m not watching it.

[@badvlad8421]

That's your problem

[@jbmann52]

As has been said before Mark is one of the best instructors on KZbin. I have gotten so much knowledge from his videos which equates to money saved because I can DIY instead of waiting on a service company. Thanks Mark and Hallmark

[@charlie-gx3ny]

Thank you sir

[@fifthrider]

I love your videos because you shoot them under controlled circumstances with clear visuals. Thank you. I can't get over how many other pond repair videos whip out a camera phone in the field, try to record with gurgling background noise, a wet and blurry lens, you can't really see what they're doing, etc. Thank you. I'm currently trying to figure out how to unclog an impeller whose debris ( pine needles ) is stuck in the sides of the impeller wheel, not the wheel itself. At least this video gave me a good idea of the size and shapes.

[@Gaby4wild]

I thought I was going to have to buy a new pump! Instead, I learned a new skill! Thank you!

[@rdgreifer]

Thanks!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Thank you very much.

[@giroadster]

Thank you for this, boy was that helpful. My impeller was loaded was all kinds of stuff from acorns to pool grout. My pump now shoots water stronger than ever!

[@lcagee]

Awesome video. I was able to feel inside my pump inlet and felt a bunch of debris. I was able to remove most of it with one of those 3 prong graspers and my fingers. Took about 5 minutes. Now it’s running great.

[@kyfeam]

now this is how to make an instructional video.. thanks!

[@Samstraysongs]

Tremendous Tutorial, thanks so much!

[@stevewasilow5556]

Thanks so much you are an excellent teacher Mark

[@1337dad]

Great video, great visual aids, solid. Please keep it up!

[@5555boneman]

A question for you Mark, if you have a minute. 24' aboveground pool. Hayward turboflo 1.5 hp pump, Hayward sand filter. This year, I'm experiencing low flow and pressure guage shows 14. I run a backwash and pressure guage drops to a normal 10 and suction / pressure is very strong. 3 hours or so later - pressure goes back up to 14 and weak flow returns. Do you have any idea what this could be?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You may need to change the sand in the filter.

[@johnbravo9052]

Mark…thanks for taking the time to create your very informative videos. Could diatomaceous earth create a clog if you’ve backwashed your filter and just putting in new de?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

DE will not create a clog in the pump, however make sure you put in the right amount of DE needed for your filter. Thanks for watching.

[@halraines9]

Thanks for the help. I wasn't sure how to go forward with unclogging the impeller. You covered both Hayward and Pentair. That's perfect; my pool has the Hayward for the booster and the Pentair Intelliflo for the filtration. I am grateful.

[@kimwagner865]

My pump is squeeling all of a sudden it’s still pushing water wondering if the impeller is bad

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Possible, however it sounds like the bearings in the motor are going out. If so, you can repair or replace the motor. Thanks for watching.

[@baotran5863]

The best of the best of video clip I have not been watching it . Thanks for uploading this on youtube channel .

[@baotran5863]

Hi Hallmart pond , I did bypass the bio filter and the flowing water pressure was very strong water to come out to the pond , so I think a problem may be the filter bio balls inside causing the pressure of water running too weak right ? Not for the pump ? Do I need to open the bio pressure to check any of clog ? Thanks

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@baotran5863 Yes, make sure your tank is clean for good performance.

[@PitbullBoops]

Question - what if we set the filter multiport to recirculate, and the pump fills with water? What needs to be checked at that point?

[@PitbullBoops]

This is happening to us. If we set to recirculate or backwash, the pump basket fills up no problem. We then shut off the pump, and set it to filter, and the pressure stays solid. But after the pump shuts off for the night, the same low pressure issue happens again.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You may need to backwash the filter throughly, if you turn off your pump overnight it should still hold prime. If you continue to lose prime on your pump you may have an air leak (suction leak). Here is a link to a video that may help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZqogHyujtV9a8k Let me know I will be glad to help.

[@Goldstar46]

Mark.... I have watched quite a few of your DIY videos in the last few days, and I wish to extend a 'warm thank you' for your personal knowledge and your willingness to "share" with others.. In a prior life.. (Career in Law Enforcement)... I had number of professional administrative duties... and I would like to commend you for how clear, and precise your information is... while still keeping it 'non-technical' for the 'average Joe' out here in the DIY World... Thanks again.. George.

[@rgrbrggs]

Thanks for this. How you described the problem let me diagnose what I was dealing with and clean the pump out quickly. Saved me a lot of hassle and money.

[@kathyliu4905]

You are real expert! Thank you so much for you very valuable videos! Even I can’t repair my pool failures yet. but I learn to know what’s problems it might be and what kind of service I will need to book.

[@rosemarywalker4675]

I think this is the problem with my little pump on my dog's pool. It lost pressure real bad, and nothing I tried helped. Gonna take it apart now and clean the impeller. Thanks for this and your other videos.

[@melewis7263]

Two years later and your still making a big impact. Thank you. Much appreciated.

[@jilllundgrin4275]

Thank you for your assistance. Now I'm going to see if I can do it.

[@johnwilliams865]

All of the videos on this channel are so darn informative, awesome job!

[@silviagarza7612]

Thank you!!

[@junecurti1359]

You are my hero

[@tsmith3096]

Our above ground pool has been up and running for over a week. The pump started making a different noise the other day. We think impeller may need cleaned. We don’t have any shut off valves. Is there a way to plug pool and take the pump apart without draining the pool down to the return?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You can plug the skimmer and the return. If you don’t have plugs you can bridge the skimmer hose from the skimmer to the return, separating the pool from the system.

[@tsmith3096]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thank you!

[@amoya1972]

Does anyone know the reason why a pool pump won't fill up with water, I keep hose on for 10-15 min even more and water just keeps going in to pipe coming from pool skimmer, I usually keep the water level on skimmer at least half way so there is plenty of water in the pool. I don't think there is a pipe leak since the water level seems to be normal all the time, i can't figure this out and i have issues with pump priming, what should I do?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

I have a video on how to prime a pump if you want to check it out here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6vXnoefa517jqs

[@zsdjr1]

If you see air in the window then you probably have an air leak on the suction side of the pump. Some people take a bucket of water and pour it over the PVC fittings and valves on the suction side. If the air in the pump window goes away or reduces then you know where your leak is.