Intex pumps are among the most effective in their class. The pumps are built to accommodate both the pumping and filtering aspects-this makes them very convenient to pool owners. The pool pump is an essential component in a swimming pool-a healthy pool must have its water constantly moving.
Despite their usefulness, the Intex pumps are known to fail when overworked, abused, or not maintained. A failed Intex pump exhibits some pretty direct symptoms like the inability to pump, not starting, and noise making.
Most pool owners do not understand the working mechanism surrounding Intex pumps. This causes panic when failure or malfunctions occur.
In this article, we will look at common problems associated with Intex pumps and offer the most effective solutions.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Intex Pump Is Not Working
The Intex Pump Will Not Start
This is when you want to prepare your pool in the morning, ready for the big day ahead only for the pool pump to fail on you.
You power it on multiple times but nothing-it has completely shut down. If it at least starts up, it’s only for a few seconds before it goes off again.
For scenarios like these, experts blame it on poor electrical connection, a failed off breaker, or issues with the safety features.
Remedy 1
The first thought to come to your mind at this time should be the electrical connection. Inspect the wire running from the socket to the pool pump.
Check for cuts on the wire and any possible loose connection between the various parts in the wire. You can unplug it from the wall socket and plug it back but this time more carefully.
Remedy 2
If the pump still won’t start, then the socket might not have power, test it. Power level testing tools include multimeters and electrical testers.
The multimeter reads the amount of power running through the socket while the tester verifies if the socket power at all.
We recommend the multimeter over the tester because, with it, you can tell the exact volts running to your pump. Test the socket, if the power voltage is above 110 volts, then that socket is fine and you can proceed to another remedy approach.
If the voltage reads anything below that, then you have a problem with the power supply, rush to the breaker box. Ifs you have one installed for the pool pump, it might have broken on its own, turn it back on.
Now, test the socket again, it should have power. If the power at the socket is still low, then your home’s entire line might be compromised-call in an electrician.
Remedy 3
The safety plug on the pump’s cable might be rusty. Look for a device on the cable connecting to the wall with two buttons-a red and yellow one.
If water penetrates the safety plug, it could cause short-circuiting or rusting. This will definitely interfere with the power transfer.
You can clean the safety plug by running baking soda and water on the terminals to rub the rust off.
If after this, the pump still fails to start then the problem is more mechanical than electrical. The motor could be dead or another crucial component might have failed. Call in a local technician or your sales agent.
The Intex Pump Is Operational But Not Pumping
The most obvious explanation for this is a blockage in the suctioning pipe. Something stuck inside the pump is obstructing water flow causing the sudden flow cuts.
Remedy 1
Check and ensure that there is nothing blocking water flow into the pump.
If you use the Intex sand filter pump, you can begin by inspecting the filter gauge. If it reads anything higher than 10 psi then something is stuck inside it.
You will need to backwash the filtration sand to remove any debris that might be halting smooth pumping. With the debris removed, the water flow will reset and proceed smoothly.
For Intex cartridge filter pump users, the filter cartridge is your culprit, you will need to clean or replace it depending on the extent of damage. If your pool system has connector valves, shut them down before cleaning the cartridges.
If you spot dirt, clean it off and replace the housing, but if the dirt persists, you will have to get a new filter cartridge from Intex.
Remedy 2
Check for and take out blocking unwanted from inside the pump. This works best for those Intex pumps that come with their filter and pump in separate boxes.
The outlet connecting the main pump to the filter could be blocked. Before opening it up, turn off the pump and the water delivery channels.
The Intex Pumps But Makes Sharp Noises
This is when the Intex pump runs just fine but makes screeching noises. The sound can be low but clear enough to hear or so loud it gets you in trouble with your neighbors.
If the issue is severe, the pump sounds like a can of rocks wobbling around. The culprit, in this case, is the impeller-it is either too loose or out of place. The pump might also make such sounds if it is deprived of water.
Remedy 1
Unclog the suction valve. Hairs and little bits of material can easily block the suction valve if it is rarely cleaned. If the hairs become too many, the pump will have a hard time pulling water-this causes loud noises.
Remedy 2
Take the valve out of the water, let the air run through it, and then put it back. If you spot any form of debris, you can take it out in the process. If the noises persist, we recommend using a different type of pump for your pool-this one might be too potent.
Bottom Line
The Intex pool pump might fail from time to time but it is still one of the most popular pumps on the market.
The article above details the pump’s major problems and outlines the most suitable remedies in each case.
Most of the issues mentioned above are maintenance-related, we advise that you regularly unclog your Intex pool pump’s valves and inspect the electrical wiring around it.
