Week of Nov 2, 2026
Top 5 Pool Equipment Questions, week of Nov 2, 2026
Late-season swimming and fall closing are bringing out a lot of equipment problems. These are the five questions pool owners asked most this week, with the safe checks you can do and where a pro should step in.
1. My pump won't prime, sucks air, or shakes on high speed. What should I check?
Air getting in or not enough water reaching the pump causes most of these. Start with the water level: it should be about halfway up the skimmer opening, and a low level after draining for fall will pull air. Empty the skimmer and pump baskets, and check that the pump lid O-ring is clean, lubricated and seated. Make sure the suction valves are open. If the pump ran dry for a while, turn the power off at the breaker, fill the pump basket with water and check for melted or cracked parts before restarting. On a variable-speed pump, make sure priming is turned on so it ramps to its high priming speed until water fills the basket, then let it drop to a lower running speed. If it only starves or shakes on high, something on the suction side is restricting flow. Grinding noises or a hot, smelly motor mean stop and call a tech.
Full guide: Pump not priming
2. My heat pump stopped heating now that it's cold out. Is it broken?
Probably not. Heat pumps pull heat from the air, so they slow way down as the air cools, and many shut off or go into defrost well before it gets to freezing. Check your manual for the lowest air temperature yours is rated for. Running it during the warmest part of the day and using a solar cover overnight make a big difference, since an uncovered pool loses heat fast. Make sure water flow is good (clean filter, pump running) and the coil isn't blocked by leaves. If it won't run even on a mild day, or shows a fault code, turn the power off at the breaker and have a tech look, since refrigerant and electrical work need a licensed pro.
Full guide: Heat pump not heating
3. My gas heater shows an error code and there was smoke. What do I do?
Safety first. Turn the heater off and shut off its gas supply if you can do that easily. Smell gas? Get out, then call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Smoke means don't try to restart it. Turn the power off at the breaker and let it cool. Many heater codes point to an overheating safety switch tripping, often because of low water flow, so check that the filter is clean and the pump is running well. But smoke can mean burned wiring, a failed part or debris in the burner area, and that's a job for a licensed gas tech. Write down the exact code and the heater's model number before you call, so they come with the right parts.
Full guide: Heater won't fire
4. My robotic pool cleaner just spins in circles. How do I fix it?
Circling usually comes down to a tangled cable, a clogged or uneven drive, or a filter that's full. Unplug the power supply first. Then lay the cable out straight in the sun so the coils relax, and check whether your model has a swivel that should turn freely. Empty and rinse the filter basket, and look at the brushes, tracks and wheels for hair, leaves or a stuck piece of debris on one side. Worn tracks or brushes on only one side can make it pull in one direction. If it still circles, the manual may have a reset or a diagnostic mode. A drive motor that won't turn usually needs warranty service.
5. My filter sputters air out of the air relief valve. Is that a problem?
A little air at startup is normal, so let it bleed until steady water comes out, then close it. If it keeps sputtering, air is getting into the suction side before the pump. Check the water level first, since a low level pulls air through the skimmer. Then look at the pump lid O-ring, the drain plugs on the pump and the fittings just before the pump. Bubbles in the pump basket while it runs is a clue. Turn the power off at the breaker before you remove any plugs or open the pump. Never open the filter tank or loosen its clamp while it's under pressure: with the pump off and the breaker off, open the air relief valve, stand clear until the hissing stops, and make sure the gauge reads zero first. A clamp or lid that lets go under pressure can cause serious injury.
Full guide: Filter pressure high or low