FHP Variable Speed Pump Troubleshooting

The cleaning/ circulating system is not operating correctly. 

Verify that skimmer baskets, pump basket and other screens are clean. Clean as necessary. 

If a filter is installed in the system, check the filter and clean as necessary. 

Check valve positions. Adjust as necessary. 

NOTE: Multiple pieces of equipment operating at one time (for example, waterfalls, spa jets, and surface returns) may affect the cleaning system and prevent it from working properly. 

Check cleaning system manual to ensure the system is adjusted according to manufacturer's recommendations. 

Bubbles present in the pump basket. 

Air is in system. Check pool or spa water level to ensure it is at the proper level and air is not being drawn into suction piping. If water is at normal level, turn off pump. Turn the lid's locking ring counter-clockwise until 'START' aligns with ports. Remove lid and check for debris around lid seal seat or improper installation of lid seal, as either of these conditions will cause air leaks in the system. Clean lid seal and lid groove. Note that one (1) side of lid seal has two (2) ribs and the other has one (1). Place the side with two (2) ribs into lid groove. Replace lid on pump housing. Align 'START' with ports and turn lid's locking ring clockwise until 'LOCKED' aligns with ports. Hand-tighten the lid to make an air tight seal. Do not use any tools to tighten the lid. Turn the pump back on. 

Air leaks are still present. 

Check the suction side piping union. While the pump is running, try to tighten the union. If this does not stop the air leak, turn off the pump. Loosen both unions and slide the pump out of the way. Remove, clean, and re-install both union o-rings. 

Reposition the pump next to the piping and secure the union nuts to the pump. With clean union o-rings, hand-tightening of the unions should create a seal. If the unions still do not seal, gently tighten with a large pair of tongue-and-groove pliers. 

Do not over-tighten. 

There is no air in the system, but the pressure is still low. 

It is possible that debris is caught in the pump impeller. The pump impeller moves the water, and the vanes in the impeller can become blocked with debris. 

1. Turn off the pump. Switch off the circuit breaker to the pump motor. 

2. Remove the lid and basket. 

3. Look inside the pump for any debris. Remove any debris found inside. 

4. Replace the basket and lid. 

5. Switch on the circuit breaker to the pump motor. 

6. Turn on the pump, and see if the problem is solved. 

7. If the impeller is still blocked with debris and it is not possible to remove the debris using Steps 2 through 4, the pump will need to be disassembled in order to access the inlet and outlet of the impeller. 

There is no debris blocking the impeller and the pressure is still low. 

The pump impeller and diffuser are showing signs of normal wear. Have a qualified service technician check the impeller and diffuser and replace as necessary. 

If the pump is part of a relatively new installation, it could be an electrical problem. Contact a qualified service technician. Have the technician check for loose electrical connections and check the voltage at the pump motor while it is in operation. The voltage must be within 10% of the motor's data plate rating. If the voltage is not within 10%, contact a qualified electrician and/ or the local power service provider. 

The pump is leaking water between the motor and pump body. 

This is caused by a damaged or failed mechanical seal. The pump seal is leaking air. Have a qualified service technician replace the seal. 

The pump gets hot and shuts off periodically. 

Ensure that there is adequate room around the motor to circulate air and keep motor cool. Have a qualified electrician check for loose connections and check voltage at the pump motor while it is in operation. The voltage must be within 10% of the motor's data plate rating. If voltage is not within 10%, contact a qualified electrician and/or the local power service provider.