A clogged pool pump runs inefficiently, and in some cases, a clog can even break a pool pump completely. Unfortunately, hair, insects, leaves, debris and other little bits may easily clog a pump and create a range of potentially serious issues. To protect and preserve your pool pump, as well as to avoid expensive pump repairs, check out and embrace these anti-clogging strategies:

1. Know the warning signs of pump clogging

If your pump is clogged, it may show a number of symptoms, but if the clog is close to the water treatment equipment, the pump may start to cycle on and off rapidly. One of the most common signs of a clogged pump, on-off cycling happens when a clog causes the pump to work harder. That, in turn, causes the motor to heat up. When the motor gets too hot, it automatically shuts off until it momentarily cools and turns on again.  

2. Disassemble your pump and try to remove clogs as soon as you suspect them

With a small amount of mechanical acumen, even you can remove a clog and get your pump working again. First, look at the journey the water takes through your pump. In most setups, the water passes through a water pressure tank, the pump itself and a few hoses before exiting. Make sure that the water has at least one clear route through the pump. If it does not, remove the hoses and clean them to remove any clogs. Additionally, take apart the pump's filtration system and carefully clean all of its elements.

3. Install a stronger impeller

The impeller of your pump rotates in a way that essentially vacuums water into your pump, and most of the water that enters your pump has to pass by this piece. Impellers are made from a range of materials, and they are available in a range of types. Currently, most pool pumps feature plastic impellers, which are often not strong enough to break up debris.

However, with the help of a pump repair person, you may be able to replace your plastic impeller with a strong metal impeller. Metal impellers, unlike plastic ones, have the power to chop up anything that enters the pump. Some even bear the name "shredder" as a testament to their purpose.

4. Check your filters before using your pump

Before using your pool pump, always check its filters. In some cases, items can fall behind the filters, and if you use your pump while these items are present, they can get into the motor and clog it. As well as checking your filters on your own before using your pump, consider having a pump repair professional service your pump and check your filters on a regular basis.

5. Strengthen your filtration system

If every time you check your pump, you find that you have a lot of debris in your filters, consider strengthening your filtration system. You can buy new filters or new filter baskets that have finer filtering capabilities than your current filters. You can also buy special additions such as filter savers to boost your filters' functioning capabilities. A filter saver is reminiscent of a nylon stocking, and this fine mesh filter fits over your existing filter.

6. Thwart clogs before they occur

In many cases, you can prevent clogs from happening without touching your pool pump at all. If you are still in the planning process, build your pool away from trees that lose a lot of leaves. If you already have your pool, keep it covered when not in use – that stops debris from getting into the water. If hair is a problem, brush your hair before using your pool to reduce the chance of strays falling off your head and getting into your pump.