Diagnosing Pool Equipment Faults in Paphos: A Troubleshooting Guide

How to Approach Pool Equipment Faults

Before calling us (though we're always happy to come out!), here's a systematic way to identify what's wrong with your pool equipment.

Problem: Pump Not Starting

Check first:

1. Is there power to the pump timer/socket?
2. Has the RCD/circuit breaker tripped? Reset and try again.
3. Is the pump capacitor working? (A hum with no movement suggests a failed start capacitor — easy to replace)
4. Is the impeller seized? Try turning the shaft manually through the rear vent.

Problem: Pump Running But No Water Flow

1. Is the pump basket full of debris? Clear it.
2. Is the pool water level below the skimmer? (Air is being drawn in instead of water)
3. Are there air bubbles returning through the jets? (Air leak on the suction side — check all joints and O-rings)
4. Is the multi-port valve in the wrong position?

Problem: Cloudy Water Despite Good Chemical Readings

1. How old is your filter media? (Sand/glass over 5 years needs changing)
2. Is the pump running enough hours? (Minimum 8 hours in summer)
3. Is the filter valve bypassing? (Needs a new spider gasket)

Problem: Salt Chlorinator Not Producing Chlorine

1. Check salt level — most cells need 3,000–4,500 ppm to function
2. Is the cell scaled with calcium? (Very common in Cyprus) — clean with diluted acid
3. Check cell amperage on the control panel
4. Cell may have reached end of life (typically 5–7 years)

Problem: Pool Losing Water

1. Do the bucket test (see our leak detection article)
2. Check the pump room for wet ground — leaking at fittings
3. Check around skimmers for damp
4. If none of the above, you likely have an underground pipe leak — call us

For any fault you can't solve, call Pool Pro Paphos: +357 99 689 919