The pump is one of the most important components in any swimming pool and must be kept in proper working condition. Without a functioning pump to keep water circulating, your pool water can quickly become choked with algae and debris. With this in mind, you should not ignore any unusual noises coming from your pool pump, as they may signify a serious underlying problem.

If your pool pump has started making loud noises while functioning, the pump may be suffering from faulty bearings. While faulty bearings do not represent a catastrophic problem, they can cause more serious damage to the pump if the problem is ignored.

Why Do Faulty Bearings Make Pool Pumps Noisy?

Pool pumps are powered by electric motors, which contain a rotating shaft that drives the pump's impeller. These shafts rotate at very high speeds when the pump is working at full power, creating a lot of friction and heat. To prevent damage and overheating, the motor shaft is fitted with lubricated bearings, which reduce friction and allow the shaft to rotate smoothly.

Because these bearings are exposed to the heat and friction that would otherwise damage the motor shaft, they will wear away with time and use. The pre-applied bearing lubricants also denature and become less effective over time, especially if the pump is regularly used for long periods.

Once a bearing becomes badly worn and its lubricants are rendered ineffective, it can no longer reduce friction in the pump motor. This can cause the motor to make a loud, high-pitched screeching sound when it is running. This noise is caused by the metal motor shaft coming into contact with the now-unlubricated bearing.

What Should You Do If Your Pump Has Faulty Bearings?

Faulty, worn-out bearings can cause your pump's motor to rapidly overheat, and the friction created by unlubricated bearings can seriously damage motor components. If you hear the tell-tale screeching noise created by worn bearings, you should deactivate the pump as quickly as possible, before any major damage can occur.

Once the motor has been deactivated and disconnected from its power supply, its motor bearings will need to be replaced. If you are familiar with the inner workings of pool pump motors, you can attempt to replace these bearings yourself.

However, while replacement bearings are inexpensive, fitting them is a complicated process that often requires specialized tools. You will also have to dismantle your pump's motor to reach the motor shaft. This can be difficult if you don't know what you are doing, and you may accidentally damage delicate components, such as the pump's electrical wiring.

If you prefer to play it safe, you should call in a professional pool repair service to replace your pool pump's bearings for you. These services can replace bearings quickly, and can also inspect your pool's pump for other problems while it is disassembled.