Pool pump not pulling in water to strainer pot, burning smell

[BilldaCat]

Has been loud all season. Went outside as I was refilling the hot tub, so unlikely it was going on for more than 10-15 minutes, but sounded even louder than usual with a chopping / grinding noise to it. Ran to the pool shed, opened the door, smelled like burning (no visible smoke), immediately turned it off.

No water being pulled into the strainer pot thingy, skimmer levels are appropriate, drains are set correctly.

Guests arriving tomorrow so trying to troubleshoot/fix this ASAP. Where do I start? Is the pump likely just shot and I need a replacement?

Pump is a Pentair, label attached. Was here when I moved in in 2018 so no idea how old it is. Pic attached of label.

 

[ajw22]

Is the pump motor spinning?

Sounds like a new motor or pump is in your future.

You showed us the motor data plate. There are labels on the front and side of the wet end of the pump telling us what model pump it is.

 

[BilldaCat]

Is the pump motor spinning?

Sounds like a new motor or pump is in your future.

You showed us the motor data plate. There are labels on the front and side of the wet end of the pump telling us what model pump it is.

Oops - well, that shows pretty much how much I know about this all and am a novice.

I'll get that info in the morning - it was dark out so I just shut the pump off immediately once I saw what was going on.

 

[BilldaCat]

I was wrong - the strainer basket was filled with water. Turned on the pump again, immediately made a sound like an angry garbage disposal, turned it right back off.

 

[ajw22]

You could have something stuck in the impeller. With the pump CB off you can reach into the pump and see if you can feel anything clogging it.

Or else you can unbolt the wet end and see what you find.

 

[BilldaCat]

Ok thanks - checked the serial number (0326110060141G) and from what I read, that's the 110th day of 2006 - so this pump is pretty old. Will see if something is stuck.

 

[ajw22]

It lived a good life and served you well - RIP.

May just be time for a new VS pump.

 

[BilldaCat]

It lived a good life and served you well - RIP.

May just be time for a new VS pump.

Yeah I kind of wanted to go that route and was planning on it anyway in the off-season, but if I can get the pump working just for the weekend if my pool guy can't come out today, that'd be ideal. Will muck around with it over lunch and see if anything is jamming it up that's obvious.