How to Unclog an Inground Pool's Sump Pump

The sump pump for an inground pool diverts water away from the concrete and the inner liner. This pump is separate from the circulating pump that keeps water fresh in the pool. A certain amount of ground water, as well as water spilling from the pool itself, will eventually seep around the inground material. When this happens, the pool liner may be forced upward or the soil surrounding the pool may erode. A sump pump solves this problem. Unclogging a sump pump typically takes less than an hour.

Screwdriver set
Flashlight
Pliers
Work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the sump pump at the main breaker box for the pool controls. The pump itself is typically located in an enclosure near the pool.
- 2
  Use a screwdriver to unscrew and remove the screws holding the enclosure on the pump. You may need to remove a box-like cover or take off a service panel, depending on your installation.
- 3
  Loosen the screws in the metal clamps attached to the hoses on the sump pump. Pull off the hoses one at a time while wearing work gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges on the pump.
- 4
  Shine a flashlight into the openings on the pump to locate the clog.
- 5
  Use pliers to pull out objects stuck in the sump pump. Grime and silt can be removed with the flat blade of a screwdriver. Clear any clog around the impeller, which is the piston-like component inside the pump.
- 6
  Turn on the power for the pump briefly to inspect the impeller operation. keep your hands clear. The impeller should move in and out smoothly. Shut off the power after testing.
- 7
  Attach the hoses to the pump and tighten the screws in the clamps.
- 8
  Replace and secure the enclosure over the pump or the service panel.
- 9
  Turn on the electricity to the pump at the breaker box.

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