pondmaster slow to start

[Jack_L]

Hi everyone, I’m wondering if anyone else here has encountered a specific issue with the Pondmaster 1200 pump.

My pump worked perfectly with instant 'on/off' response when I was running a freshwater setup. However, since switching to saltwater several months ago, I’ve noticed a recurring problem: when I cycle the power, the pump struggles to start. This seems to happen more frequently if the pump has been left off for an extended period(say over 10 mins). Interestingly, if I turn it off and immediately back on, it starts instantly.

I’ve already disassembled the pump to inspect the impeller and housing, but nothing is broken or obstructed. Has anyone else experienced this 'delayed start' in a saltwater system, or does anyone have ideas on a fix?

 

[mcarroll]

Calcium buildup can be a problem in saltwater and while it's wet is essentially invisible for quite a while at the start.

I would take the pump apart again and give every part a thorough soak and scrub and then let the parts dry out completely. Calcium buildup will turn powder white when it dries out, even if there's not much of it. This way you'll know for sure whether this is an issue or not.

You can also use this opportunity to look more closely for cracked impellers, magnet swelling, damage in the impeller well, etc. There are several more subtle potential problems.

Also (before or after all of that) try starting the pump while it's connected to a KillAWatt meter and see if it seems to be drawing approximately the correct amount of power.

 

[Jack_L]

thanks mcarroll, that is helpful, and gave me new search term ideas. i do have a killawatt. i didn't realize buildup would happen on a moving part. i was thinking it would self clean.