By William Gunzburg, Owner of Kingfish Pools Inc. | Metairie, Louisiana
Pools don’t talk, but they definitely have attitudes. Especially when flow gets low. You might think it’s just a little bubbling glitch or a grumpy pump, but truth is—when a pool starts sulking, it’s usually got a blockage somewhere.
Now, before blaming the equipment, take a good look at the basics: skimmer baskets, pump baskets, and filters. These unsung heroes catch everything from rogue leaves to that one Band-Aid nobody will admit to losing. And when they’re clogged, your pool’s whole ecosystem starts spiraling into chaos.
First Things First: What Is “Low Flow”?
Low flow is just what it sounds like—water isn’t circulating the way it should. It’s like a traffic jam inside your pool system. And just like real traffic, it usually starts with a small issue that snowballs into a full-blown headache. That poor circulation can mess with chemical balance, water clarity, and even your pool pump’s mood (read: overworked and underpaid).
Skimmer Basket: The First Line of Defense (and Often the Most Forgotten)
The skimmer basket is like the bouncer at your pool party. It stops large debris from crashing the filter system. Leaves, twigs, bugs, the occasional lizard—it all gets trapped here. When it fills up and no one clears it? Flow drops like a rock. The pump starts gasping like it’s been jogging in July, and next thing you know, the water’s cloudy and the chlorine’s going AWOL.
Pro tip: Don’t wait until it’s overflowing. Clean that thing weekly—or more often if your yard looks like a live-action reenactment of FernGully.
Pump Basket: The Backup That Can’t Be Ignored
If the skimmer basket is the bouncer, the pump basket is the last line of defense. It’s where anything that slips through the skimmer gets a second chance at being caught. But a clogged pump basket can cause a ripple effect (pun intended). Low suction, air bubbles, and eventually—you guessed it—more pressure on your poor pump. If the pump were human, this is where it’d ask for hazard pay.
The Filter: Under Pressure (Literally)
Filters take the smallest stuff—oils, fine particles, algae spores—and remove them from circulation. Whether you’ve got a sand, cartridge, or DE filter, it only works if it’s not suffocating in gunk. When pressure builds up (check that gauge), it means it’s time to backwash, rinse, or replace.
Ignoring filter maintenance is like driving your car 20,000 miles without an oil change. Sure, it runs—for now. But the warning signs are coming, and they don’t wear neon.
Warning Signs Your Pool Is Throwing a Tantrum
- Weak Return Jets – Barely a ripple? Your pool’s whispering, “Help me.”
- High Pressure Gauge – The filter’s screaming through a clogged airway.
- Air Bubbles in the Pump Basket – That’s your system begging for water.
- Cloudy Water – The visual equivalent of a passive-aggressive note.
- Algae Blooming Overnight – That green patch? It’s not seasonal. It’s sabotage.
Solutions That Don’t Involve Screaming Into a Skimmer
- Weekly Basket Checks – It takes 2 minutes. Unless you find something weird, then maybe 3.
- Track Filter Pressure – Know your pool’s “normal” and respond when it spikes.
- Backwash and Rinse on Schedule – Don’t just wing it. Follow the manual—or call someone who reads them.
- Inspect for Leaks or Cracks – Low flow sometimes isn’t a clog—it’s an escape artist situation.
- Annual Full System Check – Think of it as a spa day for your pool.
Why Low Flow Hurts More Than Just Your Pump
Without proper circulation, chemicals don’t distribute. Chlorine gets lazy. Algae gets bold. And that crystal-clear water you brag about on Instagram? Say goodbye.
Also, pumps under constant pressure from low flow run hotter, louder, and eventually burn out. You’ll notice this when the backyard suddenly goes eerily quiet—and then your wallet starts screaming.
Prevention: Because Pools Don’t Heal Themselves
The best way to avoid low flow drama is routine maintenance. The same way people check tire pressure before a road trip, pools need weekly basket cleanings, filter attention, and a quick glance at that pressure gauge.
And if something feels off? Don’t ignore it. Pools have moods, but they don’t fix themselves overnight with a bubble bath and a podcast.
In conclusion, your pool’s attitude problem might just be a clogged basket and a cry for attention. Show it a little love, and it’ll reward you with clear water, easy maintenance, and a pump that doesn’t sound like it’s ready to quit.
