Pool Pump that will not kill itself

[tan21sec2]

Hello All -

I am searching for a pool pump that has a built in pressure switch, so when the water level drops the pump will not kick on, causing damage. I've seen reference to pressure switches in regards to heaters and spas, but have not found anything built into the main pump itself. Does this exist in any modern pumps? The switch would of course have to take into account when the pump starts, as the pressure takes a moment to build.

The problem is that in Texas during high heat, the water can evaporate very quickly. If I am gone for a week, the water will drop but the pump will still try to start at a dangerously low level. It has caused issues with a gasket in the pump several times, making water leak at the pump. It seems like they should by now have a solution so pumps do not commit suicide...

Thank you for your input!

[kelemvor]

I live in FL and have similar concerns when on vacation. What I do is have the pump suction set only to the main drain (no skimmer) when I go out. Alternatively, you could get an autofill device like this one: Rola-Chem-M-3000-Rola-chem-Pool-Sentry (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B003AXMD90/poolbooks) Of course you run the risk of flooding the backyard if the thing were to fail and get stuck "on".

I can't find any low water shutoff switches specially designed for pools, maybe someone else has seen one.

[mas985]

Normally, a skimmer is usually plumbed with bypass either to a wall port or main drain like this:

https://poolplaza.cybrhost.com/pool-school/plumbing_valves_intakes_skimmers_lowwatercutoff.sh tml

This is suppose to prevent the pump from running dry although it doesn't always work as planned.