pool pump won't turn on

How to fix a pool pump that won’t turn on (Quick & Simple Hacks)

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I guess you are holding questions about what could be the possible reasons for your pool pump that won’t turn on.

Those are major nuisance, but let us have some time to explore all the relaxing and fun times you have had, splashing or floating on your pool.

Such memories are exciting and you will need them, but sometimes things go wrong and not as planned; your pool isn’t excluded.

And although it’s possible to be mystified demanding for reasons of your pool pump that won’t turn on, diagnosing the issue is surprisingly easy.

The main problems for this problem could be clogged debris or electrical issues. Below is a complete guide to handling the problem.

Why you need a better pool pump

Such frustration shouldn’t hinder you from using your pump. A pool pump works like an absolute circulation of the hub of your pool’s system by filtering dirty debris for the pool water.

It then distributes cleaning chemicals; without a pump, implies no circulation and eventually implies no cleaning.

A pool pump helps to eliminate worse situations like swimming in algae cesspools and pathogenic bacteria.

Ways or tips to fix the pool pump that won’t turn on

pool pump won't turn on problem

Electricity issues

When a pool pump fails, the first thing to suspect is the electricity; check for electric issues. Some of the components to look at include; the breaker, wiring, and capacitor.

This sounds a little bit complicated, rights? don’t worry. However, on occasions where you’re having an automatic pool pump, you should try checking its timer and ensure it is in the first place.

We have some experts that recommend investing in a booster pump such as a dual-voltage Universal Booster Pump for enhancing the performance.

– Maybe missed connections are the problem you’re facing

For such an issue, you need to ensure the wiring and breaker is in good working condition for maximum performance.

On occasions where the pump isn’t responsive at all, there could be another component’s fault but not the pump i.e., a faulty power source.

Multiple outdoor outlets come with their different power breakers and maybe the one with you requires tripping.

If that’s the case, you are ready to go, but if the problem persists, you might be forced to inspect the pump’s voltage to ensure it corresponds to your outlet’s capacity.

Furthermore, it’s advisable to check and confirm the status of the outdoor wiring between the outlet and your pump. You only have to make sure that the wires aren’t frayed, everything should look good.

– Inspect the capacitor

There are a lot of devices that are equipped with capacitors like AC units, the audio system of your vehicle, and clothes dryers. Capacitors play vital roles of starting your pump as it equips it with the necessary electricity to function.

In situations where the pump fails to turn on and produce humming sounds, the problem might be arising from the jammed motor or faulty capacitor.

But, in case the humming sound is persistent until the circuit breaker jaunts, probably your capacitor is flawed. Capacitor replacement is what you can do on your own, but it’s relatively tricky.

Perform the task if you believe the skills and experience you is enough.

Fixing jammed motor

If your pump doesn’t turn on and it produces a humming noise, that won’t jaunt your circuit breaker, probably the jammed motor is the issue. The only suitable solution to this issue is to open the pump; sounds a bit challenging.

You don’t have to worry about wasting your time if you don’t meet a jam because you can still configure other possible culprits like bad bearings.

– Open the pump and handle the jam

Inspect the motor shaft, simply the big tube rotating horizontally by the aid of an impeller. What you need to do is to make sure that the pool pump is off and unplugged before opening it; spin the motor shaft once it’s open.

On occasions where the shaft doesn’t rotate, probably there could be debris buildups that are blocking the impeller. Your pump will be useless; won’t do anything constructive but “hmm”.

To access the muck, dislodging the impeller is necessary and you can do with the aid of a screwdriver. Remove the middle screws of your pump’s body and then drag the motor assembly out.

Detach the gasket from the impeller; usually something like an O-shaped rubber seal. Clean all the available debris and then reassemble the parts to their specific positions.

– If there’s no jam, try checking your bearings

In case your impeller doesn’t have debris or it features a great working shape, the corroded bearing could be a possible problem.

These bearings are situated on the motor, responsible for reducing friction when the motor shaft rotates. If the bearings are faulty, changing them is the best way or sometimes you may be forced to replace the whole motor.

Buying replacement bearings isn’t that too expensive, but you will have to pay more for labor. Replacement installation needs a special and robust bearing puller and two bearings with varying sizes.

However, before going for a replacement, you should take a hammer and tap on the motor casing; make a few taps to dislodge rust buildups in the motor.

Though it isn’t guaranteed, this act sounds easy and you can’t wait to try it out. But, if it’s your lucky day, the trick will work and your pool pump will work again.

Frequently asked questions

How can I know that my pump motor is faulty?

You will hear a strange sound coming from your unit’s motor, usually the grinding sound. If the bearings are worn out, probably the entire system’s motor will fail.

Is repairing a pool pump worthy?

Of course yes, though you should only opt for a replacement when the cost is favorable. In case the condition is worse, replacing the entire pump could be the best solution.

An expert should inspect the condition of the pump and determine whether it could be repaired or replaced.

Final words

Sorting out your pool pump is inevitable to prevent a giant and inadvertent pond from emitting irritating smell around your backyard.

The above discussion automatically makes you a certified and qualified pool pump doctor. Any issue affecting your pool pump shouldn’t worry you anymore.

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