Pool pump just humms when I turn it on. Is it time for a new one? Any recommendations?

Question

I have an inground pool. I turned my pump off, and now when I turn it back on it just hums, it does not pump. Is it froze up? Do I need to replace it? I have a 1.5 hp pump.

Answer 1

First things first. Make sure the valves are lined up correctly so the pump has water going to the inlet. Then check the strainer to be certain that it is not blocked with leaves and trash. And finally make sure the circuit breaker for the pump is closed.

Turn on the pump motor and see if you can feel the pump turning. If the casing on the motor feels hot, then it is definitely the motor.

Motors fail for two reasons....one is the starting capacitor burns out and the motor can't start. Second is the windings on the motor will open and the motor will not be able to turn.

In general, the pump end of the system does not fail. Modern plastics make the impeller last as long as the motor. And if the impellar does fail, you will hear the motor turn but no water will flow.

A distinct humming noise when the motor is turned on, is a classic indication of the motor failing.

Now depending upon the size of the pool an pump, the replacements are most likely sold as a set. You don't have to remove the pump and motor assembly and transer the good pump to a new motor or vice versa.

My pool pumps generally last about 4-6 years, and every time it has been the motor that has failed.

One final thing to check is if your pump is a 220 volt motor....that is it uses both hot legs on the house wiring. If so, the circuit breaker will have two poles, and sometimes one will burn out leaving only have the circuit energized. In the event of this, you will also hear the motor hum but not rotate.

But most likely it is a failed pump motor.

Answer 2

It's the capacitor, but check the panel to see if one of the breakers on a dual breaker set up has tripped just in case, one never knows and it's best to start with the silly things.You don't mention the type of pump or if the motor is factory and not a replacement, so I can't guide you too much in the repair. For some it's very straightforward to get to the capacitor and an average homeowner/handyperson can do it. I'll give an example of the easiest. If it's a hayward superpump with an AO smith motor, you're in luck. They're the easiest. With all power to the pump pony panel off, remove the back motor cover (2 screws), the 3 inch long, black cylinder in there is the capacitor. It's fastened with a single screw and has 4 terminal connectors on it. There's a number , written on the capacitor, write that down and head to a motor shop. Get the appropriate capacitor ( about 20 bucks at most). Now's swap out time. Pay attention to the wiring and label which wires are together on each side of the terminal block on the capacitor. You needn't worry about which actual terminal, just which side (there are 2). Take off the wires from the old and transfer to the new (doesn't matter which side of teminal block, just make sure they are on separate sides, when you eyeball the terminals, you'll see what I mean). Remove the old capacitor and install the new, put the cover back on and you're done. Having a service tech come in to do this will be about 70-80 bucks, including parts. Your call.
If this motor is a Franklin, on either a jacuzzi or an old hayward, then it's best to take the motor into a shop. Getting at the capacitors in those, requires a considerable amount of dissassembly. If the pump is a Sta Rite, it'll use an AO smith, just like the super pump and you can get at it easily.

Answer 3

HUMMM Pumps do not burn out Motors do how many GPMs is the rated at??Sounds like the impeller is Jammed or the motor is is stuck You can disconnect the motor and remove it with the pump then unscrew the pump casing from the motor housing should be 4-5 bolts around it take it apart and see if the motor moves free if not just replace the motor If it dose move free then some thing is caught in the pump impeller see if the veins are clear of debris if so clean it and reassemble and do a bench test on it

Answer 4

If it is humming and not whinning, then more than likely the impeller is jammed. I'd say 80% on that. The posting on the motor being undersized is probably wrong, though you could have a motor issue and they can be rebuilt for 1/3 the price of a new pump. Clean your impeller first and make sure that it rotates. If it does and problem is still occuring, then your pump motor needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Good luck!

Answer 5

Check your psi valve and if it is running high and doesnt want to pump the water then it needs to be cleaned. Also it depends on the kind of guts you have in your filter.If it is a cartridge you can take it out and either buy some cartridge cleaner and soak it overnight. But i just use a whole gallon of clorox and a 5 gal. bucket with water. I have a cartridge.After that u have to rinse it very very good. If you have fingers then i would recommend u go to the pool store and buy cartridge cleaner.Try that first. Don't buy a pump just yet.

Answer 6

The motor armature is shorted which causes the hums and it won't turn.
What causes it, usually the motor is underated (cheap) for the pump. Request a motor which is larger than the pump X2 the size, so the motor never burns up.

Answer 7

The pump MAY be burned out, but it may just be clogged with something. Leave it off until you can backflush it or clean it out.

Answer 8

Maybe it lost its prime or the filter is clogged,I'd check that before I'd up and buy a pump.

Answer 9

I agree with richard alva,there could be something stuck in the pumpt itself ,faulty capacitor,run winding open or shorted

Answer 10

Got a reset button?
Spray it with WD 40.
kick it.