Help for a pool pump (new home, inspection, maintenance)

[talascha]

I am a new homeowner with a pool for the first time. Generally the pool pump only runs on a timer from noon until 4pm. However, since the weather in Florida has been cold lately, a few friends suggested that we run our pool pump overnight since the temps were going to be below 30F. I turned on the pool pump at midnight and was going to turn it off at 6am. In the morning, the pump was off, but the switch was still on. I tried the switch again to turn it on and nothing. Any ideas what may have happened and what I can check? I would hate to have ruined it already within a month.

[jlawr]

Try seeing if the fuse popped on your fuse panel.

[jlawr]

Oh also, your actual pool pump should have a breaker switch also, ours does. See if that needs to be reset.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by talascha

I would hate to have ruined it already within a month.

I get a laugh at that - don't know why. I guess because I feel for you. Would like to get a pool with the next home - but haven't got a clue about maintenance.

[talascha]

Well, it looks like the pool pump caused the breaker to switch off. Once we flipped the breaker back on, the pump tripped it again. On the second try, two wires started smoking in the timer box for the pump, so we turned it off. I guess it's time to call a pool service, but my husband thinks he can fix it. Any advice on how hard it is to open the pump and have him take a look?

[jlawr]

When we had a problem with the motor on ours, we were told we had to replace the whole motor. Now as far as the pump, its probably not that difficult. You can probably get a schematic on the net for your model.

[Donna-501]

You may want to ask at the poolforum.com. They have helped me with a few things.

It sounds more electrical to me.

[robert999]

Originally Posted by Donna-501

You may want to ask at the poolforum.com. They have helped me with a few things.

It sounds more electrical to me.

Good advice. Mine died a few weeks ago also. Everyone said it was the capacitor( $30.00 part) this thing is kinda like a battery that kick starts the electric pool pump to start. It had all the symptoms. (leaking oily substance, burnt wire). replaced it and found it would start than cut off after 10 seconds. Its funny that the motor would turn by hand without a problem but when the heat was generated by stating it would sieze up. I than removed the motor and brought it to Pinch a penny. The internals were toast upon inspection. They sold me a new one and set it up in the store with new o rings and various parts for a total of $290.00. Brought it home and bolted it back up (15 minute job) Now all is well again. My pump was only 4 years old? Whisper flow 1.5hp. Do a search for electrical motors if you want to save some money as a DIY job. Grainger had a large selection as I recall.

Good luck.

[talascha]

Thanks for the replies. We took the pump to Pinch-a-Penny and they replaced the motor. Quick job and great service.