First world pool problem

[qbear]

For the last couple of months, the pump for our swimming pool has been intermittently malfunctioning. When the timer clicks over, instead of the pump starting up, there is a loud buzzing sound for about 3 seconds, then nothing. A minute later the same thing happens. Sometimes after four or five tries, it catches and the pump starts, but not always

Comments

[furr_a_bruin]

Wow, what a rip off ... or at least, an utterly clueless tech that didn't know/bother to check for this.

[billeyler]

Excellent tip, considering we're about to move into our home-with-pool in Cathedral City soon. I have no doubt something similar will happen.

Hope this works for you!

I saw there were dozens of 'suggested viewing' videos of similar issues there on youtube.

Cheers!

[sunbeam_bears]

I love these kind of stories, good for you!

[timbear]

I hope it works, it sounds like it ought to.

[ricksf]

A couple of thoughts...

The pump on my pool equipment failed with similar symptoms about a year ago. However in my case it was motor bearings and there was noticeable noise when the pump finally ran. If it's something more than the capacitor, look into replacing just the motor and not the pump/motor combo. Motor in my case, installed, was about $350.

One thought on the Lucy video... She gives guidance on discharging the capacitor but takes no safety precautions. I'd suggest you wear a bit of protective gear. No fun getting a zap from the stored voltage.

Good luck!