Sorry for the late reply, but one question...

Did the socket have three wires to it - black, green, and a thicker white one? If so, I'll try your method of repair. If not, I pulled the white wire out of something else, so I may be in trouble.

Lots of thunder storms over the past few days, so I would really rather get the aquabot moving the stuff off the bottom than using the manual vacuum. I hate that thing, but agree with a poster I read long ago who said she can vacuum the pool for an hour each week and enjoy it, but can not vacuum her living room in five minutes with any enjoyment

- betty