pump trouble

[mohawk]

Hi everyone,
I have a Hayward 1 hp 2sp superpump-2 years old. Today I went down to put in chlorine and the pump won't start. I checked the breaker box, timer switch and cut off switch down at the pool and it's all good. Any other ideas what might be wrong with this pump? We have had a few days of frost here in MN, but that's it-no freezes yet. If anyone has a few ideas of things I could try before I'm forced to consult an electrician I would really be grateful.
Thanks,
Denise

[aylad]

Does it make any noise at all? Have you tried taking the cover off the impeller to make sure there's nothing stopping it from turning?

Janet

[mohawk]

It doesn't make any sound at all, and I didn't know I could take off any cover. I did try the low and high switch on the pump, but it nothing happened.

[Poconos]

No noise at all, even a low level hum, indicates no voltage at all to the pump. First try cycling the breaker and the other switches in the line several times. Could be crummy contacts. If that doesn't show anything then next step would be to use a voltmeter to check for voltage starting at the pump and working back to the breaker panel. If it's a 240 volt pump, which I assume it is, make sure you have 240 across the two lines, typically black and red, and 120V between each of those and neutral or ground. A common problem with pumps failing to start is the centrifugal starter switch contacts or an open starter capacitor in the pump but you would still hear a low level hum as the running winding is is always connected. This doesn't sound like your problem.
Always wear goggles when messing around these circuits. One slip with a probe and you may get molten metal flying around so protect your eyes.
Al

[mohawk]

I'll have my husband try that tomorrow-hopefully. It's starting to rain again and they're say it should last a couple of days-up to 2". He'll be thrilled to work out in the rain. Maybe it wouldn't be that safe? We'll see and I'll let you know what happens. Denise

[TexasPoolGuy]

Another check is to cut power off and disconnect pump/motor from pump housing (volute). Try to turn the impellor/pump/motor by hand. If it's difficult or won't turn, the pump bearing/s (usually bearing nearest pump impellor) has siezed due to a leaking pump shaft seal.

See my post in "Pool Cleaning" forum for more details on pump repair.

good luck