Pool Pump Not Working? Here's How to Tell if It's the Motor
Summer is just around the corner, and the last thing you want is a pool that won't run. If your pool pump has stopped working, is making strange noises, or just isn't moving water the way it should — the motor is often the culprit. First Electric Motor Shop has been diagnosing and repairing pool pump motors in Springfield, IL for over 50 years. Here's how to tell if your motor is the problem and what to do next.
Is It the Motor or Something Else?
Not every pool pump problem is a motor problem. Before you call for repair, check these common non-motor issues first:
Your pump may not be the problem if the circuit breaker has tripped, the timer is set incorrectly, the pump basket is clogged with debris, the water level in the pool is too low, or the valves are closed or partially blocked. If you've checked all of those and the pump still isn't running — there's a good chance the motor has failed.
Signs Your Pool Pump Motor Has Failed
Here are the most common symptoms of a bad pool pump motor:
The pump won't turn on at all. You flip the switch, nothing happens, and the breaker isn't tripped. This is often a sign the motor has burned out completely.
The motor hums but won't start. You can hear it trying but it won't spin up. This is a classic sign of a failed capacitor — a small, inexpensive part that we stock right here in Springfield.
The motor runs but the pump isn't moving water. If the motor is spinning but there's no water flow, the impeller may be damaged or the motor shaft may have separated from the pump.
The motor is extremely hot to the touch. All motors run warm, but if yours is too hot to touch it's likely overheating — a sign of worn bearings, poor ventilation, or winding failure.
The pump makes grinding, screeching, or rattling noises. These sounds usually point to worn bearings inside the motor. Left untreated, a bearing failure will eventually destroy the entire motor.
The motor trips the breaker repeatedly. If your pool pump keeps tripping the breaker it's drawing too much current — a sign of a failing motor or a wiring issue.
Should I Repair or Replace My Pool Pump Motor?
This is the most common question we get — and the honest answer is it depends. Here's a simple way to think about it:
Repair usually makes sense when the pump itself is in good condition and less than 8-10 years old, the repair cost is significantly less than a new pump, or the motor failure is something simple like a capacitor or bearings.
Replacement usually makes sense when the pump is older than 10 years and showing multiple issues, the motor has burned out completely due to a winding failure, or the cost of repair is close to the cost of a new unit.
At First Electric Motor Shop we'll always give you an honest assessment of both options so you can make the best decision for your situation. We never push unnecessary repairs or replacements.
How Much Does Pool Pump Motor Repair Cost?
Repair costs vary depending on what's wrong with the motor. A simple capacitor replacement is one of the least expensive repairs we do and can often be completed same day. Bearing replacements are also relatively affordable. A full motor replacement costs more but is still typically less expensive than replacing the entire pump assembly.
Call us at 217-698-0672 or bring your pump into us — we can often tell you what is wrong if we see it in person and get you an estimate.
Why Choose First Electric Motor Shop for Pool Pump Repair?
First Electric Motor Shop has been serving Springfield and Central Illinois homeowners since 1972. Here's what sets us apart:
We stock the most common pool pump motors and capacitors right here in Springfield — no waiting on parts to ship. Our technicians can handle both in-shop repairs and onsite service calls if your equipment is difficult to move. We are a union shop represented by IBEW Local 193, which means our technicians are trained and held to the highest standards. And we'll always give you a straight answer — if it's not worth fixing, we'll tell you.
Don't Miss Pool Season — Call Us Today
A pool pump motor repair is one of those things that's easy to put off — until suddenly it's July and your pool has been sitting still for a month. Don't let that happen this year.
Call First Electric Motor Shop at 217-698-0672
Stop by our shop at 1130 W Reynolds St in Springfield, IL.
We're open Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.