Pump Not Turning On

Troubleshooting a Pool Pump That Won’t Start

If your pool pump won’t turn on at all—no sound, no hum, no movement—there are a few common causes. Most issues relate to power supply, breakers, timers, automation settings, or a failing motor.

This guide walks you through the most likely reasons your pump is not starting and what to check before requesting service.

⭐ 1. Check All Breakers and GFCI Outlets (Most Common)

A tripped breaker is the #1 reason a pump won’t turn on.

Check:

✔ Main home breaker

✔ Pool equipment subpanel breaker

✔ Pump-specific breaker

✔ Any outdoor GFCI outlets near the pad

✔ GFCI outlets tied to lighting or landscape circuits

Fix:

• Reset any tripped breaker by turning it OFF → ON
• Reset GFCI outlets with the RESET button

If the breaker immediately trips again, do NOT keep resetting it—this indicates an electrical fault requiring professional service.

⭐ 2. Automation or Timer Not Sending Power

If you have Hayward OmniLogic / OmniHub / OmniPL or another automation system, the pump may not be turning on because:

✔ Schedule is off

✔ Pump mode disabled

✔ Relay not engaging

✔ Incorrect speed or program selected

✔ Freeze mode overriding the schedule

Fix:

• Open the automation app or screen
• Verify Pump 1 / Filter Pump is set to ON
• Check schedule times
• Try turning pump on manually

If the system still doesn’t respond, the relay or control board may be failing.

⭐ 3. Pump Speed Set to 0 RPM (Variable Speed Pumps)

On variable-speed pumps, if all programmed speeds are set to 0 RPM or turned off, the pump will appear dead.

Fix:

• Open the pump’s display/control
• Select a preset (e.g., “Filter,” “High,” “Quick Clean”)
• Try setting speed to 2,800+ RPM temporarily

If automation is controlling the pump, override settings to confirm the pump can power up.

⭐ 4. Loose or Disconnected Power Cable

Sometimes the electrical whip or conduit works loose from vibration or weather.

Check:

✔ Power wires securely attached

✔ Conduit not pulled out

✔ Pump cord not disconnected inside control box

Safety Note:

Only visually inspect. Do NOT touch live electrical connections.

If wiring looks loose or burned, stop and call for service.

⭐ 5. Overheated Pump Motor (Thermal Protector Tripped)

Pump motors have an internal safety switch.

If the motor overheats, it will shut off until it cools.

Common causes:

• Running dry
• High ambient heat
• Blocked ventilation around motor
• Failed bearings starting to seize

Fix:

• Allow pump to cool 30–60 minutes
• Remove debris blocking airflow
• Restart pump

If overheating happens repeatedly, the motor may be failing.

⭐ 6. Start Capacitor Failure (Common on Older Pumps)

If the pump hums but does not start—or clicks once and shuts off—the start capacitor may be failing.

Signs:

✔ Humming noise

✔ Pump tries to start but stalls

✔ Breaker may trip

✔ Motor feels hot

Fix:

The capacitor must be replaced by a technician.

⭐ 7. Motor Failure

If the pump is older (8–12+ years), the motor may have reached end of life.

Signs:

• No sound at all
• Burning smell
• Rust on motor
• Water intrusion
• Repeated breaker trips
• Motor housing extremely hot

Motor replacement or full pump replacement may be required.

⭐ 8. Air Leak Preventing Prime (Pump Appears “Off”)

Sometimes the pump is turning on—but cannot prime, making it look like it’s off.

Signs:

✔ Pump turns on but basket stays empty

✔ Loud slurping sound

✔ Large bubbles in return jets

See: “Pump Won’t Prime” article.

⭐ 9. Freeze-Protection or Safety Lockout Engaged

Automation systems may lock out manual control for:

• Freeze protection
• Low water level
• Heater safety
• Low flow
• Firmware update in progress

Fix:

• Check automation screen for alerts
• Disable freeze protection temporarily (if safe)
• Resolve low-flow issues

⭐ When to Contact Professional Pool Company

Call us if:

✔ Breaker keeps tripping

✔ Pump is silent even with confirmed power

✔ Motor hums but won’t start

✔ Pump turns off shortly after starting

✔ Automation won’t activate pump

✔ Visible burning or sparking at pump or control box

✔ Pump is older and likely at end of life

We can diagnose electrical issues, failed relays, bad motors, or damaged pumps safely.

⭐ Summary

A pump that will not turn on is usually caused by:

• Tripped breaker or GFCI
• Automation or schedule issue
• Low RPM setting
• Wiring or connection problem
• Overheating motor
• Failed start capacitor
• End-of-life motor

Most issues can be resolved once the power source and control system are checked.

⭐ Need Help?

If your pump still won’t turn on after basic checks, contact Professional Pool Company. We can diagnose electrical, automation, or motor failures and get your system running again.

Updated on: 29/11/2025