Every four to six months, I have to replace my pool pump motor capacitor. Why are my capacitors failing so frequently?
One cause for failures could be that the incorrect capacitor was installed. When you replace your existing capacitor, you want to make sure the microfarad rating is the exact same and the voltage should be the same or higher. You can’t replace it with a lower voltage rating. Say, for instance, you couldn’t find one that was rated at 370-volts, you could go up to 440-volts because you wouldn’t want to go down.
If the motor runs lightly-loaded, also known as hot, it can cause high capacitor voltage, ultimately leading to failure. Light-loading or running hot can occur due to restrictions, such as a dirty filter or an air leak.
Another reason for the failures, the capacitor is faulty from the start, either it is from a bad batch or mishandled before it installed. But if you’re having this problem repeatedly, it’s probably not the capacitor. It’s probably the fact that you just have an old motor. Maybe the windings are going bad, for whatever reason, or the bearings and it’s running hot. Maybe that’s why your capacitors are failing. If this is the cause of your capacitor failures, then it is best to replace the whole motor.
Thank you for joining us. I think we both answered the question for once this time. If you have any questions about pool pumps, capacitors or anything pool and spa, please leave a message down below or visit us over at www.INYOPools.com thank you for joining us. Bye.
Related Article: How to Test a Pool Pump Capacitor
My Hayward 1 HP pump/motor has always run on 230volts – this season, it tripped the breaker after a few seconds – changed the power cable/plug to 115volts connected to an outlet and pump runs flawlessly – replaced the capacitor and same issue – the 230v circuit is now running the timer, the heater and switch but I add the pump and breaker trips – what could be the problem?
We replaced pool pump motor and multiflo valve and water is coming out if backwash port. Any advice besides TNT?
Great Info,
I have stains on the bottom of my vinyl liner? the pool is inground. Do you have ant ideas.
Thank you for your shared knowledge.
A simple search in our article archive pulled up this guide: Identifying Pool Stains Once you identify it then you can figure out how to treat it.
Hi, I have a question. I have a 28 ft round semi in-ground pool. I have an Optiflo Pentair 1.5 hp above ground pump and want to switch over to a sand filter. My father in law gave me a 22 in sand filter but I just realized it’s an in-ground filter. Can I use this filter with my current pump?
Yes, you can use the inground filter. Filters can be used on inground or above ground pools; basically, they will work as long as there is something pushing water through them.