My Pool Pump is Running Too Hot

The major functioning part in your pool pump is the motor, so it isn’t surprising that a lot of the questions we hear are about motors. One of the leading complaints we hear is, “My pool pump is running too hot.” Well, what exactly is too hot? We first want to note that it is normal for a motor to run hot. However, if it becomes way too hot to touch, or the motor label is starting to fade as a result, then you may need to check some things to ensure your motor is not overheating.

Sometimes a motor will cycle on and off at regular intervals. This occurs when the motor is running just a bit too hot. When the motor gets hot enough, the thermal sensor will cut it off until it cools down. Once it cools down, the motor should automatically turn back on. Here are some possible reasons your motor may be overheating.

The Motor May Be Receiving Improper Voltage

Improper voltage happens very often. If the voltage to the pump motor is 10% above or below the voltage stated on the motor specifications, the motor may overheat.

Double check the terminals at the back of the motor to ensure correct voltage. If it’s too low, either the wiring to the motor is insufficient or the power to the house is too low.

You also want to check the wiring diagram on the motor. Pool motors specify whether they can be connected to 115V or 230V or both. Some installers get this wrong. If the motor is hooked up incorrectly, it may run for a while but eventually, it will stop

If you need help testing the voltage to your pump then check out this Guide on How to Test Pool Motor Voltage.

The Pump Vents May Be Blocked

Pump motors are air-cooled and if the air is blocked, this may be a contributing factor to your motor overheating. Be sure to keep leaves, dirt, and debris from collecting around the motor. We offer protective motor covers to help safeguard the motor from outside debris.

The Pump May Have Internal Blockage

In addition to checking for blocked vents, you also want to check for internal blockage. Sometimes sand or fibers get into the impeller and can make the motor work extra hard. Here is a good guide which will give you more detailed information on How to Clean your Pool Pump Impeller.

You Ordered The Wrong Motor

Whenever we have a customer who calls about an overheating motor and they recently purchased it, we first like to verify if they ordered the correct motor. Ordering the wrong motor is an easy mistake that happens pretty frequently. For example, a customer will order a 1.0 horsepower full rated motor when they actually have a 1.0 horsepower up-rated motor. The incorrect motor may start and run for 15 minutes, but eventually, it will overheat and stop. To ensure you ordered the correct motor, you always want to make sure the total horsepower is the same. Multiply the horsepower by the service factor to calculate your total horsepower. This guide here will walk you through How to Select the Proper Replacement Pool Motor.

If you checked all the trouble areas and are positive the motor is overheating due to a complication, get in contact with the retailer where you purchased your motor. It could very well be the motor. The majority of motors have a one year manufacturer’s warranty and are usually fairly easy to swap out.