Pump will not start, digital controller powers on but motor does not run; brief click or relay sound may be heard.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Turn off power at the pool sub‑panel breaker and verify with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wiring.
- Check breaker and supply voltage: Ensure the pump’s dedicated breaker is ON and not tripped. Reset once. At the AquaFlo control box, verify that line voltage (usually 230V or 115V depending on model) is present at the L1/L2 terminal block using a multimeter.
- Inspect wiring connections: Remove the control cover and inspect all screw terminals on the line terminal block and motor leads. Tighten any loose connections and look for burnt or discolored wires.
- Test the motor start capacitor: Locate the motor start/run capacitor can on the AquaFlo pump motor. Discharge it safely (short terminals with a resistor), then test with a capacitance meter. If reading is more than ±10% off the rating, replace the capacitor.
- Check motor shaft rotation: With power OFF, remove the rear motor cover and try to spin the shaft with a screwdriver or by hand (through the cooling fan). If seized or very stiff, the motor bearings may be locked and the motor will need replacement.
- Inspect control board relay: On variable-speed AquaFlo models with a digital controller, visually inspect the motor relay on the control PCB for burn marks or cracked solder joints. If the relay does not click when a speed is commanded and voltage is present, the control board may be faulty and should be replaced.
If the pump still will not start after these checks, discontinue attempts and contact a qualified pool equipment technician.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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