Waterway pool pump hums loudly but the motor shaft does not turn; trips breaker if left powered.

Safety: Turn off power and discharge capacitors before touching them. Capacitors can hold a charge.

• Access capacitor: Remove the capacitor cover on the side or top of the Waterway motor. Note the wiring and take a photo before disconnecting.
• Inspect capacitor: Look for bulging, leaking oil, or burn marks. Replace with an identical microfarad (µF) rating and equal or higher voltage rating, using a Waterway‑approved part.
• Check start switch: On motors with a centrifugal switch, inspect for broken springs or stuck contacts. Clean lightly if dirty; replace the switch if damaged.
• Test shaft rotation: With power off, spin the motor shaft by hand. If it is stiff, the bearings may be failing and the motor should be replaced.
• Test run: Reassemble, restore power, and briefly start the pump. If it starts smoothly, monitor for normal operation. If it still only hums, further motor repair or replacement is required.