Waterway Electrical Overheating / Insulation Breakdown

Waterway pool pump motor runs but emits a burning smell or visible smoke.

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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.

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Possible Causes

Shorted motor windings, Locked rotor with power applied, Severely overloaded motor, Loose electrical connections causing arcing

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Immediately turn off power at the breaker. Do not continue to run a smoking motor.

  • Inspect wiring: After cooling, remove the motor rear cover and inspect all connections for signs of burning or melting. Tighten or replace damaged wires.
  • Check for mechanical lock: Ensure the impeller and motor shaft spin freely by hand. A jammed impeller can cause the motor to overheat quickly.
  • Assess motor condition: If there is a strong burnt smell from inside the motor or visible smoke residue, the windings are likely damaged.
  • Replace motor: Replace the Waterway motor assembly rather than attempting to repair burnt windings. Also inspect and replace the shaft seal if there was any water leakage.
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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Pump Motor Assembly
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