Zodiac Electrical Overload or Ground Fault

Pump runs but trips the circuit breaker or GFCI after a short time.

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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, Water intrusion into motor, Undersized breaker or shared circuit overload, Faulty GFCI device

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Repeated breaker tripping indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Do not repeatedly reset without investigation.

  • Inspect motor: Look for signs of water entry, rust, or burn marks on the motor housing and wiring compartment.
  • Isolate circuit: Ensure the pump is on a dedicated circuit sized according to Zodiac specifications.
  • Megger test: A technician can perform insulation resistance testing to check for winding shorts or ground faults.
  • Check GFCI: If only the GFCI trips and tests show the motor is dry and within spec, the GFCI device itself may be faulty and should be replaced by an electrician.

Shorted motors must be replaced; do not continue to operate a pump that trips breakers.

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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Pump Motor Assembly
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