Well pump start capacitor - Sta Rite Pool & Spa

The motor on those pumps needs a capacitor to start and run. Capacitor failure will result in the symptoms you describe. The capacitor is inside the unit. TOP_EN_60Hz.pdf (pedrollo.com)

Normally indicative of a failed start capacitor. Phone 'INYO Pools' to check. They will confirm. The only other possibility is that it is jammed.

In this image the start capacitor is the black tubular cylinder on the left. you will see in the text that the capacitor gives the motor a boost to get it turning.

CAPACITOR - This Capacitor, referred to as a Start Capacitor, is tied directly to the Start Winding. This Capacitor together with the Start Windings provides an increase of 150 -175 % of torque to the motor shaft during its initial startup. When the motor reaches 2/3 to 3/4 full speed after a few seconds of operation, the start circuit will shut off. The start capacitor will generally be rated at 50-400 MFD and 125 or 250 VAC. If your motor won't start and hums when you try to turn it on, you probably have a bad Start Capacitor. For instruction on replacing this part see our guide on "How To Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor".

https://www.google.com/search?q=pool+pump+motor+Smith+1.0+HP+184948-22+start+capacitor

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Most likely the run capacitor yes. Some motors have 2 capacitors, some one, some a combined start/run capacitor.

Replace it with one the same or greater voltage, and the same capacitance.

3 THINGS QUICK.. RUN CAPACITOR THIS IS LOCATED ON TOP OF MOTOR HAVE IT CHECKED. OR START SWITCH DIRTY OR STAR CAPACITOR BAD.. SEARCH YOUR AREA FOR YOUR LOCAL POOL PUMP MOTOR REPAIR GUY WITH FREE TESTING.. WARNING THESE CAPACITORS HOLD HIGH VOLTAGE AND WILL NEED TO BE SHORTED ! USE A DRY RAG AND COVER CAPACITOR THEN SHORT WITH SCREWDRIVER

DIRTY START SWITCH OR AND COULD BE THE START CAPACITOR OR RUN CAPACITOR,. RUN CAPACITOR IS ON TOP OF THE MOTOR. I WOULD SUGGEST YOU TAKE THE BOLTS OUT AS PICTURED AND BRING IT TO YOUR LOCAL POOL PUMP REPAIR GUY WITH FREE TESTING.. SEARCH YOUR AREA FOR HIM ..JAY LONGWOOD FLORIDA

Not many specifics to go on so I can't be too specific with a fix, but most of these type pumps use a capacitor start motor, if and/or when these capacitors go out, the motor will start hard or just hum until the thermal overload safety switch opens. Disconnect pump from power, open the capacitor cover and check for an indicator spot on the terminal end of the capacitor, if its other than white, the capacitor has been hot and needs to be replaced. If there is no indicator try replacing the capacitor anyway, they don't cost much and should be readaly available. The other common fault is a "lost leg " on a 240 Volt circuit, check for a blown fuse (one of two in the disconnect. If your not comfortable and experienced around electricity,Remember: if you don't kill the power, it can kill you ! Call an Electrician.

The pump inpeller is either jammed or the motor capacitor has failed. Try moving the impeller if you can gain access to it and then try operation of the pump. If you can not move the impeller your going to have to find out if there is something in the pump or a bearing has failed. If it turns freely it is most likely the capacitor. Some units depnding on size have 2 capacitors. One for the start circuit and one for the motor run circuit. The start capacitor is always the larger value capacitor.
If your pump is equipped with a start switch (No model number so I can not tell you) the start switch can also cause the hum if it energizes both windings at the same time.

Thanks for using FixYa!

Kelly

Usually when a polaris booster pump hums it means 1 of 2 things; either the starting capacitor needs to be replaced (its located under the black hump on top of the motor) or the pump is bad. Most likely the starting capacitor needs to be replaces. This is where you should start since the capcitor is only $20-$30. Get a new capacitor from a local pool store, shut the power off to the motor, remove two screws on each side of black hump on top of motor, remove two wires from starting capacitor and install wires on new capacitor, replace cover and turn the pump on. If that doesn't work you will need to replace the motor.

you may have something caught in the impeller or the most likely problem is that the start capacitor went bad. You can visually inspect the capacitor to check for leakage or bloating. Be very careful as the capacitor stores high voltage. Some motors have two separate capacitors, the start capacitor and run capacitor. The start capacitor is the likely suspect.