Time: 20–30 minutes. Skill: homeowner-comfortable with a screwdriver and able to isolate the circuit at the breaker. Cost: the price of one replacement capacitor (NZD incl GST).
The Hayward Super Pump click-and-hum problem
The Hayward Super Pump is one of the most recognised pool pumps in the world, and a familiar sight on New Zealand pools. When one fails to start, the giveaway is usually a sharp click from the back of the motor followed by a steady hum — but no rotation. That hum is the motor straining without the starting torque the capacitor is supposed to supply. Owners sometimes mistake it for a seized bearing, but nine times out of ten on a humming Super Pump it’s the capacitor that’s given up, especially after a hot summer of constant filtering.
A new capacitor is a fraction of the cost of a new motor, and on the Super Pump it’s a tidy job for a careful DIYer.
Safety routine — do not skip
A capacitor can hold a dangerous charge even with the pump unplugged. Always work in this order.
- Isolate power at the breaker or pump isolator. Turning the pump off at its own switch is not enough.
- Discharge the capacitor by bridging its terminals with a bleed resistor (around 10–20 kΩ, 5 W) or a proper capacitor discharge tool — a bare insulated-handle screwdriver across the terminals also drains it but sparks violently and can pit the terminals, so use that only as a last resort before you touch the wiring. This drains the stored charge.
- New Zealand law requires a licensed electrician for fixed mains wiring. If your Super Pump is wired directly into the board, or you’re not confident, bring in a sparky.
Where the capacitor sits on a Super Pump
On the classic Super Pump the capacitor is mounted under a metal or plastic cover on top of the motor toward the rear, near the back end-bell. You’ll usually remove a single screw or two to lift the cover and find the cylindrical capacitor clamped underneath with spade connectors. Some models tuck it under the rear canopy, so clear access to the back of the motor first.
What you’ll need
- The replacement run capacitor — match the µF (within ±5%) and equal-or-higher voltage to the one fitted now.
- Phillips and flat screwdrivers.
- An insulated screwdriver, or a 10–20 kΩ bleed resistor with insulated leads, to discharge the old capacitor safely.
- A multimeter, if you want to confirm the diagnosis before swapping.
- Your phone — to photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything.
Steps
1. Isolate the power
At the breaker/isolator, then try to start the pump to confirm it’s dead.
2. Discharge the capacitor
— wait a minute, then short across the two terminals with a bleed resistor or a proper discharge tool (a bare insulated screwdriver also works but sparks — last resort) to release any stored charge.
3. Lift the capacitor cover
At the rear/top of the motor by removing the retaining screw(s).
4. Photograph the wiring
And terminal layout before disturbing anything.
5. Read the old capacitor’s rating
— record the printed µF and voltage. Many single-phase pool pumps sit in the rough 20–50µF range at around 450V, but confirm from your own cap or the motor nameplate — the wrong µF can damage a Super Pump motor.
6. Release and remove
The old capacitor from its clamp and unplug the spade connectors.
7. Fit the replacement
With identical µF and voltage, pressing each spade firmly home, and re-secure the clamp.
8. Refit the cover
And confirm no wires are pinched and the motor fan spins freely.
9. Restore power and test
— switch back on. The Super Pump should start instantly and run smoothly. If the hum returns, isolate again and check your connections.
Choosing the right Hayward capacitor
Match the µF, voltage rating, and physical can/terminal type. A higher voltage rating is acceptable, but never alter the microfarads. Copy the numbers straight off your old capacitor if you can read them; if it’s burst or faded, use the motor nameplate or our find-your-capacitor wizard. Compatible parts are in our pump capacitor range and the pool capacitor shop. Browse all Hayward pump capacitors by model to match your exact unit.
Super Pump-specific tips
- The back canopy can be brittle on older units — ease it off rather than forcing it.
- Check the spade terminals for corrosion; salt-chlorinated pool environments are tough on connectors.
- If the motor shaft won’t turn freely by hand even with the cap removed, you may have a seized bearing rather than a capacitor fault.
Get the right Hayward part
Not sure of the value? Our find-your-capacitor wizard makes it simple, or head straight to the pool capacitor shop or the full pump capacitor range.
Every order ships tracked, around 2 weeks via NZ Post or courier, prices in NZD incl GST, backed by a 90-day DOA guarantee. NZ-owned and proud of it.