Booster pump won't start up...what to check?

[BigDave]

I'm pretty sure CarlD meant bonding screw.
My pump is powered through a twist-lock receptacle and plug on a circuit with GFCI installed just for it.

[JimK]

I'm pretty sure CarlD meant bonding screw.
My pump is powered through a twist-lock receptacle and plug on a circuit with GFCI installed just for it.

Thanks. Is the plug outside exposed to the weather or inside?

So what's a bonding screw?

Looked up in Google and it seems to be a screw used used in a electrical panel for grounding? Not sure how this relates to being able to easily remove a pool pump for winter storage.

[BigDave]

The receptacle/plug is in an outside box with an in-use cover - code in my town for all new outside recptacles.

The Bonding screw is how you attach the pool's bonding system to the pump.

Bonding is a little different than grounding. A pool's bond is intended to ensure that everything conductive in and around the pool is kept at the same electrical potential(voltage). The idea is that the bond wire carries any electrical current that mat be present in and around the pool instead of swimmers making the circuit. Grounding provides a path for electricity in the event that the electrical insulation in a piece of equipment should fail.

[JimK]

The receptacle/plug is in an outside box with an in-use cover - code in my town for all new outside recptacles.

The Bonding screw is how you attach the pool's bonding system to the pump.

Bonding is a little different than grounding. A pool's bond is intended to ensure that everything conductive in and around the pool is kept at the same electrical potential(voltage). The idea is that the bond wire carries any electrical current that mat be present in and around the pool instead of swimmers making the circuit. Grounding provides a path for electricity in the event that the electrical insulation in a piece of equipment should fail.

Ah, I think I got it. There's a bare wire connected to the outside of the pumps. I believe this same wire is also connected around the perimeter of the pool (I remember seeing it when the pool was being constructed). I figured this was a ground wire, I see now this is a bond wire; thanks for the clarification.

Also, I guess I need to check local codes to see what's allowed in reference to hooking up the pump to power.

I like CarlD's idea of being able to easily disconnect the pumps to store over the winter. I imagine this would increase their lifespan. It's just a matter of figuring out how and if I can do it.

[BigDave]

I like CarlD's way as well. I copied it. I did leave the pump outside last winter as I was closing durring hurricane Sandy but I'd prefer to put it away inside.

[CarlD]

I've seen banding and bonding. Not sure why there are both, but...it's the same thing. Since I pull off all my plumbing for the winter, I have a ball valve, quick release under my skimmer, another BV/QR at my low drain, a QR at my return, a BV/QR for each of my solar circuits, a BV/QR for the solar panels in general, a BV/QR between the SWCG manifold and the return, a QR on either side of the SWCG manifold, a QR where the return exits the filter, a BV/QR where the drains reach the pump, a QR on top of the pump and a QR on the filter from the pump, and a QR on the waste line.

Everything pops off for winter storage.

[JimK]

I've seen banding and bonding. Not sure why there are both, but...it's the same thing. Since I pull off all my plumbing for the winter, I have a ball valve, quick release under my skimmer, another BV/QR at my low drain, a QR at my return, a BV/QR for each of my solar circuits, a BV/QR for the solar panels in general, a BV/QR between the SWCG manifold and the return, a QR on either side of the SWCG manifold, a QR where the return exits the filter, a BV/QR where the drains reach the pump, a QR on top of the pump and a QR on the filter from the pump, and a QR on the waste line.

Everything pops off for winter storage.

Since my booster pump is connect with a flexible hose, it would probably be easy to set it up for easy removal and installation. However, the main pump is is plumbed with PVC with hardly any space between elbow joints to install a QR/BV. All the equipment sits on a small pad, so is a bit crowded with no room around it to expand (it sits in a corner formed by the chimney and the house with a walkway in front of it). I'll have to study it further to see what might work.

I'll remember this next time I have a pool installed. This is our first pool and it has been quite a learning experience.

I wonder, if removing the pumps for the winter isn't a viable option, would it help to at least cover them up?