Brands & error codes
Variable-speed pool pump error codes
Variable-speed pumps protect themselves. Most of their alarms come down to the same few causes: no water, too much heat, too much load or bad supply voltage.
The four common causes
| Cause | Pentair IntelliFlo3 | Hayward MaxFlo VS |
|---|---|---|
| No water / no prime | Priming Failure | (see low flow / no prime in your manual) |
| Too hot | Overheat, Drive is Derating | Drive is overheated |
| Too much load | Over Current | Drive overload, Pump failed to start |
| Supply voltage | Over / Under Voltage | DC voltage too high / too low |
Jandy's FloPro VS manual covers the same ground as symptoms: air in the basket, low pressure from a blocked impeller, a pump that gets hot and shuts off, and voltage within 10% of the motor rating.
Safe checks for each
- Priming: water level, a full strainer pot, the lid O-ring, valves. See pump not priming.
- Overheat: clear leaves and debris from the fan guard and around the motor. Pentair suggests compressed air on the fan guard; Jandy says leave room around the motor for air.
- Overload: with the power off, check the baskets and whether something is jammed. Opening the pump to clear the impeller is a tech job for most owners.
- Voltage: leave it to an electrician. Note whether it happens when other big equipment starts.
Resetting
Pentair says to disconnect power for a minute for an internal fault. Hayward says errors reset with Stop/Resume or by cycling power. A reset only clears the message: if the alarm comes back, the cause is still there.
When it's a tech job
Repeated overcurrent, motor phase, processor, memory or internal faults usually mean a drive or motor problem. A tech on video can read the exact message, look at the pump label and tell you whether it's a drive, a motor, a seal or something you can fix.
Common questions
Why does my variable-speed pump keep overheating?
Usually a blocked cooling fan or very hot air around the motor. Clear the fan guard and give the motor room to breathe. If it keeps happening, have a tech check for loose wiring or a failing drive.
What does over current mean on a pool pump?
The motor is working harder than it should, from debris, parts rubbing, age or supply voltage. With the power off, check for blockages; if it repeats, call a tech.
Should I keep resetting my pump error?
Once is fine. If the same alarm keeps coming back, stop resetting it and find the cause, or have a tech look, so you don't damage the motor or drive.
Related guides
Pump not priming
Pump runs but the basket won't fill. Almost always air or water level.
Read the guidePentair error codes
MasterTemp ERR PS, HLS, IGN, AGS; IntelliFlo3 alarms; IntelliChlor lights.
Read the guideHayward error codes
Heater LO, IF, HS, AO; MaxFlo VS Check System messages; AquaRite lights.
Read the guideJandy error codes
JXi CHECK FLOW, HIGH LIMIT, CHECK IGN CONTROL and the ignition LED flashes.
Read the guideSources
- Pentair, IntelliFlo3 VSF / IntelliPro3 VSF installation and maintenance guide: priming, drive LEDs, troubleshooting chart, alarms and warnings
- Hayward, MaxFlo VS variable speed pump (SP2303VSP) owner's manual: Check System messages
- Jandy (Zodiac), FloPro VS-FHP variable-speed pump installation and operation manual: troubleshooting (copy hosted by Hydropool)
Brand names belong to their owners. Pool Helpline isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. Steps and codes vary by model and year, so always check your own owner's manual.
