October 24th, 2025

Why Your Pool Pump Is Short Cycling (and How to Fix It)

Is your pool pump turning on and off every few minutes? This frustrating issue is called short cycling—and if left unresolved, it can lead to higher energy bills, poor water circulation, and even permanent damage to your pool equipment.

At Sparkling Pools, we often get called out for this exact problem. Here's what causes a pool pump to short cycle, what it means for your system, and how to fix it before it turns into a bigger repair.

What Is Short Cycling?

Short cycling is when your pool pump turns on, runs for a short period, then shuts off—only to turn back on again minutes later. This repeated start-stop cycle is not normal and puts unnecessary strain on your motor and filtration system.

Why Short Cycling Is a Problem

A pool pump that keeps turning off and on wastes energy, increases wear and tear, and may not circulate your pool water long enough to properly filter it. It can also cause premature failure of the pump motor, capacitor, or control panel.

Common Causes of Pool Pump Short Cycling

• Clogged filter: A dirty or clogged filter can cause the system pressure to rise, triggering the pump to shut down.
• Low water level: If your pool water drops below the skimmer, the pump may pull in air, causing it to shut off automatically to prevent damage.
• Air leaks in the suction line: Cracks in the suction line or loose fittings can introduce air, disrupting the pump’s ability to stay primed.
• Faulty pressure switch or flow sensor: These can misread water flow or pressure and cycle the pump unnecessarily.
• Electrical timer issues: An outdated or malfunctioning timer can cause the pump to turn off and on randomly.
• Overheating motor: If the pump motor is running hot due to age, poor ventilation, or a failing capacitor, it may shut itself off repeatedly as a safety measure.

How to Troubleshoot Short Cycling

• ✅ Check that your pool water level is at least halfway up the skimmer opening.
• ✅ Inspect and clean your pool filter—especially if it’s been a while.
• ✅ Look for visible air bubbles in the pump basket (a sign of air leaks).
• ✅ Listen for clicking or humming sounds coming from the pump motor.
• ✅ Check your timer settings to make sure they aren’t causing rapid cycles.

If these steps don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call in a pool professional to run a full diagnostic.

Let Sparkling Pools Diagnose and Repair the Problem

Short cycling can be a sign of a simple fix—or a more serious equipment issue. At Sparkling Pools, we’ll inspect your system, check for suction or pressure problems, and make the right recommendation to get your pump running smoothly again.

We service and repair all major pool pump brands, and we also offer weekly service plans to prevent problems like this from happening in the first place.

□ Contact Sparkling Pools today to schedule a pool equipment inspection or sign up for weekly service!