Pool pump motor humming

[Poolworx]

I'm wondering if the shorting of the windings could have been caused by a Gecko crawling in through the cooling vents could have caused it

 

[Lucien Nunes]

On a newish motor not rusted out or mechanically damaged, winding damage is most likely to result from overheating. That in turn is likely to result from centrifugal switch failure, mechanical stalling or stifled ventilation. If it's free to turn and was not covered by a duvet, I would think the switch the most likely culprit.