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 Post subject: Loss of suction
PostPosted: April 6th, 2010, 12:06 pm 
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Joined: April 30th, 2009, 4:34 pm
Posts: 15
I have an old in ground pool, probably built in the 50's. I installed a Pentair whisperflo 2 speed pump last year and everything went pretty smooth. I also have a 48 sq. ft. DE filter with new grids. All of the original lines appear to be 1 1/2".

Everything was running normal last week, I did have a couple of small leaks but I took care of them. Here's the problem, when I start the pump everything is fine for about 10 seconds and then it will lose suction then it will build pressure and then lose it. This cycle will continue over and over. Again, no discernible leaks, filter is clean and the water coming into the pump is clear (no dirt).

Does anybody have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Trace :(



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19,600 to 22,500 gallon plaster pool. (Every calculator is different)
1 1/2 hp pump Don't know the flow rate
48 sq. ft. DE filter
Polaris 280
Real POS Laars LX Low NOX 400k heater (5 years old and it's DEAD)
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 Post subject: Re: Loss of suction
PostPosted: April 6th, 2010, 12:11 pm 
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Joined: April 4th, 2007, 10:08 am
Posts: 6222
Location: SW Indiana
Check that the water level is high enough in the skimmer and that the skimmer door swings up and down freely.



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20K Gallon 20X36 Vinyl Inground
Hayward S244T Sand Filter with 1HP Whisperflo Pump. Liquidator C-201 and Solar Heat
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 Post subject: Re: Loss of suction
PostPosted: April 6th, 2010, 12:16 pm 
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Joined: April 30th, 2009, 4:34 pm
Posts: 15
Thanks for your quick response, the water level is high enough so that the skimmer door swings freely.

Anything else to check?

Trace



_________________
19,600 to 22,500 gallon plaster pool. (Every calculator is different)
1 1/2 hp pump Don't know the flow rate
48 sq. ft. DE filter
Polaris 280
Real POS Laars LX Low NOX 400k heater (5 years old and it's DEAD)
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 Post subject: Re: Loss of suction
PostPosted: April 6th, 2010, 12:29 pm 
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Joined: June 22nd, 2009, 7:06 pm
Posts: 17228
Location: SouthWest Alabama
Are you seeing air in the pump basket? Sounds like you have a suction leak somewhere. Start by checking the pump basket lid. Make sure the o-ring is lubed. From there it's a matter of checking the suction piping from the pool to the pump.



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24' x 52" Round AGP. 1.5hp Dynamo pump. 24" Pentair Sand Dollar Filter. 45MHP2(3GPD) Peristaltic Pump
Pool School Pool Calculator TF-Test Kit
You can stop shocking when you pass the OCLT (You lose 1ppm or less FC overnight, & You have .5ppm CC's or less) & your water is clear.
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 Post subject: Re: Loss of suction
PostPosted: April 6th, 2010, 3:32 pm 
New User

Joined: April 30th, 2009, 4:34 pm
Posts: 15
Got it fixed. The skimmer door was hanging and blocking some of the water from entering the return. I feel like a newbie, maybe because it's the beginning of the season. :)

Thanks for everyones help.

Trace



_________________
19,600 to 22,500 gallon plaster pool. (Every calculator is different)
1 1/2 hp pump Don't know the flow rate
48 sq. ft. DE filter
Polaris 280
Real POS Laars LX Low NOX 400k heater (5 years old and it's DEAD)
Offline
 Profile  
 
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