Can someone please help me figure out why my skimmer suction is low?
I've searched for hours on the forum and can't figure it out.
Pool stats are in signature but to reiterate with other pertinent info:
Approx. 30K gal. - 18x36- in ground with vinyl liner- Hayward sand filter- one speed 1/2 horsepower pump.
One bottom drain- One sidewall skimmer
Two jets/returns, one in shallow, one in deep on opposite wall of skimmer.
First, water wasn't moving well. Returns with low pressure & skimmer low suction. Pressure gauge on pump read 25psi. Also small amount of water on filter tank coming from under flange clamp.
Backwashed & rinsed. Psi to 15 which is my clean normal. Backwash water was not dirty however and should be with lots of pollen.
Dried water on filter tank. No more noted rest of day. Returns improved with backwash to normal pressure. Water moving well.
I read in a post that the valve/tank O-ring should hold up to 50psi so I need your opinion on replacing this too.
Some slight bubbles in filter basket. None at returns. Checked gasket. Some debris on gasket and slightly bent one area. Replaced gasket. Made sure no debris on inner lid, gasket or basket surface.
Still low skimmer suction.
Skimmer has two holes open. ( can't say I've ever noticed this before because never had issues with suction before)
In reading posts one without suction could be for drain. Most reply post say the holes need a diverter which we've never had. May have had a plug that dislodged somehow and I didn't notice but not a diverter.
We have 2 pipes at pump to open and close skimmer and drain.
Photos below.
There is possibility of debris in the line as we have lots of leaves and small things off trees getting into pool.
We try to be very careful but a small leaves and small debris does get past us when emptying the skimmer basket sometimes.
If it were debris, would the returns be forceful?
Waiting for my experts to tell me what to try next.
Thank you!
Joan
I've searched for hours on the forum and can't figure it out.
Pool stats are in signature but to reiterate with other pertinent info:
Approx. 30K gal. - 18x36- in ground with vinyl liner- Hayward sand filter- one speed 1/2 horsepower pump.
One bottom drain- One sidewall skimmer
Two jets/returns, one in shallow, one in deep on opposite wall of skimmer.
First, water wasn't moving well. Returns with low pressure & skimmer low suction. Pressure gauge on pump read 25psi. Also small amount of water on filter tank coming from under flange clamp.
Backwashed & rinsed. Psi to 15 which is my clean normal. Backwash water was not dirty however and should be with lots of pollen.
Dried water on filter tank. No more noted rest of day. Returns improved with backwash to normal pressure. Water moving well.
I read in a post that the valve/tank O-ring should hold up to 50psi so I need your opinion on replacing this too.
Some slight bubbles in filter basket. None at returns. Checked gasket. Some debris on gasket and slightly bent one area. Replaced gasket. Made sure no debris on inner lid, gasket or basket surface.
Still low skimmer suction.
Skimmer has two holes open. ( can't say I've ever noticed this before because never had issues with suction before)
In reading posts one without suction could be for drain. Most reply post say the holes need a diverter which we've never had. May have had a plug that dislodged somehow and I didn't notice but not a diverter.
We have 2 pipes at pump to open and close skimmer and drain.
Photos below.
There is possibility of debris in the line as we have lots of leaves and small things off trees getting into pool.
We try to be very careful but a small leaves and small debris does get past us when emptying the skimmer basket sometimes.
If it were debris, would the returns be forceful?
Waiting for my experts to tell me what to try next.
Thank you!
Joan
