I've been reading some searched topics on this but I thought I'd give the specifics on my issue to see if I could get some advice.
History: bought a foreclosed property with gunite pool (I think around 30K gal). It has two skimmers and a bottom drain. The pool has been abandoned for about 4 years. I tried to clean the skimmers as best I could but I still saw dirt in the drain. I could not get it all out. It was very dirty before I cleaned it all out. I put a new 1 HP motor on the pool (Pentair or something like that). The only thing I have not changed is the sand filter.
Problem: (or may be normal) When I turn on the pump (sucking from skimmers and bottom drain), all is good. Pump runs good. The skimmer that is closest to the pump seems to suck water fine. The other skimmer (across the pool on the other end) -- farther from pump -- sucks water but not at the same rate. It is noticably less suction. It is pulling water, but just barely enough to pull in the floating debris when it passes the skimmer. Most debris just floats on by unless it's real close.
Things I've tried: amoung turning off and on, backwashing, etc. I cut off the main drain and ran it off the two skimmers. It was a little slow to prime, but it primed on up and ran with just the two skimmers. The rate of suction on the skimmer in question did suck a little stronger with the main drain closed off. Other than getting a little air when I iniatially start the pump after being off, it runs good.
So, I either have a partial clog or this is normal. Keep in mind that this skimmer is a pretty good distance from the pump. Also note that this pool has been off and the skimmer has been exposed to the elements and dry. It was full of trash when I cleaned it out. A good night or two soaking in water may do the trick.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
History: bought a foreclosed property with gunite pool (I think around 30K gal). It has two skimmers and a bottom drain. The pool has been abandoned for about 4 years. I tried to clean the skimmers as best I could but I still saw dirt in the drain. I could not get it all out. It was very dirty before I cleaned it all out. I put a new 1 HP motor on the pool (Pentair or something like that). The only thing I have not changed is the sand filter.
Problem: (or may be normal) When I turn on the pump (sucking from skimmers and bottom drain), all is good. Pump runs good. The skimmer that is closest to the pump seems to suck water fine. The other skimmer (across the pool on the other end) -- farther from pump -- sucks water but not at the same rate. It is noticably less suction. It is pulling water, but just barely enough to pull in the floating debris when it passes the skimmer. Most debris just floats on by unless it's real close.
Things I've tried: amoung turning off and on, backwashing, etc. I cut off the main drain and ran it off the two skimmers. It was a little slow to prime, but it primed on up and ran with just the two skimmers. The rate of suction on the skimmer in question did suck a little stronger with the main drain closed off. Other than getting a little air when I iniatially start the pump after being off, it runs good.
So, I either have a partial clog or this is normal. Keep in mind that this skimmer is a pretty good distance from the pump. Also note that this pool has been off and the skimmer has been exposed to the elements and dry. It was full of trash when I cleaned it out. A good night or two soaking in water may do the trick.
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
