I posted this onto an existing thread. Sorry, had not read the "start a new thread" policy.
OK -
Just installed the 3rd pump in about a year (I get credit for the first kill, the Craigslist seller gets credit for the second).
While they lasted, they all exhibited the same issue: the basket sump has a visible waterline - as in: :watch the stream of water from the pool hit the opposing wall", with droplets on the underside of the cover.
Turning it off produces a massive hammer effect, with water spurting out from around the cover.
The pressure gauge (new Home Depot from the sprinkler section) reads zero. On the last two - the old gauge on the first was rusted, so it is not included in tally. When opened during operation, it would produce much more air than water This applies to the first two, have not opened it on this pump (total run time: 20 minutes (very new install)).
The line from the skimmer (sole outlet for the pool (drain plumbed to skimmer) is 1 1/2". The line coming from the pad is 2". Not only is the pump 40' from the pool, but all of that 40' is paved. Somebody really, really hated to mow the yard.
I'm stuck with whatever nightmare plumbing is under there. The valves are 25' from the pump, in a small patch of natural ground. At least they thought of valves needing replacement.
FWIW: When I removed the filter cover, the resulting fountain would reach 12' - about where the top of the original solar panels were (the Yahoo aerial photo is so old it shows the panels and blue water. Google shows a more recent shot with new roof (no solar) and green water).
Is 12' a respectable height or does it indicate a 1 1/2 hp is seriously under-performing?
There is a single leak in my shiny new pipe - the pressure line (now with 3 unions) at the filter inlet.
Doubt that it affects the air in the basket or the lack of pressure.
Just out of curiosity: what does a properly functioning pump look like when operating? is any movement of water visible from the cover? When turned off, where does the waterline sit?
For the big Q:
As long as there is enough water in the basket to completely cover the impeller's inlet, does this situation absolutely need to be fixed, or can it live a long and somewhat productive life as-is?
If it ABSOLUTELY MUST be fixed: Can I punch a hole next to the existing skimmer and install a large bucket with a pipe connecting it to the skimmer and then running a pipe along the (paved) surface to the pump? In effect giving the skimmer a new sump (to pick up both the skimmer and drain line) and not bothering to bury the pipe to the pump.
Or, for that matter, just dropping a 2" Sch 40 pipe into the skimmer sump and running it along the surface?
If this is viable, I can run the 40' of PVC inside steel pipe for physical protection
OK -
Just installed the 3rd pump in about a year (I get credit for the first kill, the Craigslist seller gets credit for the second).
While they lasted, they all exhibited the same issue: the basket sump has a visible waterline - as in: :watch the stream of water from the pool hit the opposing wall", with droplets on the underside of the cover.
Turning it off produces a massive hammer effect, with water spurting out from around the cover.
The pressure gauge (new Home Depot from the sprinkler section) reads zero. On the last two - the old gauge on the first was rusted, so it is not included in tally. When opened during operation, it would produce much more air than water This applies to the first two, have not opened it on this pump (total run time: 20 minutes (very new install)).
The line from the skimmer (sole outlet for the pool (drain plumbed to skimmer) is 1 1/2". The line coming from the pad is 2". Not only is the pump 40' from the pool, but all of that 40' is paved. Somebody really, really hated to mow the yard.
I'm stuck with whatever nightmare plumbing is under there. The valves are 25' from the pump, in a small patch of natural ground. At least they thought of valves needing replacement.
FWIW: When I removed the filter cover, the resulting fountain would reach 12' - about where the top of the original solar panels were (the Yahoo aerial photo is so old it shows the panels and blue water. Google shows a more recent shot with new roof (no solar) and green water).
Is 12' a respectable height or does it indicate a 1 1/2 hp is seriously under-performing?
There is a single leak in my shiny new pipe - the pressure line (now with 3 unions) at the filter inlet.
Doubt that it affects the air in the basket or the lack of pressure.
Just out of curiosity: what does a properly functioning pump look like when operating? is any movement of water visible from the cover? When turned off, where does the waterline sit?
For the big Q:
As long as there is enough water in the basket to completely cover the impeller's inlet, does this situation absolutely need to be fixed, or can it live a long and somewhat productive life as-is?
If it ABSOLUTELY MUST be fixed: Can I punch a hole next to the existing skimmer and install a large bucket with a pipe connecting it to the skimmer and then running a pipe along the (paved) surface to the pump? In effect giving the skimmer a new sump (to pick up both the skimmer and drain line) and not bothering to bury the pipe to the pump.
Or, for that matter, just dropping a 2" Sch 40 pipe into the skimmer sump and running it along the surface?
If this is viable, I can run the 40' of PVC inside steel pipe for physical protection