Low PSI and One return Jet is Weak

[Adam78]

Hello,
This is my second post on here..the last one ended in a success! I have a question regarding low psi reading and a weak return jet. I have been in this house since last summer and have an approx 15,000 gallon inground pool, which has 2 return jets in it. All season the psi meter has been between 15-18. Today however I noticed that it is at about 10-12 and I also noticed that the jet in the shallow end is blowing significantly weaker then the one in the deep. Its still blowing but it is weaker for sure. I replaced the gauge already this year so I know its working fine. I read on other posts about the possibility of a blockage in the impeller, however since the deep end jet is strong I am thinking this probably is not the problem? We have a lot of trees around in our property and I have had to cut roots that were coming from next door pushing up some patio stones this summer. My questions are:
1) Could a clogged impeller effect only the pressure of one return jet and not the other?
2) Could a tree root damage the return line underground creating this problem?
3) Are there any other suggestions???

Thanks again for all your help on here
Adam

 

[duraleigh]

If the impeller is clear, then you have developed a restriction on the suction side of your system. Most likely some debris got through your skimmer and lodged somewhere between the skimmer and the pump.

 

[faby3003]

It could definitely be a clogged impeller or something along those lines. I find that when I start to get weak flow out of my returns that it is more noticeable in the returns farther away from the pump.

Since you are seeing a drop in filter pressure, the problem is not a in the return lines, but as Duraleigh mentions in the suction side or with the pump.

 

[Adam78]

You guys are super fast.....thank you. So if it is some thing from the suction line how do you recommend attempting to troubleshoot or fix that?

 

[duraleigh]

Check the impeller first.

If clear, then stick a garden hose (at the pump) into the line where water comes in from the skimmer. Wrap a rag around that hose to get the best "seal" that you can to try to force the water backwards out through the skimmer.....hopefully dislodging any obstructions.

 

[Adam78]

I will give that a shot.

Thanks Dave