Spa emptying into pool after pump shuts off?

[JT2006]

I am trying to figure out why my spa keeps emptying back into my pool when the pumps not running?

I run the pump at night from about midnight until 7:00am and by 1:00 or 2:00pm I come out and my spa is half empty?

Is there a check valve somewhere that may be bad? The spa is raised about 14inches above the pool so I was thinking there has to be something to prevent the water from backflowing into the pool?

Any help is always appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Smykowski]

Is there a check valve somewhere that may be bad?

Sounds like a pretty good possibility to me. I have no experience myself, but my Father-in-Law had the exact same issue, and it was a bad check valve.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Bad check valve! Number one reason spa drains back into pool. It could just have a piece of debris stuck in it.

 

[JT2006]

Anyone know where this check valve might be located?

 

[Bama Rambler]

It's usually located at the pad. If you can post a picture we can probably locate it.

 

[JT2006]

It's usually located at the pad. If you can post a picture we can probably locate it.

Here are some picks of my Pumps/Filter/Plumbing etc...

Im suspecting the problem may be this thing I've pointed to with the red arrow. Looks suspiciously like a check valve too me?? But I could be wrong.

 

[JT2006]

Ok a friend of mine came by yesterday and said he had the same problem with his pool/spa. He said the problem was this check valve so I'm going to see if I can find one today and replace it.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Sorry I missed this. Yeah, that's the check valve, as you've discovered. You can rebuild those so you don't have to replace it. I would first take the top off it and see if there's just something stuck in it, before ordering a rebuild kit.

 

[JT2006]

Would I have to replace the whole valve assembly or just the part with the valve itself and the clear cap? I took it apart there was nothing in it. It looks like a pretty simply valve. I'm just thinking maybe the spring is worn out?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Just the cap and flapper with spring. Part #7056 I believe.

 

[JT2006]

Awesome! Thanks for the help!

 

[JT2006]

Well I stopped by pretty much the only source for parts where I live. Guy told me I would have to buy the whole valve at $75.00. Told me replace it all because the cap and valve part would cost more??

 

[JT2006]

well I got this problem fixed (Finally) I had to order the part from PoolSupplyWorld.com since my local pool parts store apparently has a rip people off policy :grrrr: I went back in a second time to try to just buy the cap and valve assembly. And they would not sell it too me... they had a "Tech" come out and try to tell me that if I didn't replace the whole valve assembly I would have "Problems" with it?? :blah: I very politely told him to pack sand. and I went home and ordered the part I needed. I hate people that do business this way and treat customers like they are idiots Thank God for this forum and all the great people that are here to give advice

 

[rtay59]

I had the same problem and replaced the check valve flapper assembly. Got up this morning and the water had drained again.
Any suggestions? I double checked and the check valve is in the right direction.

 

[JT2006]

I had the same problem and replaced the check valve flapper assembly. Got up this morning and the water had drained again.
Any suggestions? I double checked and the check valve is in the right direction.

I read another thread here in which someone had the same problem but I can't remember what the issue was? I will see if I can find it. I know when I replaced mine I had to clean out the the inside of the valve housing where valve (flapper) seats. There was old plastic and rubber around the edges from the old flapper. I used a small wire brush then very gently used a wire wheel on my cordless drill to smooth it out just to ensure the valve would seat correctly.

If this doesnt solve it you may want to post up pics of your equipment pad. People here are very helpful and can help you diagnose the problem.

Good luck

 

[Bama Rambler]

How far does it drain down?

 

[rtay59]

It is draining down to the level of the pool. I'll check the valve housing to see if there are any obstructions.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Do you only have one check valve?

 

[rtay59]

one check valve one the spa return and one on the pool return. Could the cause be from having the suction valve set to pull a little from the spa (mostly from the pool)? Would the water back up through there?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Yes it could, depending on how it's plumbed and how the equipment is located.