Pump basket only half full

[garyrbeach]

I have a carridge filter. Why would the "skimmer" basket on the pump only be half full of water. Everything is clean. Cartridges rinsed. ??????????

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

The simple answer is that you are sucking in air between the pool (skimmer/floor) and the pump impeller.

Please add your pool details to your signature as described HERE as it will help us help you.

 

[Richard320]

Welcome!

Air in the strainer is caused by a suction side leak. The most common is the Oring on the lid. It needs to be clean, lubricated, and free of cracks. Next most popular is low water level and/or a stuck weir door (skimmer flapper). If you try the search box for suction air leak, you'll find more than you ever wanted to know.

 

[JasonLion]

A variable speed pump running on a low speed will sometimes do this even without an air leak. If there isn't an air leak, you won't lose prime. If you are losing prime, or running a single speed, or two speed pump, or running a variable speed pump at half speed or higher, there must be an air leak.

 

[Kiss4aFrog]

Welcome to the forum Gary