Pentair Optiflo Pump Issue

[Casey]

Hi guys. 2 nights ago, I went to check on the pool at 11pm when I got home from work. I found that the pool was clearing nicely with the regular DE. My pump was vibrating a little which is not a huge issue but I bumped it and water came shooting out of where my pump bolts together. I had a bolt back out and the nut is gone. I cant find it but I have the bolt. I found a replacement bolt for the time being. Problem is that it's still shooting water out the side where I lost the bolt. I'm going to assume I have to tear the whole pump apart (from the pool) and take it off the base and reseat the gasket. I called inyopools and ordered a new nut and gasket in case this gasket is torn. Does this sound right? I've attached a picture for reference. I've got the pool shut down for now until I can get an off day (Thursday n Friday).

 

[proavia]

I think that your plan is spot on. You're not going to know for sure until you disassemble it though. Inspect the 2 halves for cracks too. You may want to consider replacing the shaft seal too as long as you have it apart.

 

[Casey]

I'll look at it. This start up has proven my most difficult this far out of many years of pool ownership. I'm thinking when the nut cam loose it just dislodged the seal. I'm hoping that's all it did. I've been pretty careful with not banging it around in transport. What would make it crack?

 

[proavia]

No idea what might make it crack. Just recommending to look it over carefully just in case.

 

[Casey]

No idea what might make it crack. Just recommending to look it over carefully just in case.

Thank you proavia. I just took the pump apart and looked it over after I sprayed it off. The pump looks brand new other than being wet. I put some Jack's O-ring lube on the o ring and put it back together and I'm back in business. The force of the water pushed DE out and it was not letting it seal. I made sure to watch it for 20 minutes and add chlorine to finish my SLAM and I feel confident I've fixed the issue.

 

[proavia]

Good to hear a cleaning and lube is all that was needed.