Help with leaky connections

[Cravi5]

Hi.
we recently moved and I’m starting up an existing pool.
I had to replace the pot for the pump and I bought a cartridge filter.
I’m working on the connections but they don’t seem snug.

I’m having trouble telling if this is flexible tubing or hosing. (1st pic)

Each connection was secured only by a single hose clamp as far as I could tell.
I tried reconnecting the plumbing to the new pump, but it was leaking at the return out of the filter (with the white fitting). This was without turning anything on, it was gravity pushing water down the return (could that be a problem? Do I have to fully drain below any openings)

I also see a leak at the pump (3rd pic). This has a barbed fitting.

The black fitting going into the filter I didn’t even bother installing, but I see it has a lip (which the gray does not)

can you advise what I should do?

I read a thread that advises to wrap the fitting in Teflon as I did in the 2nd pic and slide the hose over to get a tighter fit. And then to install two hose clamps in opposite directions rather than one.

Is that what I should do? Or is there a better route before I fill the pool past the skimmer and wind up having to drain/replace fittings.

thanks!

 

[Cravi5]

New question, I was researching pool maintenance and they mention cleaning pump basket.

Is that possible if no shut off valves are installed?

I was considering adding hard pvc next year and of course adding ball valves so I can do maintenance, but do I need to install now?

Would it work to just remove the hose and quickly put it over my head?

 

[Mdragger88]

I have all those same fittings/hoses - there’s some blue teflon tape called monster that many have good results with for the threaded sides. For the side w/the hoses the clamps just need to be very tight. I suggest a socket to assist with that as to not strip them out with a screwdriver & for leverage.
To clean the strainer basket without a valve inline you can use a small ball in the skimmer to block the flow of water - i used to use a racquet ball But my kids lost it now i use a small nerf football
1- turn off pump & remove skimmer basket
2- shove/wedge ball in there
3- open pump lid, remove basket quickly & replace lid
4- spray off pump basket
5 - repeat step 3
Some water will still come out but it won’t be crazy

 

[Cravi5]

I have all those same fittings/hoses - there’s some blue teflon tape called monster that many have good results with for the threaded sides. For the side w/the hoses the clamps just need to be very tight. I suggest a socket to assist with that as to not strip them out with a screwdriver & for leverage.
To clean the strainer basket without a valve inline you can use a small ball in the skimmer to block the flow of water - i used to use a racquet ball But my kids lost it now i use a small nerf football
1- turn off pump & remove skimmer basket
2- shove/wedge ball in there
3- open pump lid, remove basket quickly & replace lid
4- spray off pump basket
5 - repeat step 3
Some water will still come out but it won’t be crazy

Thanks so much. You’ve been very helpful (this post and my other one).

Idk why it didn’t occur to me to plug it from the skimmer. Great idea. I’ll try and get these connections as tight as possible.