Pump basket not draining

[DinaR]

Hello Nice People!
All of a sudden I am having the issue where my pump basket will not drain like it usually does when I turn the pool off, open the air valve on top of the filter and open the pump basket lid. Instead water just keeps pouring out. I used to open the lid to clean the basket and the water would drain by itself… I’d then restart the pool and it would prime and all would be good. Now, I have to close my skimmers to get the water to stop. Any ideas?
I also had the issue where something tripped my GCFI on the main panel. Not sure if they are related or not. Help?

 

[Newdude]

Hey Dina !!! Sounds like your equipment is below the pool height (even by just a little) and you were accidentally/unknowingly shutting a valve which stopped the water for you. Something changed either in an equipment setting, or your process and now you have to go close the skimmer yourself. There is no harm with your new way.

I also had the issue where something tripped my GCFI on the main panel. Not sure if they are related or not. Help?

Not related. Was it just one random trip ? Do you have a VS pump ? Click on the Hamburger menu in the upper left corner, click the person icon and then signature. That's the one below your post and you can list all your details and equipment with models #s. Others will have more questions about your rig and it really helps them help you.

 

[DinaR]

Hi! Thanks! From what I can see I have filled out my information. Can you not see that? My pool equipment is actually higher than my pool and that’s why it drains very quickly when I shut the pump off and open the air valve usually. This is very different behavior. I have never had a problem with water overflowing. And I never touch my valves. Unless of course there is a reason LOL I have a Hayward Tristar variable speed pump. Here are a couple of pictures of my set up.

 

[Texas Splash]

If a plumbing system is sealed well with no air leaks, it's ideal for the pump pot/basket to remain full of water when the system is off. That makes priming easier when the system turns back on. You also have check valves before each suction area (spa, 3 skimmers, and drain) which should help to prevent water from leaving the pump basket. If water has been draining from the pump pot in the past, there was some air getting into the system. Not sure why it isn't doing it now unless you were opening something on the equipment pad. But a system full of water is a good thing. Of course when the filter or pump strainer pot require cleaning, then all the valves get closed during that maintenance. Have you checked the pump (clear) lid O-ring to ensure it's lubed well with pool silicone? Do you suspect an air leak on the filter pressure/air relief gauge?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dina,

It is odd that your pump ever drained back into the pool. I say this because every intake pipe you have has check valve in it. These check valves are there just to prevent the water draining back into your pool.

Maybe one of the check valves was stuck open and it "fixed itself".

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Newdude]

From what I can see I have filled out my information

You have the general details around your username. Underneath your post you can write a paragraph of any relevant finish, model#, built in spa, sunshelf, bubblers,, etc. If you are on mobile turn the phone sideways to see anyone's else's as an idea, except mine, I am still waiting for a build.

But click where I said above to get to that part.

 

[DinaR]

Thanks for the help! Wow. I always wondered why it drained so quickly when I would clean the pump basket. I mean I would hear gurgling sounds and I would try to do it so fast so that I wouldn’t have to add water to help it prime. It’s definitely not doing that anymore. We bought the pool and the house a few years ago and that’s how it always was. Until after this most recent freeze. I ordered several new check valves to swap out and test the ones I have just in case. Is there a methodical way to do this? I think a couple of my check valves may be cracked near the screws area. But it’s goods to know it’s actually doing what it’s supposed to. Ok, so I should close by skimmers, etc. when I clean the basket?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dian,

In theory, no water should drain back to your pool because of the check valves. As long as the check valves are working there is no reason to shut off the skimmers or the main drain.

If it starts draining down again, I recommend closing all the skimmer and main drain valves. Then open them one at a time until it starts to drain down again. That line will have a bad check valve.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[DinaR]

Dian,

In theory, no water should drain back to your pool because of the check valves. As long as the check valves are working there is no reason to shut off the skimmers or the main drain.

If it starts draining down again, I recommend closing all the skimmer and main drain valves. Then open them one at a time until it starts to drain down again. That line will have a bad check valve.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim! So do you think I should leave well enough alone? And just wait it out?

 

[DinaR]

Hey y’all!
I got my new check valves! So I ordered one Jandy check valve for about $38 and then I also ordered two of the ATIE check valves that were 2 for $30 so I could compare them side by side. Any difference that y’all know of?? The only main difference I can see is the way that the spring is set up. Spring looks shinier on ATIE. Does this make a difference? Pictures included.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dina,

I just want to make sure I am clear... If the pump is not leaking back into the pool, then the existing check valves have to be ok. At least at this point.

I would not screw with the check valves unless the pump starts leaking back into the pool when you take the pump lid off.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[wireform]

Basically leave well enough alone for now until the problem presents itself again.