Ran pool pump for days with suction side valve closed

[Jay_8848]

Hello,
I'm a new pool (inground 15K gal) owner, recently bought a house with pool. About a week back I was cleaning the pump strainer basket and to stop the water flow I completely closed the suction side valve. I was so absent minded that I forgot to open the suction side valve. The pump (Pentair Superflo VST 1.5 HP, less than 2 years old) ran 14 hours per day (2400 - 3300 RPM) for 3 days as I was out of town. As soon as I got back I turned the suction side valve on, the pump seems to be working fine as the pump noise is not loud and I can still feel a decent pressure on the return jets and the connection pipes are not warped. But still I feel I have broken something and been worrying. What are the other things that I should be looking for?

Also, out of 3 return jets, I noticed one return jet has tiny air bubbles consistently coming out. I don't remember if the air bubbles has been always there as it's just been few weeks that I have started using the pool. Do you think running the pump with suction side closed for days may have caused the air bubbles?

Thank you so much!

 

[Texas Splash]

What are the other things that I should be looking for?

You covered the big items:
- Warped PVC or pump parts due to heat
- Water leaking
- Pump not working and/or no water movement

It may just be a waiting game now. Could the air bubbles be related? - maybe. Check the pump pot clear lid for warpage and ensure the O-ring is lubed well. Continue to watch for any water leaks.

Welcome to TFP! Be sure to visit our Pool Care Basics page. Enjoy the forum.

 

[HermanTX]

You may wish to post a picture of your pump and the suction side plumbing.
Also do you have a saltwater pool?
I think you are incredibly lucky and just need to monitor it.
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[Jay_8848]

You covered the big items:
- Warped PVC or pump parts due to heat
- Water leaking
- Pump not working and/or no water movement

It may just be a waiting game now. Could the air bubbles be related? - maybe. Check the pump pot clear lid for warpage and ensure the O-ring is lubed well. Continue to watch for any water leaks.

Welcome to TFP! Be sure to visit our Pool Care Basics page. Enjoy the forum.

Thank you. I checked the pump pot clear lid it looks fine but the O-ring has some cracks when I bend it. I just ordered a new O-ring from amazon. Hope that will fix the tiny air bubbles from that one return jet.

Also, forgot to mention I do have a salt generator (Pentair ICHLOR CELL 30K) which is currently installed but not working (flashing red on cell). Not sure this has anything to do with the bubbles.

 

[Jay_8848]

You may wish to post a picture of your pump and the suction side plumbing.
Also do you have a saltwater pool?
I think you are incredibly lucky and just need to monitor it.
Please fill out your signature -- Create Your Signature - Further Reading

Thank you. I’ve posted some pictures.
Yes it’s a saltwater pool but the salt generator (Pentair ICHLOR CELL 30K) which is currently installed is not working (flashing red on cell). Not sure this has anything to do with the bubbles.

 

[ajw22]

You may be lucky that the diverter on your suction line leaks under pressure and allowed some water to get through and keep your pump from getting damaged.

Diverter valves do not always seal perfectly and water can leak around the sides. I have seen that happen before.

I don’t know where the location Poor#123 is and Yiu may want to open up that diverter and check it’s condition at sometime.

 

[HermanTX]

I am not familiar with the Pentair 3 way valve, but maybe have a look at the instructions. I suggest, if possible, to try to adjust it such you are not able to close the valve against the pump so you or a family member avoids this situation in the future.

 

[Jay_8848]

You may be lucky that the diverter on your suction line leaks under pressure and allowed some water to get through and keep your pump from getting damaged.

Diverter valves do not always seal perfectly and water can leak around the sides. I have seen that happen before.

I don’t know where the location Poor#123 is and Yiu may want to open up that diverter and check it’s condition at sometime.

Thank you. I hope that was the case.

The pump along with other pool equipment are below the pool water surface. Is there a way to check the diverter without getting flooded?
Thank you

 

[duraleigh]

On another note, while we are helping tell us the state and city you are in and tell us the psi on your pressure gauge. How does your pool water look?

 

[ajw22]

Do you close your pool in the winter?

Now many skimmers?

Do you have a main drain?

You can put plugs in your skimmer to stop the water.

 

[Jay_8848]

On another note, while we are helping tell us the state and city you are in and tell us the psi on your pressure gauge. How does your pool water look?

Hello, we just moved from Midwest to Raleigh, NC. Just checked the pump at 2500 RPM the pressure is 15 psi. Since we are completely new with pool we have hired a pool cleaning company (Pool Scouts of the Greater Triangle Area), water is clear thanks to their service. The service is once every two weeks but I saw some leaves on pump strainer so I tried to clean it myself by closing the suction valve and forgot to turn it back on for days.

 

[Jay_8848]

Do you close your pool in the winter?

Now many skimmers?

Do you have a main drain?

You can put plugs in your skimmer to stop the water.

Thank you. We just moved from Midwest to North Carolina, we still have not decided if we should close our pool (to be honest we don't know the best option, any suggestion?).
There are two skimmers but no main drain. I am waiting on a new pool pump lid O-ring, after replacing it if I still see the air bubbles then I will look into the suction diverter as you suggested. I will also buy plugs for the two skimmer.
Thank you!

 

[ajw22]

Get some rubber expansion plugs that fit the holes in your skimmer…

Closing Pool for Winter - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[KDFin]

You covered the big items:
- Warped PVC or pump parts due to heat
- Water leaking
- Pump not working and/or no water movement

It may just be a waiting game now. Could the air bubbles be related? - maybe. Check the pump pot clear lid for warpage and ensure the O-ring is lubed well. Continue to watch for any water leaks.

Welcome to TFP! Be sure to visit our Pool Care Basics page. Enjoy the forum.

What product do you suggest we use to lube the o-ring?

 

[Texas Splash]

What product do you suggest we use to lube the o-ring?

There are various pool-designed silicone lubes for rubber O-rings, but I use Magic Lube.

 

[HermanTX]

What product do you suggest we use to lube the o-ring?

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mknauss]

What product do you suggest we use to lube the o-ring?

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[KDFin]

There are various pool-designed silicone lubes for rubber O-rings, but I use Magic Lube.

 

[KDFin]

Do you think this will work until I get to the store? Waterproof grease?

 

[mknauss]

I do not see Teflon in it so that is good. Biggest issue is it compatible with rubber. Some greases break down rubber.