Return line & Skimmer to Pump basket struggling to push out water

[canjones]

The pump basket is not filling with water. Water is going in but at a low rate. Also, the return line is struggling to push out water. It keeps jetting out strong streams of water causing bubbles. And, the gauge is going crazy. It's jumping from 10 to about 18 when it normally sits around 18. The gauge keeps rapidly going back and forth between numbers. I tried backwashing and I checked the skimmer basket, and the pump basket. I don't notice anything out of the ordinary. It's like something is stuck in one of the lines. I don't know what to do.

I have been in a SLAM for about 3 weeks. The pump issue started a few days after finishing the SLAM and now the water is cloudy. I checked my levels and there isn't any CC. It's either due to all the bubbles or the return line is pumping something else out. IDK.

Hayward Power Flo Pump with Dual speeds

 

[mknauss]

Check the water level in the pool. Sounds like a low water level. Also be sure the weir door moves freely.

 

[Texas Splash]

If the water level is fine as Marty asked above, consider positing some pics of your pool and the equipment pad so we can see everything (equipment, plumbing, vales, etc) from various angles. Might help.

 

[canjones]

Check the water level in the pool. Sounds like a low water level. Also be sure the weir door moves freely.

I did all of that as well.

 

[Bperry]

I did all of that as well.

If the skimmer is not full, all of that stuff is normal. The skimmer HAS to be full when the pump is on. Stop and figure out why no water is getting in.

 

[canjones]

Pictures attached. I also changed the O ring this past summer as well.

Water is going into the pump basket but not filling up all the way unless I turn off the pump. Then the pump fills up with water. I've tried turning the pump to low also and it's doing the same thing except the gauge is steady at 5.

 

[DavidLast]

Pictures attached. I also changed the O ring this past summer as well.

Water is going into the pump basket but not filling up all the way unless I turn off the pump. Then the pump fills up with water. I've tried turning the pump to low also and it's doing the same thing except the gauge is steady at 5.

Looking at the pictures I think the skimmer water level looks about 1 1/2 inches lower than I would expect. Please fill the pool further.

Then can you try:
Fill the H & L Pot as full as practical with water (it will likely keep flowing down the suction line, and can stop then)
Turn the Multiport to recirculate or bypass or whatever position it is that doesn't send water through the filter itself.
Start the pump and use a watch time 2 minutes
At the 2-minute mark if water is seen to be coming in from the suction line to the H & L Pot; if it is wait, if not turn off.

If the above doesn't work, then I think check the O ring you changed last summer. Is it crimped, deformed or perhaps off-center?

If this primes the pump up, then once the prime is established, turn the pump off and then move the MPV back to the filter position and restart. Does it remain primed?