Suction Line for a second (feature) pump

Then something is wrong with the plumbing. 3" should be plenty to prime this pump and the filter, while not ideal, should not be the issue for priming. I suspect a valve may be in the wrong position or the line is clogged. Did you check to see if you can draw from the same MD line solo on the other pump?

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No. I didn’t check MD with the main pump. I will check it and let you know. I am positive that valve is in the right position but the line might be clogged.
 
If it works with the main pump, then maybe it is the new pump that is the problem. But if it has the same problem, then there is probably something wrong with that line.

MDs are often abandoned because they either leak or have significant clogs that are not easy to clear.
 
You can take apart both the valves in that line to see if something is hung up.

But when you checked the other pump, you made sure the skimmer and cleaner line were off, correct.
 
You can take apart both the valves in that line to see if something is hung up.
There is one 2-way valve and another check valve and I think the issue would be one of them. What’s the reason for installing check value in front of the feature pump.
But when you checked the other pump, you made sure the skimmer and cleaner line were off, correct.
Yes correct all 3 are off SPA Drain, cleaner and skimmer. I am sure that it’s working just on MD with no issues.

You are awesome and helping me a lot. Thanks for all your help 🙏.

Can you also suggest me the best filter to purchase to handle the all water features.
 
If the flow rate of the system is lower than the filter max rating, then it may ok. We need to get that loop running with a valid filter pressure before I can make a recommendation on the filter.

If you want to replace the filter without all the information, doubling the size should be sufficient but it could be overkill as well.
 
What’s the reason for installing check value in front of the feature pump.
It is to prevent the main pump from sucking water through the feature pump if the valves are set open to both pumps. The main pump should have a check valve as well if it was originally set up that way.

If/when you separate the two pumps, the check valve should not be necessary.
 
If the flow rate of the system is lower than the filter max rating, then it may ok. We need to get that loop running with a valid filter pressure before I can make a recommendation on the filter.

If you want to replace the filter without all the information, doubling the size should be sufficient but it could be overkill as well.
What would be the Filter model that you recommend just for the water features?

Pentair recommended "Use a 20-micron cartridge filter to supply clean, filtered water to the Laminar. Do not use a DE or sand filter"
 
I would wait until we get that loop working before choosing a filter. I need the current filter pressure to get an accurate flow rate and then size a filter appropriately. CC200 might be a good size but again, I would wait.
 

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Have you found the issue? If not, I would leave things as they are so that we can troubleshoot better.

Why would the pool flood? The feature pump draws from the pool and returns to the pool so it is net zero. Or are you expecting rain? But even that really doesn't matter.


A couple of follow up questions:

When the pump is trying to prime, do you see any water coming in the inlet in the pump basket?

When the pump is trying to prime, is the cartridge filter pressure changing at all or is it flat line at the minimum PSI?
 
Have you found the issue? If not, I would leave things as they are so that we can troubleshoot better.

Why would the pool flood? The feature pump draws from the pool and returns to the pool so it is net zero. Or are you expecting rain? But even that really doesn't matter.


A couple of follow up questions:

When the pump is trying to prime, do you see any water coming in the inlet in the pump basket?

When the pump is trying to prime, is the cartridge filter pressure changing at all or is it flat line at the minimum PSI?
Let me find out this information and get back to you. I am not an expert and learning this from your guidance.
 
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Pool technician said the check valve is bad and he told me to get the new flapper. Shall I order the new check valve with the flow meter so that we know the amount of water flowing. Can you please recommend the check valve with flow meter.
 
The FlowVis is the only one that I know of. They have a retrofit kit but it only works for Jandy valves.


There are other ways to determine flow rate which is why I asked about the filter pressure and the distance from pool pump. But it is up to you.
 
Forgot to mention that you can remove the flapper, remove the pin in the hinge, just to test the pump and priming.
 
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Pump and check valve is not getting enough water.
 

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I have removed the flapper but still not getting enough water. MD is turned off for main pump and going to only feature pump.

Do you think the problem is with main drain line as it's not pulling enough water?
 

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