Pool losing prime when set to waste mode

Aug 13, 2018
3
Austin
Hey everyone, first post here!

So I'm a 5 year pool owner, and have gotten along pretty well with DIY mode so far. This last winter was a perfectly catastrophic sequence of events, first identified and fixed a leak in pool, massive numbers of branches and leaves fell during the treepocolypse we had in Austin this last winter (it was CRAZY). So pool went black green on me. I've gotten it quite a bit better, but can't seem to get prime when set to "waste" mode.

In-Ground, 23,000 gallons, older pool. I've got a 1 skimmer, 2 return jets, no main drain on the pool. Multiport valve set to "Waste." New O-ring in pump lid. Pentair DE Filter. Hayward 1 HP pump. I got my chemistry right, used flocculant as a pool contractor suggested, which made a huge amount of the gunk accumulate to the bottom, water is still quite cloudy, but much better than it was before.

I was able to vacuum for ~8 minutes earlier today, but have not been able to get the pump to prime again. Brand new hose, brand new vacuum head. Just used a rubber bladder to blow out the line from the pump to the skimmer, it was not clogged. Is is safe to put the bladder into the skimmer line, and blow out the whole system (through the pump and multiport valve) and have that pressure and potential junk come out of the waste water hose? I don't want to do anything that might damage the equipment, so want to ask here for trouble shooting before I try that. Could be clogged inside the multiport valve? Waste water hose is clear of obsturctions. I filled the hose with water before starting, but am at a loss. I know how to prime in "Filter" mode, but don't want to run all that crud through the grids. Any suggestions on how to get prime? I've also ordered a leaf canister, which will arrive later this week, so will use that in the future to trap the crud before heading to the pump and equipment.

Thank you in advance for your sage advice!
 
Hey everyone, first post here!

So I'm a 5 year pool owner, and have gotten along pretty well with DIY mode so far. This last winter was a perfectly catastrophic sequence of events, first identified and fixed a leak in pool, massive numbers of branches and leaves fell during the treepocolypse we had in Austin this last winter (it was CRAZY). So pool went black green on me. I've gotten it quite a bit better, but can't seem to get prime when set to "waste" mode.

In-Ground, 23,000 gallons, older pool. I've got a 1 skimmer, 2 return jets, no main drain on the pool. Multiport valve set to "Waste." New O-ring in pump lid. Pentair DE Filter. Hayward 1 HP pump. I got my chemistry right, used flocculant as a pool contractor suggested, which made a huge amount of the gunk accumulate to the bottom, water is still quite cloudy, but much better than it was before.

I was able to vacuum for ~8 minutes earlier today, but have not been able to get the pump to prime again. Brand new hose, brand new vacuum head. Just used a rubber bladder to blow out the line from the pump to the skimmer, it was not clogged. Is is safe to put the bladder into the skimmer line, and blow out the whole system (through the pump and multiport valve) and have that pressure and potential junk come out of the waste water hose? I don't want to do anything that might damage the equipment, so want to ask here for trouble shooting before I try that. Could be clogged inside the multiport valve? Waste water hose is clear of obsturctions. I filled the hose with water before starting, but am at a loss. I know how to prime in "Filter" mode, but don't want to run all that crud through the grids. Any suggestions on how to get prime? I've also ordered a leaf canister, which will arrive later this week, so will use that in the future to trap the crud before heading to the pump and equipment.

Thank you in advance for your sage advice!
Sounds like a clogged impeller.
 
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Pump priming has to do with the impeller backwards to the skimmers. Nothing you do downstream of pump has an effect on priming.
I think that you are using the wrong terms. Deadheading is some type of obstruction downstream of pump, valve or other mechanical. Check your multi valve out.
 
Pump priming has to do with the impeller backwards to the skimmers. Nothing you do downstream of pump has an effect on priming.
I think that you are using the wrong terms. Deadheading is some type of obstruction downstream of pump, valve or other mechanical. Check your multi valve out.
Thanks Darin.

Lots to learn, so still some work to do on correct terminology.

I opened up the multiport, and can confirm it’s completely clean (spider gasket is in good shape too). Just ordered a new O-ring for pump lid. Still not able to prime pump in “waste” mode. Completely filled hose with water, pump as well. Seal lid and turn on motor. It will build pressure for about 2 seconds, then water level drops in pump and it runs dry with lots of noise, which is when I immediately turn it off to avoid damage.

Thinking about trying out my shop vac with hose attached to get the remaining leaves from bottom of pool while I wait for new O-ring to arrive. Does that seem like a good plan B course of action? Thank you greatly
 

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Sounds like your sucking air from somewhere. Check the water level in your pool, fill er up some to add additional time to vacuum to waste. Try setting the valve to filter .. does she hold prime?
Try setting the valve to vacuum .. does she hold prime? Make sure the door on the skimmer is free and allows enuf water flow. Next set up your vacuum . Place a garden hose in the skimmer from the top, turn on the water, set vacuum to waste, and see if she holds prime set-up like this.*

*The additional water from the garden hose prevents sucking air as the water swirls around the skimmer.
 
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