Losing suction when attaching hose for cleaning

[BigCatTrick]

Hey everyone,

Brand new here, trying to get the pool cleaned out for the start of summer - the pump/filter ran great and the water is now clear blue minus some leftover leaves \ dirt from the winter - however, when i attach the hose for the automatic cleaner, the pump seems to lose all suction and no water fires out of the return as it usually does when the hose is not attached.

Any ideas for how to remedy this or what i might be doing wrong? i'm all ears - thanks guys

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

Are you filling the cleaner hose with water by holding it in front of a return before connecting the hose to the pool? Checked for leaks in the hose?

 

[BigCatTrick]

yes - thanks for the quick reply

the hose is brand new and came with the cleaner - no leaks, no cracks.

and yes, i flood the house with the return prior to attaching to the intake so there is no air in the line.

 

[proavia]

What brand cleaner? You mention it's brand new - maybe shipping materials are blocking the intake port on the cleaner or somewhere internal to the cleaner?