skimmer not skimming leaves after installing polaris 360

[archer636]

previously I had 2 returns, 1 skimmer. The skimmer used to fill up every day with leaves. Now I installed a polaris 360 at the vacuum port (which was previously closed). Problem is, leaves tend to move towards the skimmer but turn away before they get in. Any idea what's causing this strange water flow in the surface?

pool layout:

http://imgur.com/a/bYKI6

 

[Jimrahbe]

I can only assume that without the Polaris your skimmer was getting 100% of the pumps suction. Now, with the Polaris your skimmer is only getting 50% or less of your pumps suction. Is your Polaris running all the time the pump is running?

Easy to test. Feel how much water is flowing into you skimmer with and without the Polaris connected.

Curious, why is one return "restricted" ?

Jim R.

 

[foobert]

I thought the 360 was a pressure side cleaner? Is the there a suction-side version as well?

 

[archer636]

I can only assume that without the Polaris your skimmer was getting 100% of the pumps suction. Now, with the Polaris your skimmer is only getting 50% or less of your pumps suction. Is your Polaris running all the time the pump is running?

Easy to test. Feel how much water is flowing into you skimmer with and without the Polaris connected.

Curious, why is one return "restricted" ?

Jim R.

360 is pressure-side vacuum. The other jet is restricted to direct more flow to the 360

 

[triptyx]

So it sounds like the pool isn't circulating the same way because the returns are no longer being utilized at their full level?

 

[Major_in_MS]

So, if you connected the Polaris 360, which is a pressure side cleaner, to a vacuum port, then first of all the Polaris 360 would not be working correctly and second of all the vacuum port, which is now open, is robbing suction power from the skimmer. (Are there too many commas in that sentence?)


Are you sure you connected it to a vacuum port? Do you have a valve to switch the vacuum port to a pressure port?

 

[harleysilo]

My Polaris has a valve on the hose near where you plug it in to the return. It allows excess water pressure to exit, with some force. Depending on which way the relief valve is pointed it could be causing the leaves to not go in the skimmer, assuming it's plugged in near the skimmer.

 

[archer636]

So, if you connected the Polaris 360, which is a pressure side cleaner, to a vacuum port, then first of all the Polaris 360 would not be working correctly and second of all the vacuum port, which is now open, is robbing suction power from the skimmer. (Are there too many commas in that sentence?)


Are you sure you connected it to a vacuum port? Do you have a valve to switch the vacuum port to a pressure port?

what I mean by "vacuum port" is the return line intended for vacuuming/cleaning

 

[Major_in_MS]

what I mean by "vacuum port" is the return line intended for vacuuming/cleaning

Does this port have suction, as in it pulls water out of the pool to the pump, or is it a return, meaning that pressurized water comes back into the pool?

 

[atttech-2]

I would focus on the skimmer check that the weir door is not stuck down it should move easy. Also check that it is floating well depending on how it is made if it gets cracked it can get waterlogged and ride a bit low in the water. It should allow a thin layer of water to pass over the top, the thinner the layer the more velocity to pull the leaves in.

 

[archer636]

Does this port have suction, as in it pulls water out of the pool to the pump, or is it a return, meaning that pressurized water comes back into the pool?

pressurized water comes back into the pool

 

[archer636]

FYI- all I had to do was to tilt the eyeballs up slightly to create waves.

 

[triptyx]

Thanks for the update! Be aware that making waves like that will likely cause your pH to rise a little faster than it would otherwise. This isn't a problem as long as you keep an eye on that and your TA.

Cheers.