Sand filter doesn't provide enough suction for vac

[Mkla216]

I have a 6000 gallon above ground Coleman swimming pool with to intakes connecting to my 3000 gph intex sand filter. For some reason I am no where near getting enough pressure when I hook my vacuum up to the intake. I've tried plugging up one intake to create more pressure in the other but it is still not working. Is this filter not big enough for my pool? I have no idea how I am going to vacuum the pool this summer because this is just not working. [emoji20] help!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[smitty195]

Can you post a pic of your pump and filter please.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

Excuse the muddy mess. It flooded in OK a couple of days ago.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[smitty195]

When was the last time you did a backwash on your filter.. the only reasons your suction is weak is one of 2 things.... your filter is clogged with dirt... or your pump basket needs emptying....

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

Pump basket is empty and I backwashed earlier this morning. Still not enough pressure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

However I do have an over the wall skimmer and it provides plenty of suction for that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[domct203]

You need to cap the vacuum breakers on the Intex gate valves.

Are you blocking off the other suction port when trying to vacuum?

 

[Mkla216]

I have no idea what that means. I'm new to having a pool and I've been slamming my pool for two weeks. It's slowing down the process of slamming because I can't vacuum. And yes I've tried blocking off the other suction port. It didn't create any more suction.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

I'm not sure where the vacuum breakers are located on the valve.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[domct203]

The valves should have come with clear plastic caps to cover the vacuum breaker (circled in red).

 

[Mkla216]

I didn't get a clear cap to go this with the pool. The grey part is screwed on tight. Is there a part I need to order?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[domct203]

This should be the cap.

Vacuum Release Valve Cap - Intex

You only have to worry about the one on the suction valve. You will still need to block off the other suction port.

Maybe try some electrical tape over the hole on the top of the vacuum breaker.

 

[Mkla216]

Okay thank you! Does it matter that I have a Coleman pool? The cap is for an intex.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mkla216]

Wait.. there isn't a breaker on the suction valve. Only on the valve that spits the water back in the pool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[domct203]

That I'm not sure about, but I think they are the same. Maybe you should check the Coleman website for the caps, now that you know what you're looking for.

- - - Updated - - -

Your filter & pump should be adequate to vacuum, I used to manually vac with the 2600GPH model.

Make sure there are no suction side leaks, and that the other port is totally blocked off.

 

[Mkla216]

Wait.. there isn't a breaker on the suction valve. Only on the valve that spits the water back in to the pool.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Flying Tivo]

You divided the suction hose into 2, but you didn't use the same type of hose.
The thin walled hose will collapse with high suction. Try connecting directly to
original port.

Felipe