So I've been doing lots of reading and have a problem with my pump sucking air when I close off 2 of the 3 skimmers.
Background:
Problem, to get the appropriate suction to get any vacuum action I need to close off 2 of the 3 skimmer baskets. When I do, the pump loses prime/sucks air. I can get about 15 minutes of vacuum time if I close 1, restrict 2, and vacuum with 3rd.
I've used the smoke test to try and find any leaks. Fittings look old, re-plumbed before - sleeved 2" fittings on established 1.5" pvc, etc.
I'm thinking it's just too much based on some of the pump sizing threads I've read. Ie. the 2HP pump on 1.5" lines is just oversized.
edit: best I can tell the filter and pump are not original to build of pool.
Background:
- moved into house in December
- Age of pool unknown. County says 2003, but from looks more like '83
- Had Leslie's rebuild the 2-HP Northstar pump (it was way too loud and was not fully priming)
- I did replace lid t-seal first, that didn't help
- Had them replace any serviceable parts (o-rings, etc), including pump union o-rings.
- After service the sound level respectable, now fully primes = no air
- In terms of the plumbing, I have 3 supply lines from ground/pool - I believe they are 1.5" underground supply/return.
- I've replaced seals/rings on Jandy 2-way valve (closest to pump) -- spa/pump suction
- replaced o-rings on Hayward 2 way valve for the 1 skimmer basket line (call it 3rd basket)
- Other supply is pool, shared skimmer supply for baskets 1 and 2
- I'm confident I also replaced seals on the Hayward 2-way valve (closes skimmer basket, farthest from pump)
Problem, to get the appropriate suction to get any vacuum action I need to close off 2 of the 3 skimmer baskets. When I do, the pump loses prime/sucks air. I can get about 15 minutes of vacuum time if I close 1, restrict 2, and vacuum with 3rd.
I've used the smoke test to try and find any leaks. Fittings look old, re-plumbed before - sleeved 2" fittings on established 1.5" pvc, etc.
I'm thinking it's just too much based on some of the pump sizing threads I've read. Ie. the 2HP pump on 1.5" lines is just oversized.
edit: best I can tell the filter and pump are not original to build of pool.
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