After a month of use, we decided to vacuum the pool. It's been installed for 4 wks and is used about 1 hr day by 2 adults (no kiIds). I use the hand held skimmer every few days if there are 'critters' floating around; other than that, the pool has been crystal clear since day 1. Being new, we thought we should try the vacuum. In our stupidity, we didn't fill the hose with water before hooking it to the skimmer and turning on the pump. No suction at all. When we turn on the pump, there is no water coming into the polol from the pool inlet nozzle. The pressure gauge measures 0. The leaf trap cover is on securely - so secure in fact that I can't open it. With the pump, I unscrewed the sediment release valve - didn't see any sediment - only clear water coming out. I unscrewed the drain valve cap on the sand filter - again just clear water. The plungers are in the "up" position (to prevent water from flowing out of the pool). I turned on the pump again. The leaf basket (still can't get the top off) refills to maybe 1/3 of the way full, but there is still no suction. I've read the manual about 20 times, reviewed "pool school" several times, searched the internet on how to get the air out, and I'm stuck. I admit I ignorant about these things. The manual/internet claims this model of sand pump has an air release valve - I surely don't see it. I am so disgusted - the pool was fine before we tried the vacuum. Whatever recommendations/solutions (be gentle please with as much detail as possible - we are novices). We are an older couple (58 and 60 yrs old) - it took us 2 weeks to grade the lawn (the pool is 99.99% level), 2 days to "snap" together this "easy" pool and another day or so to fill it. First swim day was 1 month ago and we have loved it with absolutely no problems, until now. Please help!
Pam - so new to pools it hurts!
Southern Virginia
Intex 54955EG 18x52, holds approx 6800 gal
Above ground pool (ultra steel model) w/vinyl liner
Krystal clear sand filter pump 1600, model SF15110
installed 1 month ago (pool is 99.999% level)
pool gets maybe 1 hour per day usage (2 adults-no kids)
test results (below is the norm as to what it's been since it was installed 1 month ago):
FCI 3ppr 6(Br)
CI 3ppm
alk 40ppm
pH 7.2
CH - not tested
CYA - not tested
Use a floating chlorine tab dispenser
Use shock as needed
Pool has been clear since day 1 and water test results read "ok" (LaMotte brand and Poolmaster brand strips)
Pam - so new to pools it hurts!
Southern Virginia
Intex 54955EG 18x52, holds approx 6800 gal
Above ground pool (ultra steel model) w/vinyl liner
Krystal clear sand filter pump 1600, model SF15110
installed 1 month ago (pool is 99.999% level)
pool gets maybe 1 hour per day usage (2 adults-no kids)
test results (below is the norm as to what it's been since it was installed 1 month ago):
FCI 3ppr 6(Br)
CI 3ppm
alk 40ppm
pH 7.2
CH - not tested
CYA - not tested
Use a floating chlorine tab dispenser
Use shock as needed
Pool has been clear since day 1 and water test results read "ok" (LaMotte brand and Poolmaster brand strips)