Big Goof Error

[ECunited]

Hi All,

Last night I was out cleaning our leaf catcher and was surprised by a rattler. The scare got me so much I forgot what I was i the middle of and left the hose out of the pool, meaning the pool filter pumped air all night. I've beaten myself up quite a bit about it as I understand the idiocy of the mistake. I was ready to call up a pro, but decided to come here first.

I troubleshot the pool, but the pump barely sounds like it's going and it started to foam. Do I need a new pump or is this fixable? I have a DE filter.

 

[1poolman1]

Hi All,

Last night I was out cleaning our leaf catcher and was surprised by a rattler. The scare got me so much I forgot what I was i the middle of and left the hose out of the pool, meaning the pool filter pumped air all night. I've beaten myself up quite a bit about it as I understand the idiocy of the mistake. I was ready to call up a pro, but decided to come here first.

I troubleshot the pool, but the pump barely sounds like it's going and it started to foam. Do I need a new pump or is this fixable? I have a DE filter.

View attachment 462562

The only way to know for sure is to fill the pot with water (it will only fill to the bottom of the inlet), be sure the lid O ring is in place and lightly lubricated, put the lid on and give it a try. If it works, watch for water at the bottom of the pump near the where the motor attaches as that would indicate a seal leak that has to be repaired before further damage to the motor occurs. Usually, that is the only damage that will occur when a pump runs dry like that.

If the pump won't move water, the seal can be badly damaged, the pump lid can be warped, the inlet plumbing can be heat damaged (that looks like a Hayward pump and may have union on the front).

That basket is in a bit wrong, the slot needs to be on that ridge down the side to prevent debris from clogging the impeller.

A damaged pump, if that is the case, is a better alternative to a close encounter with a rattler.

 

[PoolStored]

surprised by a rattler

YIKES!!! Glad you are ok.