Cartridge filter filling with air

[aztechnogeek]

Hi folks, we have had a similar-sounding situation and wondered if a cause was ever found. Our pool filter will only fill with air when the pool cleaner is plugged into one of the openings under the skimmer basket. Also this started happening after the pool company serviced the cartridge filter. And we have taken all the steps discussed above. Even bought a new pool cleaner with new hoses, replaced O ring and lubed. Pump shows no air even when the filter is filling with air.

 

[Texas Splash]

wondered if a cause was ever found.

The OP in that thread hasn't replied recently. Best we address your situation on its own merit. That thread covered a LOT of preliminary things to check, did you already do all of those? I'm sure we'll ask some repetitive questions to be sure.

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[aztechnogeek]

Yes. We've purchased a new pool cleaner with new hoses and the O ring. We've checked for leaks on the pump lid and around each connection. It only occurs when the pool cleaner is plugged in. So I have to assume that the increase in suction is causing the change and for the cartridge filter to fill with air. But can it be the company that cleaned the cartridges didn't assemble them correctly? The issue started right after they worked on it but they say there is no air in the pump so it's nothing they did.

 

[proavia]

Post a few pics of your equipment pad from a few different angles.
Is there a valve to control how much suction the pool cleaner gets?

 

[aztechnogeek]

The second pump is for the waterfall feature that stopped working years ago and is not in service. Would also like to note that when the pool cleaner is plugged in the pressure on the pool filter valve drops to zero. I very much appreciate your time in advance!

 

[Texas Splash]

I don't think the filter has anything to do with it since it's past the pump (pressure side). Is there any chance that when you place the cleaner in the pool and try to run it, the suction is so strong that it's causing the cleaner hoses to collapse somewhere? A clean filter will probably all the system to pull water harder. That would explain both the lack of suction performance and the loss of pressure back at the filter because no water can get through the collapsed hose. If you can adjust the amount of water suction for that cleaner, I would try that first.

 

[proavia]

How do you connect the pool cleaner?
Manufacturer and model number?

You may need a flow regulator to reduce the suction to the vacuum.

 

[aztechnogeek]

That would make sense but the hoses are brand new and the third set of hoses that we have tried. We plug it into one of the two holes underneath the skimmer basket since we don't have a dedicated line for a pool cleaner. It's a Hayward W3PVS40JST Poolvergnuegen Suction Pool Cleaner for In-Ground Pools up to 20 x 40 ft.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

You may need a flow regulator to reduce the suction to the vacuum.

I agree. I have the same pool cleaner. A single speed pump with no regulator is way to strong for the cleaner. I use a regulator and limit the speed of my VS pump to avoid collapsing the hose or sucking air through the hose section joints that are floating on the water.

 

[aztechnogeek]

I got that exact device. Stupid question alert.>>> It should be set to "slowest cleaner"?

 

[proavia]

I got that exact device. Stupid question alert.>>> It should be set to "slowest cleaner"?

Try that first - you can always adjust again if needed.