Do I have sufficient flow to/from pool?

[northernmom]

We purchased an above ground pool (Coleman 4,600 gallons) from our neighbors, who we’ve discovered didn’t do much about looking after it We have an Intex sand filter (1500 GPH). The pool was quite grungy when we set it up but the pump & filter seemed ok. Sand we put in was from an open bag the neighbors gave us. The pool seems to be okay, except we seem to be getting very little flow out of or into the pool. Using the vacuum is almost pointless because there’s not enough suction to pick up a leaf. We’ve backwashed & rinsed repeatedly, taken the hoses apart to check for debris, etc, but not much change. I’m assuming I should have more flow, but how do I know? I see videos where you can see the water moving around the pool inlet, and I definitely don’t have that.

How do I know if there should be a stronger flow? Other than what we’ve already tried, any recommendations?

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Those factory pool-in-a-box set ups are convenient and cost friendly to a point, but they only provide bare-bones equipment. The filters are usually very small and the pumps about the same. You probably only have a single suction port in the pool wall with one return port for water to return. Not much to work with.

Unless you do some upgrades, the #1 thing you have to be sure of is that the water chemistry is perfect. If not, the filter will get clogged quickly with organics and you will see a drastic reduction in water flow. If you don't have one already, a proper test kit is a must. In the US we encourage the TF-100, TF-Pro Series, or Taylor K-2006C. Up north across the border, the Taylor K-2006C has proprietary rights for the region, so unless you travel south or have a PO Box down here, the K-2006C is your best option.

I would post a full set of water test results from one of those first. It tells us a lot. If you don't have one yet, I would get one. While your swim season will come to an end soon, it will help for the remainder of the season and be helpful when you close. Then it should still be ready for next spring.

Test Kits

tftestkits.net

Swimming Pool Test Kits Compared

What pool test kit should I buy? Why shouldn't I use test strips? Our recommended test kits will pay for themselves in no time!

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[northernmom]

Thanks for the quick reply. I don’t have a comprehensive test kit yet (will put it on my list for next time I go South). We did a shock yesterday so right now my chlorine, alkalinity and pH are all still high.
You’re correct - only 1 suction port. I tried the Recirculate setting this morning and the flow back into the pool is excellent. I guess at least that means the pump is capable. Thinking that, once my levels are restored, the next step is to follow the instructions on here for deep cleaning a sand filter?

 

[Texas Splash]

Thinking that, once my levels are restored, the next step is to follow the instructions on here for deep cleaning a sand filter?

Good on recirc does confirm the issue is water restriction in the filter. It doesn't mean the sand it bad or that the system is under-rated. Most likely the water itself is overloaded with organics and filling up the filter media too fast. You can't always see the transparent stuff, but it's clogging the filter. The sooner you can obtain a good test kit to perform an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test or perhaps a SLAM Process (if needed) the better.