Hayward Pool Heat Pump returning an E3 error code -- low pressure flow error

[shibainu]

Hey everyone,

I turned on my heat pump today for the first time this year, and after running for a few seconds, the heat pump stops and displays an E3 error code. Upon searching it up, it says it is a low pressure flow error. Online solutions suggested looking at:

- pool level -- it is above the halfway skimmer line
- dirty skimmers - cleaned both pump skimmers and pool skimmers
- backwash needed - pressure wasn't high enough to justify it, but I decided to give it a shot

None of these helped with the error code. Additionally, my SWG flow indicator is green, so I'm a bit stumped as to why my heat pump is giving me this error. It could be an issue with the heat pump itself, which I'm okay with calling a technician over to fix it. I just want to make sure I've exhausted all my options before doing so.

Thanks,

 

[ajw22]

Heat pumps need more flow then a SWG. So your SWG being green is meaningless.

What model pump do you have?

If not a flow problem then you may be low on refrigerant. To check that you need the gauges to check pressures in the HP. Best to have am HVAC technician check it.

 

[AK-]

Have you checked if valves are open and you are not bypassing the HP?

 

[shibainu]

Have you checked if valves are open and you are not bypassing the HP?

Yes, the flow is going from filter to heater, heater to swg

 

[AK-]

Oh, well. That would have been the easy problem to fix….

What about your pump as Allen asked?

 

[ajw22]

Your filter pressure is 21 in the pic which is restricting your water flow.

IT looks like you have flex PVC hose between the pump and filter intake. Flex PVC has a smaller inside diameter then rigid PVC and can also restrict your pump. Is the flex PVC labeled ASTM D 1785?

Note that flex PVC has a minimum bend radius and can be kinked if bent too sharply. Minimum bend radius for 1 1/2" flex PVC is 5" and 2" flex PVC is 8".

 

[shibainu]

Your filter pressure is 21 in the pic which is restricting your water flow.

IT looks like you have flex PVC hose between the pump and filter intake. Flex PVC has a smaller inside diameter then rigid PVC and can also restrict your pump. Is the flex PVC labeled ASTM D 1785?

Note that flex PVC has a minimum bend radius and can be kinked if bent too sharply. Minimum bend radius for 1 1/2" flex PVC is 5" and 2" flex PVC is 8".

Your filter pressure is 21 in the pic which is restricting your water flow.

Can you clarify? This is my pressure after I've backwashed, so I assumed this is my normal pressure level

I couldn't find the model number of the pump, the manual the previous owner left me mentions Hayward HP40B/HP50B/HP65B.

The flex PVC is labeled TIGERFLEX F42MCR 309192H.

Re; the radius: I was not sure how to calculate it, but I took a quick picture of my pump.