Hayward pump not priming.

[The Todd]

I know there have many posts regarding pool pump priming and troubleshooting, but wanted to ask my question.

I had to redo some of the plumbing due to the neglect from the previous owners. I was able to vacuum the pool and it looked great. But... the pump was intermittently losing its prime. I replaced the the lid gasket and it ran great for a bout 5 days. Now, I can't get it to prime. I put the filter on recirculate, added water the basket (about a dozen times). When I turn the pump on, no movement in the skimmer and little water in the basket (with bubbles). When I turn the pump off, water then fills back into the basket. I do not have a main drain, just one line coming from the pool to the pump and one coming from the SWG to the pool. I've tried the water hose test.. nothing. I cannot find where my issue is coming from. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Texas Splash]

When you say water test, are you referring to checking the suction line for a blockage by pushing water forward and backwards? Did you lube the clear lid O-ring too?

 

[The Todd]

I should have clarified. I mean running a garden hose over the suction side tubing. I saw a video on here that showed someone doing that, no luck. I did lube the O ring as well.

 

[The Todd]

Also, I removed the pump and checked the impeller, all good there. I'm not the type of person that calls for service, if I feel I can fix it, but I do have someone coming tomorrow.

 

[Texas Splash]

In that case, I would check a couple things:
1 - Clean the filter (if possible). If it's sand and you can't even backwash, try running it on recirculate to see if it makes a difference. If water can't get past the filter, there's no where for it to go.
2 - Check the suction line. Perhaps you vacuumed something up and have a partial clog. Stuff a garden hose in the pump pot facing back to the pool and push water backwards. Then try to the other way around from skimmer to pump pot. Wrap a rag around the hose to try and create pressure. Or you can pick-up a small pressure bladder for a few bucks to give the line some good pressure. The thing we're trying to see is if there is a suction or pressure side restriction preventing water from flowing. If not, it may be down to the pump.

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[The Todd]

Thanks so much! The piping from the pool to the pump must have had some blockage. I never knew these drain bladders existed. This is the 2nd time you've save me...I owe you a beer or 2.