Hello, I am have an issue with 2 pools we service. Both pool have the same pump and same suction side cleaner. In both cases once the cleaner or our vac line is connected either the skimmer or vac port the pumps lose flow. We get about 25 percent of the pot full when connected. With the vacs removed the pot is full. Pump is the superflo vsf. We have tried various speeds. We have tried bypassing the filter to rule it out. All with no increase is flow. There is not enough flow to efficiently vac or run the MX8. I am leaning toward a crack in the lines or a failed joint. Works fine when under normal pressure but once pressure is increased with a vac hose it allows air….? Both a 2” lines. Both are brand new pools so this is odd. Any ideas?
Issue with 2 new pools and suction cleaners
- Thread starter Lcpoolman
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,717
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum. Here is bump to find those still using suction side cleaners -----
- May 23, 2015
- 25,717
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
In my pool, I never pull 100% on the vacuum port line as that is a recipe for killing a pump. Most vac lines are only 1-1/2” PVC and incapable of supporting enough flow on their own to feed a pump. I run my suction side diverter valve so that the skimmer/vac line is about 1/3rd on the skimmer and 2/3rds on the vacuum line. With that setting there is sufficient enough flow from both sources to keep the pump full at my programmed speeds.
If you plug the cleaner into the skimmer port then you need to use an in-line diverter valve that allows the skimmer to have some of the suction or else you’ll cause the same problem.
If you plug the cleaner into the skimmer port then you need to use an in-line diverter valve that allows the skimmer to have some of the suction or else you’ll cause the same problem.