- Aug 19, 2018
- 938
- Pool Size
- 23000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45
So, here's my layout, showing all the Pentair diverters used:
The three right diverters (closed) come from the skimmers and the deep end.
The three left (open) go to the jets.
The one single allows for discharge to waste before it gets to the filter (waste line closed in the pic).
(The loop by the SWCG is just because the heater is dead, and waiting for an install).
Pump looses prime at low speeds. Filter self empties, when at lower speeds. With system off, a full filter gurgles, and rapidly fills with air.
Placing my hand over the waste pipe end (obscured in the photo) and I get a pretty good suction as the filter self drains. The waste diverter is closed, as in the pic. With the six inputs/outputs closed, draining and suction stop.
So it appears the bad boy is that Pentair diverter for the waste line. No water leaks when under pressure, but allows air in when not pressurized. And it has to be a fair amount of pressure, since the system runs dry at lower speeds.
I, of course, will take it apart to see if there is any debris in it. And apply lube.
When new, this valve did leak water. A call to the installer, and they replaced all the guts, but not the housing. No more leak.
Operated well all last year, so too late for another call back.
Should I just embrace the pain, and replace the whole thing (which means filter fitting too, since there is not room to splice in)?
Any other advice?
(apologies for the lack of cleanup - was gone over the winter, and just arrived back a few days ago - so whole yard winter leaf/debris cleanup is in process!)

The three right diverters (closed) come from the skimmers and the deep end.
The three left (open) go to the jets.
The one single allows for discharge to waste before it gets to the filter (waste line closed in the pic).
(The loop by the SWCG is just because the heater is dead, and waiting for an install).
Pump looses prime at low speeds. Filter self empties, when at lower speeds. With system off, a full filter gurgles, and rapidly fills with air.
Placing my hand over the waste pipe end (obscured in the photo) and I get a pretty good suction as the filter self drains. The waste diverter is closed, as in the pic. With the six inputs/outputs closed, draining and suction stop.
So it appears the bad boy is that Pentair diverter for the waste line. No water leaks when under pressure, but allows air in when not pressurized. And it has to be a fair amount of pressure, since the system runs dry at lower speeds.
I, of course, will take it apart to see if there is any debris in it. And apply lube.
When new, this valve did leak water. A call to the installer, and they replaced all the guts, but not the housing. No more leak.
Operated well all last year, so too late for another call back.
Should I just embrace the pain, and replace the whole thing (which means filter fitting too, since there is not room to splice in)?
Any other advice?
(apologies for the lack of cleanup - was gone over the winter, and just arrived back a few days ago - so whole yard winter leaf/debris cleanup is in process!)

Last edited: