- Aug 4, 2022
- 4
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Autopilot Total Control PPC1
Hi Everyone!
We are in the process of moving into a home with a pool. There is a large, but not leaking, crack which led us down the route to resurface due to the age and the condition of the plaster. My main concerns now are around the plumbing, filter, and pump. Admittedly we don't know what we are doing or where to begin troubleshooting. Hopefully, we included enough information to start a conversation to better understand and care for our pool. The previous owner admitted that she did not care for the pool and rarely used it, which the condition backs this up.
First, a list of the equipment:
15k gal in-ground pool with above-ground waterfall spa
Hayward Cartridge Filter (model unknown as the sticker peeled and faded)
The pump is T55CXCRW-1602 @2.25HP and runs noon to 9 pm daily
SWG Autopilot ST-220 with SC-36 Cell
Blower motor of unknown specs to produce bubbles for the spa.
Current chemical levels:
PH: 8.2
BR: ~3
CL: 1.5
Salt: unknown until I get the test kit later
Image link
Problems that we noticed:
Google drive link
I appreciate any help you can provide.
We are in the process of moving into a home with a pool. There is a large, but not leaking, crack which led us down the route to resurface due to the age and the condition of the plaster. My main concerns now are around the plumbing, filter, and pump. Admittedly we don't know what we are doing or where to begin troubleshooting. Hopefully, we included enough information to start a conversation to better understand and care for our pool. The previous owner admitted that she did not care for the pool and rarely used it, which the condition backs this up.
First, a list of the equipment:
15k gal in-ground pool with above-ground waterfall spa
Hayward Cartridge Filter (model unknown as the sticker peeled and faded)
The pump is T55CXCRW-1602 @2.25HP and runs noon to 9 pm daily
SWG Autopilot ST-220 with SC-36 Cell
Blower motor of unknown specs to produce bubbles for the spa.
Current chemical levels:
PH: 8.2
BR: ~3
CL: 1.5
Salt: unknown until I get the test kit later
Image link
Problems that we noticed:
- The autopilot control head is blinking, indicating that the salt content is too low (2 service light blinks - link). We added a 50lb bag of pool salt last week but didn't have a salt test. According to the bag, we need four bags of salt to reach the recommended level. The pool supply store said we could rely on the salt cell for monitoring the level. We can remediate this with a proper test and adding the necessary salt to bring ppm up. Pool service has been supplementing chlorine since it was so low to start.
- The pool filter hangs around 5psi (see link for photos). I am not sure that is enough since I recall reading around 10psi is normal. I opened up the filter last night and cleaned the cartridges until I can get replacements.
- The pump loses prime each night. We have already replaced the check valve since the spa drains each time the pump is off down to the level of the pump. This did not remediate the issue, and each time the pump is turned off, the spa drains partially, and the pump loses prime. When manually filling the pump filter basket to start prime, water empties and never fills. I am at a loss as to what to check to diagnose the problem. Images and video are in the link below. We notice a lot of bubbles from two of the six return jets, likely from the air in the pump.
- When vacuuming via the skimmer, eventually, the pump loses all prime, and the filter basket empties. All you can see in the filter basket is water flowing like a waterfall into the bottom of the pump. Could this be a blockage in the line causing suction issues?
- Pump noise, not sure if this is normal. The video is linked for reference.
Google drive link
I appreciate any help you can provide.