New pump leaks-please help

Mar 16, 2017
47
Austin TX
Pool Size
11700
Surface
Fiberglass
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-3)
Hello all,

We just installed our AGP today. Even tho it was only 93°, it felt like a scorcher, and my brain and body are fried. 12 hours after starting, I finally had to just stop for the night because we were out there with flashlights! The problem is that I was trying to install an Intex pump on a Bestway pool, the directions are all horrible, and this is my first time.

My biggest issue that I am asking for help with right now is that the leaf-catching basket is leaking where it connects to the pump. See pic. We opened it up, let the water drain out till it stopped, tightened the filter housing nut, dried the lid and O ring off, re-lubed it, and put it back on. It only drips like 1 drip every 15 seconds. Can I live with a leak like that? (Please just say yes ?). Or does this need to be addressed, and if so, what else do I do?

Other questions:

When I have to address something like this, do I always have to drain the pool to below the intakes? Or is there another way? I didn’t know about plunger valves till I started putting the pool together. Those seem REALLY handy! Would those solve that problem? I am going to guess you have to order those. So in the meantime, will my pool just start turning green? Actually, I don’t even know how to install those because I’m using the intake covers that came with the pool, and they have no threading to screw anything on to. Can they be clamped on?

Should I just call a professional?
 

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Well, you got that right. It's HOT! Woo. Well, for that drip, 1 drop like that may not be a deal breaker now, but it's hard to know if it will get worse over time. If that pump is new, I would call Intex or whomever you purchased it from to let them know. See if they may elect to replace it.

For the intakes, it's all about creativity without valves. Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought that if you opened the system somewhere at the pump where water would flow out of the pool (intakes), that the suction alone should hold a plug or something in place. Maybe I'm wrong. But there are rubber plugs online that you can order for a variety of openings like that.

Both of those are well within your own DIY skills. No need to waste money on someone to do that for you.. Save the money for more pool toys or a TF-100. :)
 
Thank you! Yes, the pool did come with plugs. Why didn't I think of that? lol Except I did cut the pool to fit the Intex return, so no plug will fit there, but I'm guessing that end won't be as big a deal as the intake holes.

I am ordering the kit now :)

Andrea
 
UPDATE! ? I took apart and put my pump back together with no leaks, AND the whole thing is working well!! I feel so proud of myself and accomplished!! We wound up with about a 1-inch variation. I’ll take that!! 111228
 
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