In opening this year, we discovered our 11 yr old Hayward 2 hp Super Pump was locked up. We replaced the motor only, as the pump housing and all were still solid. We did replace the o rings and gaskets though, including the pump basket ring. However, we can not get it to prime. We have done the laundry list of due diligence:
1 checked for cracks in housing
2 made sure all plugs and connections were tight
3 lubed all union o rings
4 used soap bubbles to test every joint on suction side for air leaks
5 used garden hose to spray water from the pump to each skimmer and drain to make sure there was no blockage or air lock
6 started pump with all valves closed, but immediately opening only 1 skimmer slightly to get the prime
7 tried #6 with the other skimmer line and drain line independently
8 started pump with all valves slightly open/completely open
Everything worked perfectly before closing last year, though we knew the motor was iffy. The only change we have made was that mid summer last year, we changed from a sand filter to a cartridge filter. But it worked great the whole rest of the summer. This year, we added a 3 way valve between the pump and the filter to be able to vacuum to waste, and for easier draining at closing. It is a brand new valve from our local pool store, we made sure it was working correctly before we installed it. There are no leaks in the new lines/joints where we installed it.
I am at a complete loss. I feel like it has to be something simple, is there anything we missed?
Pictures for reference.
1 checked for cracks in housing
2 made sure all plugs and connections were tight
3 lubed all union o rings
4 used soap bubbles to test every joint on suction side for air leaks
5 used garden hose to spray water from the pump to each skimmer and drain to make sure there was no blockage or air lock
6 started pump with all valves closed, but immediately opening only 1 skimmer slightly to get the prime
7 tried #6 with the other skimmer line and drain line independently
8 started pump with all valves slightly open/completely open
Everything worked perfectly before closing last year, though we knew the motor was iffy. The only change we have made was that mid summer last year, we changed from a sand filter to a cartridge filter. But it worked great the whole rest of the summer. This year, we added a 3 way valve between the pump and the filter to be able to vacuum to waste, and for easier draining at closing. It is a brand new valve from our local pool store, we made sure it was working correctly before we installed it. There are no leaks in the new lines/joints where we installed it.
I am at a complete loss. I feel like it has to be something simple, is there anything we missed?
Pictures for reference.
Sounds like you covered most of the basic air leak areas. I'm assuming that includes those stainless steel bands around the black poly correct? Those can be tricky. I'm curious about #6 though. I might close a drain line since it's so deep and longer, but I would try and prime with at least a skimmer wide open. First fill the pump pot full of water, replace the lid, then crank it up. If the water gets sucked out and doesn't refill, repeat. Do that 3, 4, 5 times if necessary. It may take that many times to fill the suction line. Once you prime from one skimmer (the closest one), then slowly open the other suction sources.
