New to all this - pump backflow and cleaning basket etc

[ccfc1986]

Hey Guys,
I am new to owning a pool having recently (back in Jan) purchased a home with an above ground pool. Some the the known details about my setup are in the profile (as i believe that is the norm/expectation.. as i learn more about the pieces, i will add more).

I recently had a company come out and set up all the pieces - having never owned a pool, i was unsure, and wanted someone to show me what/where etc.

I have a 18' above ground pool with a wide mouth skimmer. That goes into my pump (has a shut off valve before it), and from there there is another value (filter/waste) prior to going into the filter. From the filter it goes into my gas heater. And from there into the pool.

- Pump: Hayward - SW15851X20TL (Model#)
- Filter: Hayward (unknown model - will try to get this)
- Heater: Hayward (unknown model - will try to get this)

The issue i am having is that when I need to clean the filter - I have no good way to prevent water from continuously flowing. I unplugged the eye socket in the inlet from the heater, and can plug that. And then shut off the white valve (prior to the pump/basket). This previously worked - and I could clean the pump basket without issue. However, this last time, water continuously flowed up and out of the pump basket area. Could the check (if that is what its called) valve from the filter->pump when switched to 'waste' with a plug - not be sealing correctly? Or the white one? Is there an easy way to check/fix this?

Also, whenever i turn off the pump - i get a lot of flow back from the pump, which blows out the basket from the skimmer. From what I have read here - that could be caused by an air leak on the pump input side? Is this correct? Should i take apart all the pieces and redo the teflon sealant / tape to make a better seal?

Any thoughts or assistance would be appreciated. I am currently getting my water back into shape - as the previous owner left it in quite a shape....

Thanks again!

 

[Texas Splash]

"CC", welcome to TFP! So whenever you need to do maintenance on the pad to open the pump basket or clean the filter, you need to close flow from both ends (suction and pressure). You have that white valve in front of the pump that shuts off the suction side. That's good. But I can't tell if there is a valve on the outgoing pressure end of the filter from the pic. If there is no shut-off valve after the filter, you will need to improvise to block the line and prevent water from pouring back from the return jet side to the filter. You can block it off at teh heater, or place something in the pool return jet perhaps. Hopefully that makes sense. But if you have more questions just let us know.

 

[ccfc1986]

First off, thank you for the welcome! What a great resource this is to find.

Makes sense. And I use a winterizing plug to prevent the flow. I'm having someone help me redo all the lines next week... And install new valves both before the pump and after the filter. I will also replace the valve between the pump and the filter (it's one that says filter and waste).

My concern right now... When I turn the pump off (2 HP pump I just checked)... I get a significant amount of water flow back out and up into the skimmer. This pushed the filter and any waste back out and into the pool. Is this expected behavior?

To get around this, I pull out the basket before turning the pump off. This causes some air to enter the skimmer. I wait about 30 seconds for the pump basket to clear of air and then shut it down. Is this okay? I'm looking for any and all advice!

Lastly, this pump (single speed) is pretty darn loud. It sounds like an older AC unit in volume (best thing I could compare it to...). Is this normal for the size etc? Would it be worth while upgrading / switching to a variable pump? I know it works...but I'm wary about aggrevating my neighbor (who also has a pool but his pump is much less noisy!) And if I'm using the pool, and have people on my primary deck it seems like it may be a little distracting. Am I being petty? Probably. But again just curious on everyone's thoughts/advice.

Once again, thanks for the kind welcome, and the response.

 

[Texas Splash]

When I turn the pump off (2 HP pump I just checked)... I get a significant amount of water flow back out and up into the skimmer.

So yes, that sounds like an air leak somewhere in the system. Air gets pulled "IN" and moves water around. This may be something you resolve when you re-do all the lines, but if not, you'll need to look closely at all lines, clamps, fitting, and even the filter itself (i.e. pressure gauge) for any signs of an air leak. You might hear a hissing sound or see water spit-out when the system is turned off, but it does sound like air is getting sucked inward.

As for the pump, single speeds are just energy hogs and being phased out. You can do some research and either replace that motor with a 2-speed motor so you can keep it on low most of the time, or you could upgrade to a VSP. Check with your local electric company as some of them offer rebates for such products.

 

[ccfc1986]

As for the pump, single speeds are just energy hogs and being phased out. You can do some research and either replace that motor with a 2-speed motor so you can keep it on low most of the time, or you could upgrade to a VSP. Check with your local electric company as some of them offer rebates for such products.

For my size pool, a 1.65 HP variable speed pump would be more than sufficient right? I have an 18' round above ground with 48' height i believe. That equates to something like 7700 gallons (or so?). I found a couple of coupons/rebates for $100 off an above ground VSP through my local utility through my research. I will definitely be using this to help the cost outlay on that. Thanks for the recommendation.

For the connections that are all threaded pvc, the best practice is to use only teflon sealant tape, correct?

For the corrugated pipes - these clamp onto the system in 4 places. From the skimmer to the pump, then the heater to the inlet back to the pool. These are attached with metal clamps that screw tight. Is there anything extra that can be done other than give them all another 1/4 turn or something to make sure they are flush/right. On these connections - i notice NO water leakage currently.

I notice a water leak from the PVC piece that the clamp connects to at the pump side - this is the one i was going to take out today and redo with teflon (see above question/clarification). Hopefully that solves the leak and the air getting into the system. I did notice that when the pump is running the pressure in filter stays at about 12 PSI - when I open the air bleed on the top, i don't get water immediately. My expectation is that i should have water immediately upon opening this - assuming the pump has been running for a period of time? Correct? This seems to indicate there is indeed a air bleed into the system, causing it to be less efficient and its this air bubble that gets released/expands when the system is turned off.

Thanks again for your response. I very much appreciate it.

 

[Texas Splash]

The 1.65 VSP should be fine. For threaded connections, Teflon tape is certainly one choice and easy to use. Some may use plumbers dope/putty, but try the tape first. A good 3-4 wraps. Some fittings have a small O-ring in there, so look for those (if installed). Nothing really much to do with those stainless steel clamps. They may hold well for a while then relax a bit later, or the hose gets crimped and allows air in. Just something to monitor. Your filter will almost always burp some air over time. I can expel all the air in the morning, then a few hours later the filter retains some more that I can release. That's okay. That's what it's there for.

 

[ccfc1986]

I fixed the air leak. So that is a proud moment! I just used 3/4 wraps of the tape and it was good to go (so far no leaks!). I had read that plumbers dope should be avoided - but i was unsure - so went with a known entity to me, which was the tape!

Trying to figure out a VSP replacement. Will go do some research and see what i find there!

Again - THANK YOU.