No circulation unless pump is on boost.

Jun 28, 2018
45
Iowa
Pool Size
10200
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello,

I have had the least smooth open in my 4 years now. I am on day 3 of SLAM and could just start to see the lowest step.

My pump is a new in 2020 doheny VS pump. It sounds normal but has no to very little suction at the skimmer and no pressure from the returns unless it is on boost. On clean or eco, there isn’t even enough pressure to skim if set to skim only. My filter is showing normal psi of about 8 when on clean or eco, I pressure washer and scrubbed it just today.

There has always been small bubbles from the first return and I suddenly am now having issues getting the pump basket to fill entirely, however this was doing this prior. I do presume it is related.

Yesterday I went to bed with it running fine and woke up with no movement at all. Reset it, went to work, came back to no movement.

Any ideas?
 
Last edited:
It could be a clog in the line, clogged impeller, suction side leak, a partially broken line underground. It’s hard not being there and knowing the history. Is 8 psi normal on a lower speed or just the high speed? You said there isn’t enough pressure to skim if it’s on skim only does the pressure change between main drain and skimmer?
Heavy duty bladder comes in handy in so many ways. It can help find leaks underground, intake leaks become more obvious and it clears clogs.
12BD2E9A-3788-48FF-8892-F92FA91B487D.jpeg
Maybe post pics and a video of pump running. We may be able to see something wrong.
 
I took some video today, will post as soon as I figure out how to, now I am unable to get the filter basket to fill fully on any speed. Also ordered the Flusher to give it a go, how do you utilize it to find leaks?

8psi is a hair higher than normal, but expected as I am still clearing out the green from opening on 5/27. Normally I am operating under 5psi on lower speeds. No pressure change between main drain and skim. I am sure I have a slight air leak somewhere as some bubbles from the first return are also normal (annoying but I have searched for 3 years now.
 
You stick it in the skimmer with the pump off and all valves open. It will make the intake pressurized and will usually show you where a leak is. If it’s underground usually you will start to see water running up from the ground. It’s just a good tool to have if you ever get a clog. Is it the first year with vs pump? Your sig says 3/4 hp is the vs 1.5? To unclog you run it in the filter pumps intake port back to skimmer but that is less likely since there is no psi change between md and skimmer. I would also check impeller.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Poolbreh

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.