Pentair Superflo basket doesn't prime after cold snap

[masonea]

Firstly, my sand filter did not survive the recent power outage and cold snap. So, I bypassed my filter through the Hayward Multiport, but I cannot seem to get my pump to fully prime.

After our power came back on, I went out to assess the damage. There is a huge crack, and evidence that the water leaked out of the filter. The pump and multiport were frozen as well. However, I did not see any evidence that water leaked out from anywhere else in the system, besides the pressure gauge glass was cracked.

I have since been able to set the multiport to "Recirculate". Disassembled/Inspected/Reassembled the pump, and everything runs fine. No loss in water level. However, it took FOREVER to get the pump to prime. But yet, it still has not primed to fully fill the basket. I can see that the suction side of the pump looks to be receiving full water flow, with no bubbles. However, there are bubble coming our of the returns. I cannot hear any whistling of any kind, nor see any water leaking from any joints or seals.

I have a heater I had planned to install this spring, and I do not want to have to go back and redo the plumbing 2-3 more times.

Question #1 Is my Multiport shot?

Question #2 Will my pump not fully prime when bypassing the filter? (I do not see why it wouldn't, but figured I would ask)

Question #3 Since I am replacing the filter anyway, I am looking to switch from the Hayward S-240, and go with the Pentair Clean & Clear 420, so I will be removing the Multiport, and installing a 3-way valve. Do I go ahead and just get a new pump while I'm at it?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,
Erik

 

[ajw22]

The filter is on the pressure side of the pump and leaks will not cause priming problems.

Look on the suction side of the pump for leaks.

I see diverter valves on the suction side of the pump. Check those for cracks. Failure to prime is due to the pump sucking air instead of water through cracks or bad O rings.

 

[jocko755]

I think I have the same issue. I notice that one of the rim teeth that holds your pump basket lid down is cracked and smaller. Could this make it easy for the pump to suck air around the lid?

 

[jocko755]

 

[jocko755]

I would suspect this is NOT a good seal anymore.

 

[1poolman1]

Firstly, my sand filter did not survive the recent power outage and cold snap. So, I bypassed my filter through the Hayward Multiport, but I cannot seem to get my pump to fully prime.

After our power came back on, I went out to assess the damage. There is a huge crack, and evidence that the water leaked out of the filter. The pump and multiport were frozen as well. However, I did not see any evidence that water leaked out from anywhere else in the system, besides the pressure gauge glass was cracked.

I have since been able to set the multiport to "Recirculate". Disassembled/Inspected/Reassembled the pump, and everything runs fine. No loss in water level. However, it took FOREVER to get the pump to prime. But yet, it still has not primed to fully fill the basket. I can see that the suction side of the pump looks to be receiving full water flow, with no bubbles. However, there are bubble coming our of the returns. I cannot hear any whistling of any kind, nor see any water leaking from any joints or seals.

I have a heater I had planned to install this spring, and I do not want to have to go back and redo the plumbing 2-3 more times.

Question #1 Is my Multiport shot?

Question #2 Will my pump not fully prime when bypassing the filter? (I do not see why it wouldn't, but figured I would ask)

Question #3 Since I am replacing the filter anyway, I am looking to switch from the Hayward S-240, and go with the Pentair Clean & Clear 420, so I will be removing the Multiport, and installing a 3-way valve. Do I go ahead and just get a new pump while I'm at it?

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,
Erik


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Get a new pump. The broken part of the basket is not allowing the lid O ring to seal properly.

 

[jocko755]

If the motor is still good, you can replace the pump pot volute and cam lid for about $ 300 in parts. Four 9/16 screws and two pic collars and it's an easy job.

This was a problem with my pump housing too. Just replaced it - solved the bubbles. Everything air tight! Here you can see by the highlights - the pieces of teeth that broke off while frozen. Making a tight seal impossible. Good luck.

If your motor is good, you just need to replace the volute housing and cam lid. Its an easy fix. 10 minutes tops

 

[jocko755]

And get those leaves off the bottom of the pool - they're likely blocking the floor outlets and make sure the skimmers are clear

 

[masonea]

I think I have the same issue. I notice that one of the rim teeth that holds your pump basket lid down is cracked and smaller. Could this make it easy for the pump to suck air around the lid?

curious about that myself. So, I got close to it to see if I could hear anything whistling, or hissing. Nada

 

[masonea]

And get those leaves off the bottom of the pool - they're likely blocking the floor outlets and make sure the skimmers are clear

I have. Was concerned about that as well. Has not resolved anything. Thanks!

 

[masonea]

If the motor is still good, you can replace the pump pot volute and cam lid for about $ 300 in parts. Four 9/16 screws and two pic collars and it's an easy job.

This was a problem with my pump housing too. Just replaced it - solved the bubbles. Everything air tight! Here you can see by the highlights - the pieces of teeth that broke off while frozen. Making a tight seal impossible. Good luck.

If your motor is good, you just need to replace the volute housing and cam lid. Its an easy fix. 10 minutes tops

Might give that a try. $300 is a lot better than $1800! Thanks

 

[jocko755]

I couldn't hear any hissing either. I put a sheet of plastic over the lid with a zip tie to see if that would seal or cause the plastic to suck tight, and Nada. But it definitely WAS corrected by changing the Pump Pot Housing and Cam Lid. Depending on the age and life of your pump - you shouldn't have to replace the whole pump. Good luck.

 

[generessler]

The filter is on the pressure side of the pump and leaks will not cause priming problems.

Look on the suction side of the pump for leaks.

I totally agree this is most likely. But priming problems can also be due to blockage on the pressure side. It's barely possible that when the filter broke, pieces and/or sand caused a downstream problem. Not likely, but worth checking.

 

[masonea]

***Update***

I replaced the basket housing and some of the O-rings. That did the trick!

However, now my pump motor is making more noise than before. I’m going to disassemble everything again and try to see what’s going on.

Thanks for all of the help!

Erik