Prime the pump everytime(pics attached)

[mas985]

Now, since I drained the entire pool, do you think I need to put more water before I start the pump. I am having tough time, but I wont give up, because all of you are with me in this.

Assuming that you have now refilled the pool and the water level is at mid-skimmer, you need to add water to the pump basket before turning it on. Also, check the skimmer weir door and make sure it isn't stuck. The pump may be sucking air via the skimmer.

 

[stev32k]

You also need to check the strainer cover o-ring - No. 5 on the diagram. They get hard and brittle and will not seal after awhile. I have to replace mine about every two years.

 

[fatboysam]

what is the best place to buy pool parts, I am planning to change CX400G i.e. number 5 , thanks

 

[stev32k]

I would just take the old one out and go a pool store and say I want one of these. Can't imagine it would be more than $5 or $6.

 

[fatboysam]

Ok i am again back to this project this weekend, and I HAVE TO FIX IT THIS WEEKEND :-D I am engineer, so love trouble shooting and never give up( I try).
After priming the pool manually, the pump was running at 60% of it's capacity, I can easily see a lot of Air in the Leaf vacum basket and also in the pump strainer lid. If I turn off the pump then I see a lot of water spitting out of Leaf vacum lid. Is this normal OR this is the entire cause of problem ? Do you think the O-ring is bad for this lid ?

Please checkout the video at following link, please note when my son turns off the pump, the water comes out with so much pressure:

http://youtu.be/XgzEYoAYAmM

 

[DBfan187]

yeah I'd replace that o-ring ASAP

 

[mas985]

You can remove the pump lid seal and look for any cracks. I found that you can tighten and loosen the lid much easier if the pump is running so the lid may not be fully seated.

Also, since the leaf basket leaks a lot of water out, it may be leaking a lot of air in as well.

 

[fatboysam]

If I turn off the pump then I see a lot of water spitting out of Leaf vacum lid. Is this normal OR this is the entire cause of problem ? Do you think the O-ring is bad for this lid ?

Northstars are notorious for squirting water. Mine does that as well and I have no air leaks. The pump lid seems to have been made to seal on suction but not pressure. However, the lid seal needs to be in good condition and well lubed in order to seal properly. Also, I found that you can tighten and loosen the lid much easier if the pump is running so the lid may not be fully seated.

Ok, I will check, The Lid says "Align to Scure", But I after applying full force I still see some gap, I don't know if that's normal or not ?

 

[mas985]

Sorry about that. I realized after I posted that, it was the leaf canister that was squirting instead of the pump so I corrected my post.

But yes it is sometimes hard to fully seat the Northstar lid so I usually completely close the lid while the pump is on. But I would check that leaf canister. It seems like a likely source.

 

[stev32k]

Couple of questions - how do you know the pump is running at 60% capacity? Do you have a valve on the discharge side of the pump? If you do have a valve or some way of restricting the discharge try cutting back the discharge and see if the air is still present after it has run for an hour or so.

Another trick is to use food coloring around the joints. Mix a good strong solution in a squeeze bottle and spurt some around the all the joints one at a time while watching the inlet strainer. If the color shows up in the strainer you know there is a leak.

 

[fatboysam]

Again, I need more help, while fixing this thing, I broke the Leaf basket (Extra strainer before the pump), please see my first post with Pics. I called the home warranty company, they told me they won't cover it because it's part of the skimmer , Do you think this Leaf basket will be considered part of the skimmer ? Please help, I am so upset rite now

 

[mas985]

I would consider it separate from the skimmer but I think the distinction they are making is that it may not be part of the equipment that is covered. Look over the warranty contract and see exactly what is listed as part of the coverage.

 

[fatboysam]

This what the warranty says under covered section, I will post the NOT covered section later.

""Mechanical parts and components as follows: Above ground accessible piping lines leading to and from the unit; filters(housings, laterals, pressure gauges, back flush valves); gaskets; primary circulator pump and motor; and relays and impellers. In no event shall we be liable for claims in excess of $2,500 in the aggregate, per calendar year from the agreement effective date."

 

[fatboysam]

Here is what warranty says about not covered items

"Automatic feeders and chemicals, chlorinatros;"creepy crawlers" and similar cleaning units; electrical lines; filter elements or media( Cartridges, grids and sand); heaters, jets, lighting;pop up heads and turbo valves; secondary/auxilary cleaning equipment and accesories including built-in or detachable cleaning equipment, skimmers; solar heaters and related components; conditions of water flow restriction dues to sediment(scale, minerals and other deposits); structure or shell of the pool; timer and remote control systems and their components; and inaccesible underground and or concrete encased plumbing"

 

[mas985]

secondary/auxilary cleaning equipment and accesories including built-in or detachable cleaning equipment

Unfortunately, I would put the leaf basket in this category. However, it should be fairly easy to fix.

 

[fatboysam]

secondary/auxilary cleaning equipment and accesories including built-in or detachable cleaning equipment

Unfortunately, I would put the leaf basket in this category. However, it should be fairly easy to fix.

Please see the pics of broken basket. I already paid $100 deductible to warranty company, I should have asked you guys before doing this stupid thing, Anyways now what do you think I have to do fix this mess. Thanks a lot

 

[carlscan26]

I'd ditch it and replumb directly to the pump

 

[fatboysam]

I'd ditch it and replumb directly to the pump

I agree with you, can you tell me how much shall I expect to pay for this job ?

 

[mas985]

Have you ever worked with PVC before? It wouldn't be that hard to fix yourself.

 

[fatboysam]

You know what results I gave using my previous job ... lol... I don't want to risk it anymore... I got a quote of $100 from a contractor including labor/parts.. do you think it's reasonable ?