Proper water level in pump

[shaneymack]

I have a Hayward Tristar VS 1.85 hp that was installed yesterday. The water seems to keep getting lower in the pump. It was around 3/4" from top yesterday and today was around 1.5"-2".
Does anyone have any idea what could cause this ?

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

At what RPM are you running it at?

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

The most likely cause is a small suction side air leak..

What speed are you running?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[shaneymack]

I believe it set it to run at 2200 rpm 24 hours a day.

At what RPM are you running it at?

S,

The most likely cause is a small suction side air leak..

What speed are you running?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

A different pump, but I run my IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM, 24/7 and get a few small bubbles..

I just went out and looked.. My pump basket is full right up to the clear lid, except for 5 bubbles about the size and thickness of a nickle at 1250 RPM... No way would I expect there to be 1 or 2 inches of air between the water and the pump lid.

The number one air leak spot is right at the pump basket O-ring.. Make sure it is well lubed and the lid is snug..

Keep in mind the pump works because it creates a vacuum to suck water from the pool.. It will also suck in air at any open joint, gasket, or O-ring, if it can..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[shaneymack]

S,

A different pump, but I run my IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM, 24/7 and get a few small bubbles..

I just went out and looked.. My pump basket is full right up to the clear lid, except for 5 bubbles about the size and thickness of a nickle at 1250 RPM... No way would I expect there to be 1 or 2 inches of air between the water and the pump lid.

The number one air leak spot is right at the pump basket O-ring.. Make sure it is well lubed and the lid is snug..

Keep in mind the pump works because it creates a vacuum to suck water from the pool.. It will also suck in air at any open joint, gasket, or O-ring, if it can..

Thanks,

Jim R.

I'm not sure the cover o ring was ever lube at all. It was all installed and setup yesterday.
The pool store can only send a guy next week. Is there something I can do in the meantime to help the situation? Just stop the pump a few times a day and let it do the 8 minute prime ?

 

[mknauss]

At least check to see that the lid is tight. If you can get some pool lube, turn the pump off and remove the lid and lubricate the gasket.

 

[shaneymack]

At least check to see that the lid is tight. If you can get some pool lube, turn the pump off and remove the lid and lubricate the gasket.

I had already tightened the lid as much as I could. I'll get some lube tomorrow and call Hayward and see if they have any suggestions. Thank you

 

[Richard320]

Also check the water level.

Low water and/or a sticking weir and/or a more powerful pump than in the past and you could be sucking air in with a vortex.

 

[shaneymack]

Also check the water level.

Low water and/or a sticking weir and/or a more powerful pump than in the past and you could be sucking air in with a vortex.

Do you mean to check the water level of the pool ? Its pouring rain outside and the water is about 1" from the top of the skimmer.

 

[KandTFromPhx]

I would also check the pump basket cover as well (where it meets with the gasket). My cover had a factory defect allowing air to get past the gasket.

 

[shaneymack]

I would also check the pump basket cover as well (where it meets with the gasket). My cover had a factory defect allowing air to get past the gasket.

Do you have the same pump? Were you able to fix it or they replace the pump ?

 

[shaneymack]

I noticed that one of the water returns (the one farthest from the pump, not sure if that is relevant) seems to have some air bubbles coming out of it. Not sure if this helps diagnose the problem.

 

[duraleigh]

It is not the cause of your air leak but please do not overtighten the pump basket lid. Hand "snug" is all that is required to seal it correctly.

Have you read THIS article?

 

[jimmythegreek]

Do you have a SWG? With a vs pump running 24/7 you will always have air bubbles and it will get worst. Theres no need to run like that. 8 hrs a day is plenty. I run 8 hrs at 1200 rpms I can run less only use it more for solar

 

[shaneymack]

It is not the cause of your air leak but please do not overtighten the pump basket lid. Hand "snug" is all that is required to seal it correctly.

Have you read THIS article?

Wish I knew that 10 mins ago. I just slammed it shut with all my might. LOL

 

[shaneymack]

Do you have a SWG? With a vs pump running 24/7 you will always have air bubbles and it will get worst. Theres no need to run like that. 8 hrs a day is plenty. I run 8 hrs at 1200 rpms I can run less only use it more for solar

I cannot run at 1200 rpms because the heater shuts off.

 

[shaneymack]

.

Have you read THIS article?

I just read the article, thank you. I will go through the list tomorrow. I really hope it's not underground. If I cant find it by going through that list the pool store guys will have to come back and investigate.
I guess it makes no sense to call Hayward?
Also, can I burn the pump out running it like this ?

 

[KandTFromPhx]

Do you have the same pump? Were you able to fix it or they replace the pump ?

No, I have a PureLine pump, but the same would hold true for any pump. If there is a problem with the gasket, or with the sealing edge you could get an air leak. Just like having piece of foreign matter (like a twig or something) caught between the gasket and the cover.

-Ken

 

[jimmythegreek]

VS pumps build air bubbles as they run slower than top speeds. If I ran mine 24/7 I would have same issue. you have a heat pump I assume? You would just need to run fast enough to satisfy the flow switch. And then you should still break down the run time into two sessions ao the pump can reprime in between the temporary shutdowns to keep pump full