Pump basket not fully priming

[paganok21]

Hi,
I came home from being out of town for a week and it appears we got some good rain. My pool is about 2 miles inches from the top. That is the only thing that changed. I also pulled the vacuum out of the pool just to give it a rest.

Today I noticed that while the pump is priming for the pool, the basket is not fully filling with water. I’ve opened it, cleaned all baskets etc. I’ve also turned my air release valve on the cartridge filter body and it took awhile before water came out but even when it did, it didn’t blast out like normal. Apparently there is air in my lines somewhere.
When I run the spa filter, it fills the basket with water and seems to be fine.

Any suggestions on what I should do? Does it harm the pump if there is some air? I’ve attached pics. The basket is about 3” from the top filled but obviously no completely full like it would normally be after a prime.

 

[mas985]

When I run the spa filter, it fills the basket with water and seems to be fine.

What is the filter pressure in spa vs pool mode? If it is much lower in pool mode, then it could be a clogged line from the pool to the pump. Back flushing the line should release the debris.

 

[wireform]

Check the weir door at the skimmer to see if its not hanging up somehow.

 

[paganok21]

Check the weir door at the skimmer to see if its not hanging up somehow.

Thank you. The skimmer door is operating appropriately.

 

[paganok21]

What is the filter pressure in spa vs pool mode? If it is much lower in pool mode, then it could be a clogged line from the pool to the pump. Back flushing the line should release the debris.

Definitely lower in pool mode. I’m not sure what back flushing is (forgive my ignorance- I’m a newbie). I have cartridge filters so I don’t ‘backwash’ but I assume that is something different.

 

[mas985]

While in pool mode, remove the pump lid, insert a hose with a wet rag wrapped around it and turn on the hose. You are trying to force water backwards through the suction line to dislodge any debris that might be stuck in the lines.

 

[paganok21]

While in pool mode, remove the pump lid, insert a hose with a wet rag wrapped around it and turn on the hose. You are trying to force water backwards through the suction line to dislodge any debris that might be stuck in the lines.

Interesting! Should the filter be running (high or low?) while I do this? I was always under the impression that bad things would happen if I opened that lid while the pump was running.

 

[mas985]

No, the pump is off. You are simply using the pressure of the hose to push debris backwards out of the skimmer.

Note, the hose goes into the suction pipe that is attached to the pump basket. The rag is to seal the hose inside of the pipe to build pressure.

 

[paganok21]

No, the pump is off. You are simply using the pressure of the hose to push debris backwards out of the skimmer.

Note, the hose goes into the suction pipe that is attached to the pump basket. The rag is to seal the hose inside of the pipe to build pressure.

Whew okay, it threw me off when you said ‘while in pool mode’. awesome I will give it a try! Appreciate this!

 

[mas985]

What I meant by pool mode is that the valves need to be in the position for pool mode.

 

[paganok21]

What I meant by pool mode is that the valves need to be in the position for pool mode.

Ah, thanks for clarifying.

 

[1poolman1]

Hi,
I came home from being out of town for a week and it appears we got some good rain. My pool is about 2 miles inches from the top. That is the only thing that changed. I also pulled the vacuum out of the pool just to give it a rest.

Today I noticed that while the pump is priming for the pool, the basket is not fully filling with water. I’ve opened it, cleaned all baskets etc. I’ve also turned my air release valve on the cartridge filter body and it took awhile before water came out but even when it did, it didn’t blast out like normal. Apparently there is air in my lines somewhere.
When I run the spa filter, it fills the basket with water and seems to be fine.

Any suggestions on what I should do? Does it harm the pump if there is some air? I’ve attached pics. The basket is about 3” from the top filled but obviously no completely full like it would normally be after a prime.

That is the "infamous" TriStar (EcoStar, etc., same pump different motor) doesn't fill the basket. Some, rarely, do. Most don't including mine that has run that way for 12+ years. It is especially noticeable on lower speeds. When in pool mode the pump can push water out and through the system a little faster than it enters the pump and you see what appears to be air. It is actually an area of low pressure (vacuum) that won't hurt anything. When in spa mode the restriction of the jets slows the water enough to allow for the basket to fill.

If you can continually release air from your filter after running the system for a while, be sure the lid O ring is lubed. As the weather cools the lid O ring also becomes a bit harder and won't compress like in the warm weather. That's the first place to look for a suction leak. Then, be sure the bulkhead fitting on the inlet is tight. It, also, has an O ring that can loosen (shrink a bit) in cooler weather. Don't overtighten, it will crack the nut. Pump still may not fill in pool mode, but you won't be sucking air.

 

[paganok21]

That is the "infamous" TriStar (EcoStar, etc., same pump different motor) doesn't fill the basket. Some, rarely, do. Most don't including mine that has run that way for 12+ years. It is especially noticeable on lower speeds. When in pool mode the pump can push water out and through the system a little faster than it enters the pump and you see what appears to be air. It is actually an area of low pressure (vacuum) that won't hurt anything. When in spa mode the restriction of the jets slows the water enough to allow for the basket to fill.

If you can continually release air from your filter after running the system for a while, be sure the lid O ring is lubed. As the weather cools the lid O ring also becomes a bit harder and won't compress like in the warm weather. That's the first place to look for a suction leak. Then, be sure the bulkhead fitting on the inlet is tight. It, also, has an O ring that can loosen (shrink a bit) in cooler weather. Don't overtighten, it will crack the nut. Pump still may not fill in pool mode, but you won't be sucking air.

Thanks much! The fittings are tight and I lubed up the o’ring today. My pool is only a year old and has always filled full during prime so this concerned me today. Definitely reassuring to hear that this is common and not considered a problem. I’ll keep an eye on it but will stop worrying