Pump Flow Reduced?

[manfacro]

Hi all,

I've been noticing my system seems to take longer to prime and push out bubbles on startup.

I have cleaned my filter, checked skimmer and pump baskets and all are clean.

The slow prime seems to be worse when it starts up with the solar heater...which makes sense because that's where all the air would be.

I know my motor is on the way out due to bearings being a little louder at times and having water ingress after a bad shaft seal. It’s on my list to replace I be next few months, but since this has been a known issue before the prime issue... don’t want to point a finger at it right away.

System has no leaks, water or air, and the SWG was cleaned recently too.

 

[mas985]

First, the pump basket should not drain when the pump is turned off. If the pump is priming every time it is turned on, then there is likely a suction side leak. This can also increase the time it takes to prime. Also, debris stuck in the impeller can lengthen the time for priming.

 

[manfacro]

First, the pump basket should not drain when the pump is turned off. If the pump is priming every time it is turned on, then there is likely a suction side leak. This can also increase the time it takes to prime. Also, debris stuck in the impeller can lengthen the time for priming.

The basket doesn’t drain, the solar system in the roof does. It has a vacuum breaker (I believe that’s what it’s called) that’ll drain the panels when the pump shuts off.

The system always has air on startup with the panels, just takes about 3x longer as of the last couple months.

 

[mas985]

Is the running filter pressure the same as before? If it is lower than it use to be, then that could indicate a suction side blockage, impeller or otherwise. That would reduce the flow rate and panel priming would take longer.