I just installed a Pentair 342001 Superflo Pump. The pump is losing it's prime on lower rpm's. The installation instructions said that there should be 5 x suction pipe diameter in front of the pump. I have 1.5 inch piping. That would make the distant 7.5 inches. My length is 3 inches. Do you think this is why the pump is not functioning properly.
Pump Losing Prime
- Thread starter daveo39
- Start date
Does it actually lose prime and stop pumping, or do you just see air in the pump strainer basket?
A lot of people have reported air in the basket on low speed. As long as there's still water flowing, it's normal and nothing to panic about.
A lot of people have reported air in the basket on low speed. As long as there's still water flowing, it's normal and nothing to panic about.
The water is barely flowing into the basket. The basket doesn't fill. There is air in the system at the high speed start, so I bled the filter at startup. I am concerned that I don't have enough straight pipe in front of the pump, although the old pump worked fine. Adding additional pipe is going to be a pain.
The straight pipe is not a problem that is an old recommendation based on the old style pumps that does not make any sense with the newer pump designs. Your problem is that you have an air leak somewhere on the suction side. There is an article in pool school about locating suction side leaks.
I don't think the length of pipe will be the issue.
When the pump is running say around 2000 rpm for 10 minutes, is there still air(or shloshing bubbles) in the pump basket?
When you shut the pump off, does all the water drain from the pump basket?
When the pump is running say around 2000 rpm for 10 minutes, is there still air(or shloshing bubbles) in the pump basket?
When you shut the pump off, does all the water drain from the pump basket?
Yes there are sloshing bubbles, but water doesn't drain completely when I turn the pump off. The led on the pump basket is extremely tight. So much so that I had to use a rubber mallet to loosen it. I'll check out Pool School. Thanks for all your help. I'm glad that I don't have to move that pump back.
hand tight only. Sounds like you have a suction side leak. Pool School will help you.
