Basic background..Inground 40k gallon L-Shape pool. Hayward pump and DE4820 filter. I bought a new Hayward variable speed pump, opened the pool and water was below jets, skimmer baskets but above light after being closed all winter. After adding enough water at opening took about 15 buckets of water into pump before getting a prime but only when main was open and skimmer return was closed. Pump must be on high, every time pump goes below high I lose prime and must add more water to get prime again and only with main open. Any time I try to open skimmer valve I lose prime. All jets are working but 4/6 are bubbling and clearly not running properly. I know something isn’t right and I’m guessing there is air/leak in a line. Not sure what to do next. Attached a picture from today. Tried to add a video of the jets but couldn’t. Thank you for any advice and please let me know if you need any more info. I have been able to the chemical perfect and swimable thanks to your kit.
Pump mystery please help
- Thread starter Thomasds3
- Start date
- Apr 10, 2018
- 6,509
- Pool Size
- 18375
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Welcome to TFP...
Any winterizing plugs in the skimmer? Make sure the water level is at least halfway up the mouth of the skimmer and weir (skimmer) doors are opening freely to allow water in.
Any winterizing plugs in the skimmer? Make sure the water level is at least halfway up the mouth of the skimmer and weir (skimmer) doors are opening freely to allow water in.
This is a symptom that skimmer line is fully or partially blocked, or there is a suction side leak on the skimmer.
Show a photo of the suction pipes going to the main pump.
Do you have 1 or 2 skimmers?
If 2, are they on the same line to the pump or are they independent lines to the pump?
Is the main drain on an independent line to the pump or does it connect to a skimmer?
For clarity - if only the main drain is open for suction to the pump, the pump will lose prime if the speed decreases after priming?
Other thoughts
Have you removed the drain plugs on the pump (usually there are 2). Suggest you remove them, lube them and put them back in.
Have you lubed the oring of the pump basket top? Cleaned it of any debris or grit that may be affecting the seal.