Pump not fully priming, filter reading 0 PSI, low suction and return pressure

[theninjachachi]

Hi All,

I have the Waterway PD140 (~6 months old, my last one's motor gave out) and as the title says for a couple months, I've been experiencing the pump not fully priming, the filter reads at 0 PSI, there is fairly low suction and return pressure, and I sometimes see air bubbles in the pool - seemingly more when I adjust my Jandy Valve from more suction line to more skimmer line. All signs seem to point to a suction side leak, right? But I can't for the life of me diagnose it. My pool pump lid has a brand new, freshly lubed o-ring, as does the drain plug on the pump. I have tried running water over different parts of my system, tried using a smoke pencil, and tried putting shaving cream on it - all to no avail! Is there anything I'm missing? Or is it time to call out the experts?

 

[ajw22]

Sounds like a plumbing problem to me, not a pump problem.

Show us pics of your pool and equipment pad.

Any signs of flex PVC used on your pool?

Have you replaced your PSI gauge?

Please create your signature with a complete list of your pool equipment and model numbers as knowing what you got helps us help you.

 

[theninjachachi]

Sounds like a plumbing problem to me, not a pump problem.

Show us pics of your pool and equipment pad.

Any signs of flex PVC used on your pool?

Have you replaced your PSI gauge?

Please create your signature with a complete list of your pool equipment and model numbers as knowing what you got helps us help you.

Thanks for your quick reply. I just updated my signature. I will attach a few pictures (don't mind the gross white stuff, I just rinsed off the shaving cream)

And no signs of flex PVC, all the hard PVC looks to be painted.

I replaced the PSI gauge somewhat recently in the filter, but it was working fine for a while. I used to be able to open the valve and it would shoot water out, but now I open it and it either slowly spits out water or doesn't even spit out any, seemingly indicating that there really isn't any pressure in the filter.

 

[ajw22]

You check the pump for a clogged impeller?

 

[ajw22]

What speeds are you running the pump?

 

[theninjachachi]

You check the pump for a clogged impeller?

I didn't think the impeller was clogged, but I just fully disassembled the pump, and there were a ton of palm tree seeds or whatever these are. Do you think that is causing the issue? And I'm running it at max speed for the pool cleaner 3450 (it used to always work just fine).

 

[ajw22]

Yup, that will slow down the water flow.

 

[theninjachachi]

Yup, that will slow down the water flow.

Interesting! Well I'll get it fully cleaned out, reassembled, and will report back! Fingers crossed...

 

[Texas Splash]

there were a ton of palm tree seeds or whatever these are. Do you think that is causing the issue?

Be sure to use a skimmer sock in your skimmer(s) to catch those things before they get to the pump.

 

[theninjachachi]

Be sure to use a skimmer sock in your skimmer(s) to catch those things before they get to the pump.

They're definitely coming though my pool cleaner, is there anything that stops larger things from coming through that?

 

[Texas Splash]

is there anything that stops larger things from coming through that?

Bummer. I don't think the G3 has any such pre-filter like a robot or something does it?

 

[ajw22]

What type of basket is in the pump pot? It should be fine enough to keeping them out of the impeller.

Do you need to clean the pump basket more often?

 

[theninjachachi]

What type of basket is in the pump pot? It should be fine enough to keeping them out of the impeller.

Do you need to clean the pump basket more often?

Yeah idk how the pump basket allowed these "berries" through, the pump basket model is Waterway 319-1430

 

[ajw22]

Yeah idk how the pump basket allowed these "berries" through, the pump basket model is Waterway 319-1430

You check it carefully and flex it looking for any breaks in it?

 

[theninjachachi]

Bummer. I don't think the G3 has any such pre-filter like a robot or something does it?

You check it carefully and flex it looking for any breaks in it?

No breaks, I guess I just have to be a little more careful and make sure that nothing that big gets through the basket.

And GREAT NEWS! Cleaning out the impeller fixed the issue! I have way more pressure, filter is reading a normal amount of PSI and the pump is essentially fully primed (a few small air bubbles, but oh well)! Thanks for your help! I'm also proud of myself for completely dissembling the pump and putting it back together (I paid the pool store to put it in lol)

 

[Texas Splash]

 

[theninjachachi]

What type of basket is in the pump pot? It should be fine enough to keeping them out of the impeller.

Do you need to clean the pump basket more often?

Inspecting the basket in the pump, it seems like there's a small gap. I wonder if this is potentially allowing some stuff into the impeller?