Pump not priming and not filling up basket

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Alex1689

Member
Jul 6, 2023
16
Texas
Pool Size
10000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
Have a 1.5 hp dual speed pump with a salt system and a sand filter. I noticed that recently when I go check it out the skimmer basket is floating and even though the pump is running the water doesn’t fill up all the wait to the top on the pump basket as it did before, this is actually only 1/3 full. The return jet is weak also and noticed a lot of small air bubbles.
I have done several backwash and rinse on the filter and try to prime and get any air it may have out without success. When I bypass the filter on recirculate the issue is still same with no changes. The filter pressure is fine. What do you think I should do? Thanks in advance.
 
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Sounds a bit like maybe a partial blockage. Have you tried using a garden hose to push water backwards from teh pump back to the skimmer? Maybe something got jammed-up in there.

Also try posting some pics of your equipment pad so we can see everything. Might help
 
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Check to make sure the weir (skimmer) door is not stuck closed. Lift up the SKIMMER basket and look for obstructions in the line leading to the pump. Turn off power at the breaker and remove the PUMP basket. Check the impeller for blockages/obstructions. Clean and lube the pump lid o-ring/seal and mating surfaces.
 
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I feel my issue is going to be something stuck on the impeller we’ve had a lot of debris, insects and leaves this year from my trees. I will try the hose pushing water backwards towards the skimmer first and then may need to take pump apart to clean impeler. Any good video links on how to do that? I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks
 
I pull it apart and impeller is in perfect clean condition with no debris of any kind. Weir is also functioning fine. Any other ideas? Air intake somewhere? I sometimes wonder if flexible pvc is better for these above ground pools since it seems to me they are less prone to leak since you minimize connections.
 
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Alex1689 said:
Oh my pump is now working beautifully again. I am back in business.
I have the skimmer socks, just recently got them. Any concerns on those with water restriction?
Click to expand...
Better a little restriction as the skimmer sock gets clogged than clogged plumbing. That clog is not the fault of the fitting, but of the debris getting past a skimmer basket or main drain.
 
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