Returns Not Working

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Jbmiller15

Member
Jul 12, 2019
19
Massachusetts
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hello all,

Right now I have only 1 of 4 returns working and my pool is a gross shade of green. I have 2 questions.

First, is it OK to run the pump with only one working return so I can begin the process to get clear water OR is it important to have multiple returns working to improve circulation?

Second, what can I do to diagnose and hopefully fix the problem with the broken returns?

The return that is working is on the side closest to the pump. The 3 that are not working are on the opposite side of the pool. I have read some of the other threads in the forum related to returns not working. I tried plugging the working return and turning on the pump to try to blow out anything that may have been obstructing the other return lines but that didn't work. When I change the multiport valve to port 2 the working return does nothing, the returns that aren't working do nothing, and the filter pressure goes up significantly (from 10-20 psi).

Thank you in advance for any advice on what steps I should take next.

Jeff
 

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Jbmiller15 said:
Hello all,

Right now I have only 1 of 4 returns working and my pool is a gross shade of green. I have 2 questions.

First, is it OK to run the pump with only one working return so I can begin the process to get clear water OR is it important to have multiple returns working to improve circulation?

Second, what can I do to diagnose and hopefully fix the problem with the broken returns?

The return that is working is on the side closest to the pump. The 3 that are not working are on the opposite side of the pool. I have read some of the other threads in the forum related to returns not working. I tried plugging the working return and turning on the pump to try to blow out anything that may have been obstructing the other return lines but that didn't work. When I change the multiport valve to port 2 the working return does nothing, the returns that aren't working do nothing, and the filter pressure goes up significantly (from 10-20 psi).

Thank you in advance for any advice on what steps I should take next.

Jeff
Click to expand...
Are you sure it’s the returns not working? We call the returns the fittings inside the pool. If water is entering the pump, it’s going somewhere. Are the intake valves open?
 
Jbmiller15 said:
Hello all,

Right now I have only 1 of 4 returns working and my pool is a gross shade of green. I have 2 questions.

First, is it OK to run the pump with only one working return so I can begin the process to get clear water OR is it important to have multiple returns working to improve circulation?

Second, what can I do to diagnose and hopefully fix the problem with the broken returns?

The return that is working is on the side closest to the pump. The 3 that are not working are on the opposite side of the pool. I have read some of the other threads in the forum related to returns not working. I tried plugging the working return and turning on the pump to try to blow out anything that may have been obstructing the other return lines but that didn't work. When I change the multiport valve to port 2 the working return does nothing, the returns that aren't working do nothing, and the filter pressure goes up significantly (from 10-20 psi).

Thank you in advance for any advice on what steps I should take next.

Jeff
Click to expand...
I don't recognize the valve, but if they work like most 3-way valves you appear to have closed off two of the return lines. It may be that the handle is pointing to the open port, can't read the label
Unless your filter is bypassing very large debris, it is extremely hard to clog a return line. Best guess is that your filter is extremely clogged with algae and the water flow is so low that it can't get around the pool to the other side.
Open the filter, remove one or both cartridges, run the pump. Won't hurt anything for a short run, and you may find water getting to all the returns. That will tell you if the filter is the issue.
 
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Thanks for your quick reply.

I'm pretty sure it is the returns. Water is entering the pump and filter but it is only going back into the pool through one of the four return ports on the side of the pool. The water pressure feels normal coming through the only working return. I don't feel anything when I put my hand over the returns that are not working on the other side of the pool.

By the intake valves, do you mean pipes bringing water from the pool skimmers into the pump?
 
1poolman1 said:
I don't recognize the valve, but if they work like most 3-way calve you appear to have closed off two of the return lines. It may be that the handle is pointing to the open port, can't read the label
Unless your filter is bypassing very large debris, it is extremely hard to clog a return line. Best guess is that your filter is extremely clogged with algae and the water flow is so low that it can't get around the pool to the other side.
Open the filter, remove one or both cartridges, run the pump. Won't hurt anything for a short run, and you may find water getting to all the returns. That will tell you if the filter is the issue.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I did clean the cartridge but I will definitely give that a try. From what I have read in other threads I understand that it is very difficult to get a clog in the return lines.
 
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