Returns Not Working

[Jbmiller15]

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

 

[Bperry]

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

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?

 

[1poolman1]

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

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.

 

[Jbmiller15]

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?

 

[Jbmiller15]

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.

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.

 

[JamesW]

The valves look like Hayward Dial-a-flo valves which are backwards from other valves.

 

[JamesW]

Hayward GV-24 actuator on Dial-a-Flo?

I got a hold of a new Hayward actuator and I’m trying to find out if I can install it on a Hayward dial-a-Flo valve. It looks like the actuator only works with a handy style valve but I am seeing if anyone knows for certain.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JamesW]

Can you show better pictures of the valves?

The ball valve looks like it might be closed.

Where is the handle for the ball valve?

 

[JamesW]

Can you show the whole pool and point out the returns?

 

[Jbmiller15]

I took out the cartridges this morning and ran the filter but that did not work.

This is the valve coming from the filter heading back to the pool. It is set at 1/2 (unless I have it backwards). The other settings are Full Port 1 (left), Full Port 2 (right), and OFF (bottom). When I set it to Full Port 1 the working return still works. When I set it to Full Port 2 none of the returns work. The other ball valve is set in the same position and water is flowing normally into the pump.

The working return is circled in red. The ones not working are circled in yellow. My pump/filter is on the side of the working return. (We've had a lot rain and thunderstorms this week in MA so the pool is even messier than usual)

 

[JamesW]

That is a Hayward Dial-A-Flo valve and the gate is in red.


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The gate stays lined up with the back of the handle.

 

[JamesW]

I think that the red circled ball valve is closed.

You can try opening it to see what happens.

Maybe it is closed for a reason?

Maybe the lines leak?

Note: The Hayward Dial-A-Flo Valves are gate valves or diverter valves, not ball valves.

 

[TinFoilHat]

I was thinking that is an old sensor of some kind because it doesn't look like a valve at a union? Is that a thing? An old thing?

 

[JamesW]

The working return is circled in red. The ones not working are circled in yellow.

The working one was likely a cleaner port.

When I set it to Full Port 1 the working return still works.

When I set it to Full Port 2 none of the returns work.

Are any of the returns plugged?

 

[JamesW]

I was thinking that is an old sensor of some kind because it doesn't look like a valve at a union? Is that a thing? An old thing?

It is a single union ball valve.

 

[JamesW]

How many skimmers?

Do you have a main drain?

Is this a new property for you?

 

[Jbmiller15]

2 skimmers, no main drain

We bought the property 8 years ago. The pool 20-25 years old. I have opened the pool every year for the last 6 years with no issues other than green water.

I’ve had the same company close the pool for the last 5 years with no issues.

Right now the return by the steps to the shallow end is plugged. The others are all open.

 

[JamesW]

Right now the return by the steps to the shallow end is plugged.

Why?

If it is plugged, then you will get no flow.

When I set it to Full Port 1 the working return still works. When I set it to Full Port 2 none of the returns work.

Port 2 is probably step jets.

Open the ball valve and that should give you flow to the other two returns.

 

[Uhhello]

I'm assuming you've tried all positions of the valve in question?

 

[Jbmiller15]

I think that the red circled ball valve is closed.

You can try opening it to see what happens.

Maybe it is closed for a reason?

Maybe the lines leak?

Note: The Hayward Dial-A-Flo Valves are gate valves or diverter va

Why?

If it is plugged, then you will get no flow.


Port 2 is probably step jets.

Open the ball valve and that should give you flow to the other two returns.

I unplugged step jet and it works but still getting nothing out of the other 2 returns.

I believe I have tried all positions for the valve in question. I’ll try opening the valve you circled to see if that helps. I’ve never touched it but maybe the people who closed the pool did for some reason.

I have to head out soon so I can’t do it now.

In the meantime, is there any harm in running the pump/filter with only 2 working returns?

Thank you all for your quick replies and help.