Should water be seen flowing through pump?

[ev5050]

We are brand new pool owners. Plaster and fill was done about 10 days ago. PB hasn't gotten around to schooling us yet. ? We have a Hayward pump and I'm curious...should I be able to see water flowing through that piece with the clear plastic cover? I can hear the pump running but there's no water visible. PB says that's how it's supposed to be. And that we'd only see water under that cover if there was a leak somewhere. Unfortunately it's been a long and uphill battle with him so want to make sure. Videos I've seen on YouTube show water running under that clear cover. Any insight from anyone? TIA!

 

[Bama Rambler]

It's certainly possible for the pump basket to be completely full of water. If it is you won't see an water moving in it. It'll look like it's completely empty, and that's fine. As long as the water is running out of the returns as it should you don't have anything to worry about.

 

[JamesW]

What's the filter pressure?

What speed are you running the pump?

 

[PoolGate]

Ha ha yes it can look like there is no water in it! But there is you just can't see it.

 

[ev5050]

What's the filter pressure?

What speed are you running the pump?

I have no clue. Let me see if I can find out.

 

[Chickinvic]

Your PB is right. If air gets in (leak), then you would "see" water. If yours is functioning properly and you can feel the strong water coming from your returns, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[dschddny]

Your PB is right. If air gets in (leak), then you would "see" water. If yours is functioning properly and you can feel the strong water coming from your returns, you have nothing to worry about.

So on the flip side, since I see the water flowing in I 100% must have a leak then?

Thanks!

 

[Chickinvic]

So on the flip side, since I see the water flowing in I 100% must have a leak then?

Thanks!

I don't know that for sure. We have a leak somewhere in our system and I can see bubbles in mine all the time. It seems to be working okay so I haven't really done anything about it.

 

[Bama Rambler]

So on the flip side, since I see the water flowing in I 100% must have a leak then?

Not necessarily. Some pumps run with an air bubble at the top of the basket lid and it never goes away. It doesn't mean you have a leak. Now if you constantly get air in the filter, then you have a leak.

 

[dschddny]

Not necessarily. Some pumps run with an air bubble at the top of the basket lid and it never goes away. It doesn't mean you have a leak. Now if you constantly get air in the filter, then you have a leak.

Please excuse my ignorance but how do I know if I "contantly get air in the filter"?

Thanks!!!

 

[PoolGate]

Please excuse my ignorance but how do I know if I "contantly get air in the filter"?

Thanks!!!

Check your filter's air-release valve from time to time. If a lot of air comes out, you have a significant leak. Water should fill the filter to the top.

 

[Bama Rambler]

The air relief valve is opposite of the gauge. Open it a little once in a while and see how much air escapes before it's pretty much solid water. If there a little air there's nothing to worry about, but if it's a lot and it happens pretty often then you have a suction side leak.