Should water level in pump basket go down when pump turns off?

[mstadnik]

Question: After my variable speed Hayward Tristar pump turns off (for example when a schedule is completed), should the water level in the pump basket lower to near the bottom of the basket? I was under the impression that even though the pump is now off, the basket should remain nearly full with water. Assumptions being that after the pump turned off, I did not remove the basket lid or keep the multi-port valve on the “filter” setting.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mknauss]

Water should NOT drain from the pump basket.

Typically means you have a leak somewhere. When the pump turns off, listen for a leak.

Do your returns have air in them when the pump is running?

 

[mstadnik]

Returns spit air bubbles when pump is initially turned on (priming) but no air after 10 seconds or so.

When you say a “leak”, are you suggesting a cracked pipe somewhere or simply air getting in somewhere on the suction side?

 

[mknauss]

If you do not get air continuously when pump running it is not likely a suction leak. Be sure the mpv is not leaking. Air is getting into the system when the pump turns off.

 

[mstadnik]

Thank you mknauss.