Spa Suction Side Issue to Pump

[RDspaguy]

I agree. Plumbing should be basically the same for the pool and spa suctions. RPM's shouldn't be a factor. Is it throwing a svrs code? There is no chance this is a return blockage? Clogged spa filter, closed valve, plug in the return?
A pressure test will show a leak, or a complete blockage, but not a restriction. Do you know what kind of pipe they used underground?
I would say to call a plumber or drain cleaner to scope the pipe. Some pool places have them too, but a rooter guy might be cheaper.

 

[jeremysm1]

I don't have pressure test equipment. There is not chance that it's a return blockage because I can turn the spillover on (take water from the pool and return it to the spa) without any issues. I'm fairly certain they used standard PVC for all of our pipes.
It sounds like I need to call in a professional. Let's see if anyone is working during these crazy times.

 

[bdavis466]

Have you tried the spa suction with the drain covers off?

 

[jeremysm1]

@bdavis466 Yes, I removed the drain cover and tried the pump from the spa to no avail. The pic shows when I was using the bladder. I turned the pump on, routed some water back to the spa, and then had the pump setting to grab water from the spa--to no avail.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jeremy,

I suspect that the drains in the spa are plumbed into the jets pump instead of the IntelliFlo pump. If not, where does the jets pump gets its water??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[jeremysm1]

I have 3 drains in the spa. The main spa drain is on the bottom and I confirmed that by using the bladder with the hose. The side drains are for the air bubbler and separate jets. See pic. Interesting thing I noted: I had left the spa filled just past the seats last night around 8pm. I deleted all the spa programming so although the pump and regular pool cycle ran, no valves were moved. I now see about 2-3 inches less water (see water line in the spa) about 12-hours later. Only had 2 hours of sun and temperature is about 60 degrees here in Scottsdale. Do you think this tells us something?

 

[RDspaguy]

It tells us you are losing water. Could be a busted pipe, which would also explain the lack of flow. Could be a valve stop or seal, pulling a bit off of the spa even when valve is closed.
I would get that pipe scoped out.

 

[wireform]

Jeremy,

I suspect that the drains in the spa are plumbed into the jets pump instead of the IntelliFlo pump. If not, where does the jets pump gets its water??

Thanks,

Jim R.

Can't be ,He states he pushed water back from the drain with the hose and it overflowed the basket.....

 

[jeremysm1]

Update: had a trusted pool repairman come by this morning. He said the o-ring under the jandy valve (before the pump) was bad and that there was a small crack on the pump's lid. He said it was "sucking a lot of air" from that valve. I didn't think that could be the problem since the other half of the valve came from the pool side and was working fine. He is finishing now, but I think these two problems caused the bigger issue. We'll see how it finishes out and I'll report if anything else arises.

 

[wireform]

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