Hello all, new here to trouble free pool. I recently have been having an issue with my navigator pro working correctly. It has a tendency to now get stuck at walls and steps in my pool. Have completely rebuilt it and still having the problem. Just today I decided to check my suction. I usually run my pump about 75% from the side mount suction (Navigator pro) and 25% water from the skimmer. I noticed my water pressure is also low, about 5 psi with both of these running. My pool has historically ran at about 12-15 psi. Today I switched my suction to 100% vacuum on the navigator and noticed my pressure dropped to 0. The pump is primed and can tell its working hard to try and suck, it is possible something is clogging the pipe, causing the no pressure. Maybe this is why even at mixed pressure I'm still low on psi? Any help is appreciated. tried to explain the issue
suction issue
- Thread starter swiveln
- Start date
- May 23, 2015
- 25,718
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Do you use an inline leaf trap with your suction cleaner? Suction lines are typically narrower than the lines coming from the skimmer/MD (usually 1-1/2” diameter versus 2”) and they can easily get clogged with debris especially if any elbows were used in their run length.
If your pressure is dropping to zero and you are getting little or no flow at the returns, then you have a suction-side blockage.
If your pressure is dropping to zero and you are getting little or no flow at the returns, then you have a suction-side blockage.
I typically run a leaf canister but its been out the last few weeks. So i need to see my return pressure when 100% on suction cleaner.
OK, just checked. When 100% vacuum suction (Navigator) i have no return pressure. But my vacuum will function at 75%, just not 100%. So I'm assuming a blockage? Whats the proper way to diagnose where?
- May 23, 2015
- 25,718
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I learned a hard lesson about suction cleaners and no leaf trap with mesquite trees .... clogged up my suction line. I had to use pressurized air to blow the line out.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,718
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
It certainly sounds like a suction blockage. It’s in the line somewhere. You need to blow the line out. The preferred method is to use a device called a DrainKing that works with a garden hose. You’ll need to open up the 3 way valve and remove the door to access the suction line pipe. You then put the DrainKing in the line and turn on the hose - the water pressure will inflate the bladder and seal it against the pipe. The water pressure will hopefully be sufficient to push the blockage back out. If your vacuum port has a spring hinge door, you’ll need to remove it so the pipe is open to the pool.
Have you tried disconnecting the navigator from its port & checking the pressure?
If the pressure goes up then the clog is probably in the navigator or its hose.
You might want to also check the impeller for debris.
I have not checked the pressure, need to find a place that sells that. I just used the recommended pipe unclogged. There didn't appear to be a clog and no debris was freed up. Water went through as normal. Im stumped
I have completely taken apart the navigator and replaced all parts, a frame, feet, wings, gear box.
I have completely taken apart the navigator and replaced all parts, a frame, feet, wings, gear box.
So lets go back to basics. Navigator pro stops when it hits the steps, climbs the wall all the way up and gets stuck. Ive turned down the notch to level 1, still have this issue.
If you hold the suction hose where it attaches to the Navigator does the navigator rotate? This may take a minute.
when i hold the hose it does turn both directions within a few minutes
Ill check the line. Are cracks common?
Ill check the line. Are cracks common?
thats the weird thing. It changes direction but if it runs head on into a step (Often) it stops in its tracks
checked for any leaks ( Pulled hose out of water to listen) no noticeable leaks. i guess my problem is my cleaner some how.