Suction Line for a second (feature) pump

[mas985]

Did you ever get the pump lid open?

 

[sam34786]

Yes, I opened the pump lid; put the water, and then started the pump. Yes, I did open the pump and clean the basket also.

 

[mas985]

Was the pump lid gasket in good condition and properly lubed?

Check the pump drain plugs as well.

Try full speed with both the skimmer and MD valves open.

 

[sam34786]

Was the pump lid gasket in good condition and properly lubed?

Yes the gasket is in good condition and no water leakage

Check the pump drain plugs as well.

There is no water leakage while the pump is running. Where can I find the drain plug for pentair pump 3hp intelliflo

Try full speed with both the skimmer and MD valves open.

I will try with full speed

 

[mas985]

The drain plug is near bottom of the pump basket housing.

 

[sam34786]

The drain plug is near bottom of the pump basket housing.

The Drain plugs are good and there is no leak.

There is no connection from the Skimmer to the Feature Pump

 

[mas985]

Not a direct connection but you can include the skimmer by using the MD valve in the center position, both on, and putting the spa/pool valve in the pump off position. Just keep the main pump off during the test.

 

[sam34786]

Not a direct connection but you can include the skimmer by using the MD valve in the center position, both on, and putting the spa/pool valve in the pump off position. Just keep the main pump off during the test.

Still not getting enough pressure may be from the filter.

 

[mas985]

What is the filter pressure and can you see water movement through the clear pump lid?

 

[sam34786]

What is the filter pressure and can you see water movement through the clear pump lid?

I can see some water going through the clear pump lid. Not much but I see the water.

 

[sam34786]

I can see some water going through the clear pump lid. Not much but I see the water.

 

[mas985]

That pressure is at 3450 rpm correct? That is much too low and given the other steps we went through, indicates that there is most likely suction side restriction.

Fixing the suction pipe size may fix the problem but if the suction line to the MD is not a continuous 3", it may not improve.

 

[sam34786]

That pressure is at 3450 rpm correct? That is much too low and given the other steps we went through, indicates that there is most likely suction side restriction.

Yes.

Fixing the suction pipe size may fix the problem but if the suction line to the MD is not a continuous 3", it may not improve.

3-inch Pipe -- "T" to 2-inch Pipe;
I have also opened the Skimmer and Main Drain for the feature pump but still have the same issue.
It looks like we might need to cut the "T" and use the coupling on the 3-inch pipe. I also think that's the problem.

Do I need to drain the pool to do this work? (Cut the "T" and use the coupling)

 

[sam34786]

Mark - Any recommendations on how to handle this??

 

[mas985]

Yes.

3-inch Pipe -- "T" to 2-inch Pipe;
I have also opened the Skimmer and Main Drain for the feature pump but still have the same issue.
It looks like we might need to cut the "T" and use the coupling on the 3-inch pipe. I also think that's the problem.

Do I need to drain the pool to do this work? (Cut the "T" and use the coupling)

Not completely drain the pool only to the elevation of the TEE bottom + a few more inches. Do you know where the pool water level is at the pad?

Also, when you ran the main pump on the MD alone, did you notice a large change in filter pressure from when it was operated on the MD + Skimmer? This could tells us if the issue is actually between the TEE and MD.

 

[sam34786]

Not completely drain the pool only to the elevation of the TEE bottom + a few more inches. Do you know where the pool water level is at the pad?

I can figure that one. I got it.

Also, when you ran the main pump on the MD alone, did you notice a large change in filter pressure from when it was operated on the MD + Skimmer? This could tells us if the issue is actually between the TEE and MD.

I didn't observe that. I will check out in the morning. When I turn ON Skimmer + MD then is more water drawing into the suction line.

 

[mas985]

If you still have the flapper missing from the check valve before the feature pump, you will need to use the two way valve on that line to isolate the feature pump from the MD line.

 

[sam34786]

If you still have the flapper missing from the check valve before the feature pump, you will need to use the two way valve on that line to isolate the feature pump from the MD line.

Got it.

We want to drain the pool; cut the "T" and connect it to a 3-inch Pentair valve.

Pentair 2.5" (3" Slip Outside) Pool FullFlo Diverter & Check Valves263056 3-Way CPVC 2.5 in. (3 in. slip outside)

Vita Filters stocks the Pentair Pool FullFlo Diverter & Check Valves 2 1/2 in & 3 in. Learn more about this product today!

www.vitafilters.com

Will that be fine?

 

[mas985]

Yes, that works.

Before cutting any pipe you might want to first remove all the dirt from the area around the pipe from the 3-way to the feature pump. There might be a limitation that forced the installer to use a smaller pipe which could mean that you will need to reroute the 3" pipe.

Also, I would first run the test I suggested on the main pump to confirm that the MD line from the MD to the 3-way is 3". If the MD line going from the MD to the 3-way is smaller than 3", it may not help at all to replace the line going from the 3-way to the feature pump. But it is up to you.

 

[sam34786]

Hello Mark,

Is it a good idea to have a cleanout like this for a 3" inch Main Drain line? Will there be an issue with the "T"?

Please suggest