Vacuum to waste help

[drzoom]

Hi All,

I have a mustard algae issue with my pool that keeps clogging my filter so I need to vacuum it. My pool’s plumbing has no way to block the drains or bypass the filter, but I can block the pool cleaner output. I connected a vacuum to one of the skimmers and connected a hose to the waste faucet without any luck. What do I do? I’m attaching a photo of the plumbing that we have.

Many thanks for your help.

Haz

 

[1poolman1]

You need to block the suction port of the skimmer that is not being used to vacuum for starters. Trying to allow the water to just escape through that hose bib will not work. It won't allow enough water to flow for that NorthStar pump to even prime. If the filter is clogged the same thing will happen, no prime/no vacuuming.
Vacuuming a pool with algae won't work until you eliminate the algae.

 

[wireform]

I'm dizzy looking at the picture, but whichever pump is for the pool, that pools pump has pressure side where it exits the top of the pump. In that pvc line before the filter you can install a diverter valve that will direct the water out instead of to the filter. I think the pipe I have marked but let's get others input.

 

[drzoom]

Thanks for the replies folks. I’m at a point where I have to clean the cartridge filters every day due to clogging (literally 10psi increase per day) so doing a SLAM is a back breaking exercise. Maybe that’s what’s in store for me.

@wireform thanks and yes, that’s the input to the filter. I can install a manual valve there I suppose. What I’ve done today is remove the cartridges so I can get some water flow. Do y’all really think that I can open the pool without vacuuming it first? It’s consuming chlorine at a very high rate. Here are the number although this isn’t the right forum:

FC 1.5ppm
CYA 35-40ppm
pH 7.6
TA 80ppm
CH 250ppm

 

[wireform]

It's consuming chlorine because the water isn't sanitary so by vacuuming the pool your eliminating some of what's consuming the chlorine, then the water needs to be slammed. I will drop some links below for your education as how we do things here on the forum.
Pool Care Basics
Test Kits Compared
FC/CYA Levels
SLAM Process
Test Kits Compared
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
PoolMath
How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[drzoom]

Thanks @wireform for confirming that removing the algae floor blanket is likely to help with slamming. I’ve already dumped 100s in chlorine trying to open the pool.

 

[drzoom]

Back for more help. I’ve given up on using my pool pump and plumbing to vacuum to waste. I got the vacuum suction working but most of the dirty water ends back in the pool and a trickle out the hose. Whoever built this system didn’t add what’s needed to do a good job. So, I’m left with having to buy or rent a standalone pump for the job.

Am I missing something obvious? Can these pumps be rented out? Any experience by the good folks here in a similar situation?

 

[drzoom]

I’ve given up. Going the SLAM route and will deal with any cleanup afterwards. Now off to find all the chlorine that I’ll need.