I’m running a brand-new Hayward SP1580 Power-Flo LX Pump with S180T Sand Filter and SP0714T1 Multivalve on a 24-foot above ground pool.
I keep having the same problem, since it has been installed about 6 weeks ago: Within a few hours, the water flow out of the return jet is dropping to almost zero. After back washing it runs fine and starts slowing down again a few hours later. It seems like there is air collecting in the Sand Filter and it’s not being pushed out the return pipe.
I have checked everything and there is definitely no air leak in any of the pipes or seals, the skimmer baskets are clean, the impeller is not blocked, the pool water level is at 2/3 of the return and I cleaned the pump, all the pipes, the Sand Filter and replaced the Sand.
This is my theory: The pump is pumping too fast and sucking air through the skimmer basket into the pump and collecting it in the Sand Filter. (I can see little bubbles going through the pump) The Sand Filter does not have an air valve and does not seem to be able to push the air through the return hose into the pool.
1st solution: I reduced the water flow on the return side ball valve. This reduces the water suction and it’s not drawing in bubbles anymore. - I have tried this for the past 12 hours and it finally seems to be running fine.
2nd solution: replace the long return-hose (that came with the Pump and Filter) and is currently running from the top of the Sand Filter down to the Ground and back up to the Pool, with a shorter hose that doesn’t have the up and down resistance anymore so it’s going to be able to push out the air in the Sand Filter. I’m still waiting for the new hose to be delivered, so I can finally test it.
I am new at all this pool stuff, this has been a horrible first pool season and I hope someone, who knows more about this than I do can help me out ! ! !
I keep having the same problem, since it has been installed about 6 weeks ago: Within a few hours, the water flow out of the return jet is dropping to almost zero. After back washing it runs fine and starts slowing down again a few hours later. It seems like there is air collecting in the Sand Filter and it’s not being pushed out the return pipe.
I have checked everything and there is definitely no air leak in any of the pipes or seals, the skimmer baskets are clean, the impeller is not blocked, the pool water level is at 2/3 of the return and I cleaned the pump, all the pipes, the Sand Filter and replaced the Sand.
This is my theory: The pump is pumping too fast and sucking air through the skimmer basket into the pump and collecting it in the Sand Filter. (I can see little bubbles going through the pump) The Sand Filter does not have an air valve and does not seem to be able to push the air through the return hose into the pool.
1st solution: I reduced the water flow on the return side ball valve. This reduces the water suction and it’s not drawing in bubbles anymore. - I have tried this for the past 12 hours and it finally seems to be running fine.
2nd solution: replace the long return-hose (that came with the Pump and Filter) and is currently running from the top of the Sand Filter down to the Ground and back up to the Pool, with a shorter hose that doesn’t have the up and down resistance anymore so it’s going to be able to push out the air in the Sand Filter. I’m still waiting for the new hose to be delivered, so I can finally test it.
I am new at all this pool stuff, this has been a horrible first pool season and I hope someone, who knows more about this than I do can help me out ! ! !
Currently, you are trying ot resolve the issue mechanically. What we have observed on the forum many, many times, is that the scenario is a chemcial issue. Basically your filter is overwhelemed with organics. The filter gets full untl you backwash. That works for a short period before more organics build-up and the process starts all over.