Waterfall not pumping water

[1bigricefan]

I recently read a post on the site which was similar in nature to mine. I have a waterfall and shears which have stopped pumping water through them. I have a Jandy 3 HP pump which supplies only the waterfall and shears. The pump appears to be working but it is not filling with water. I stuck a hose into the return side of the pump with the lid off and there was a small amount of water which came through both the waterfall and sheers. When I turn the pump on, there is no water coming from the pool and the amount of water in the bottom of the pump is small. When I put water in the pump and turn it on, the water level drops but nothing is pushed and it appears there is no water coming from the pool into the pump. Any ideas on what is going on with this. I looked at the drain plug on the side of the pump and it is dry. My basket is clean and the lid appears to be sealing tight. I have a slow leak at my filter canister, which I can't seem to find but it is working fine. I don't think the two are related. I am trying to identify someone to help me get the leak repaired.

 

[Mayorb]

Nice set up! As always, the first thing we check is the o-ring on the pump pot lid. Sometimes they get dry and just need to some lube applied. If the o-ring has cracks in it, it needs to be replaced.

Next I'd look at the possibility that your pump impeller has gotten debris clogged in it. Check the basket carefully for any splits in it. A "quickie" check is to block off the intake to the pump, fill the pot with water, and with the lid off, start the pump for a couple seconds while looking at the pump pot. The water in the pot should suck into the pump very rapidly. If the water lowers slowly, that would indicate blockage.

If the impeller seems okay, we need to look for a leak in the suction line. I'm assuming the pump has a single suction line that runs to it from the main drains on the wall or floor of the pool. Your pump pot has a union connection where the plumbing attaches to it. Back the hand nut off, and see that the o-ring in there is in good shape and lubed. You may have to undo the union on top of the pump also, and pull the pump back a bit to access the o-ring.

Other than those things, there may be a breech in your suction line itself, which would require on-site examination.

Good luck with it!