Weird pump behavior

[techman65]

Hi all,

I am experiencing some weird issues with my pump recently and was hoping to get some insight on what may be going on.

I had an algae bloom a few days ago so am in the middle of the SLAM process.

I have a Hayward Super Pump which has been pretty rock solid in the past. Recently, though, when I turn the pump off, I hear air hissing in the pump basket and a little water squirts out the sides. I checked the gasket in the pump basket and I went ahead and replaced it making sure to thoroughly apply some silicone based lube. I also replaced the pump basket itself because of a crack.I am also seeing air bubbles in my return jets.

The other thing I am seeing is a delay in when the water comes out when I start a backwash. Before this issue started, water used to come out immediately when I turned on the backwash, but now I am seeing a delay of up to a minute before the water flows out.

Any insight on what is going on here?

Thanks.

 

[Texas Splash]

Sounds like you still have an air leak somewhere there in/around that pump. It's allowing air to get pulled "in" when the system is on which can result in the delayed priming process and bubbles at the jets. When the system turns "off", water shifts around and oyu might hear the air hissing outwards. Let's be sure exactly what parts you replaced. Confirm which ones you did below:
- There may be an your O-ring/gasket just between the wet end (pump pot) and front end of the diffuser
- The larger seal plate "housing" gasket that goes between the wet end (pump pot) and motor.
- Shaft seal that is actually 2-pieces, one pressed into the seal plate and the other on the stem of the impeller. The ceramic sides of each rub together.
- There's the O-ring under the pump's clear lid.
- There are tiny O-rings around each pump pot drain plug

Also see:

Hayward Super Pump Parts

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[techman65]

@Texas Splash -- thanks for your reply. I went ahead and replaced the O-ring under the pump lid again as I saw the last one had an imperfection in it. Once I did that, the air hissing stopped and I am no longer seeing the water squirting out the sides of the pump lid. The impeller/shaft seals were replaced recently so I am pretty confident that is OK. I am still seeing LOTS of air bubbles in my return jets, however.

While examining the pump closely after turning it off, I am seeing droplets of water at three different connections highlighted the pics below.
What are my options for repairing these leaks, and do you think these are the likely cause of the air in my system? I am not real comfortable with plumbing issues so am fine calling my pool company to come out if necessary.

Thanks so much.

 

[Texas Splash]

do you think these are the likely cause of the air in my system?

They certainly could be. If you see water seeping out, then air can get in when the system is off. I don't see any unions on those PVC lines near the leaky areas, so if there are no unions to separate the line and unscrews those from the pump, they will have to be cut first so that someone can unscrew the fitting from the pump inlet and outlet ports. Then replace with new PVC. Ideally the repair should include new unions or union nut fittings at the pump to facilitate future separation if required. So if you don't do the work yourself, you might ask the tech to use something (as an example) like THIS ITEM below. The tech would ensure the correct unions are obtained for your model pump and port sizes.