Why does(n’t) my spa blow?

[WGpoolnewb]

Recently our in-ground spa has quit bubbling. Filter is clean, pump basket is clean. I can take a shop vac blower to the air intake, and get things going again, but the next day it’s back to the same. Jet pressure also feels lower, but I can’t say for sure.

The spa is only 4 jets, no air blower, I run the 1.65HP pump at 3450RPM when we want the bubbles.

Any thoughts before getting the PB involved?

 

[mas985]

Is the filter pressure higher than normal? There could be a blockage in the return line somewhere.

Or lower than normal, something clogging the suction or impeller.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

Good questions. Filter pressure is showing 25PSI in spa mode right now. I think this is my normal or average pressure, but honestly I cannot say for sure.

 

[mas985]

I would try to flush the jets. You will need to remove the exterior fittings (eyeballs) in addition to the jet nozzles which are usually deep within the spa wall (long 9/16" socket wrench). With both removed, you can flush the lines and see if that helps.

I know you said the filter is clean but are you absolutely sure? A dirty filter affects flow rates and will reduce the suction in the venturi's reducing bubbles.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

I just got a socket extension and t-handle in, so I’ll try pulling the jets ASAP. I’ll also pull the filter and give it another cleaning, just to cover my bases. I’ll also be able to take that as an opportunity to check “clean filter” pressure.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

Well, now that I've given the filter a bath, the jets are blowing again! I now have record of pressures as well (wouldn't it be cool if you could add these into the filter maintenance in Pool Math?).

• Pre-clean filter pressure 22PSI @ 3450RPM, in pool mode
• Post-clean filter pressure 15PSI @ 3450RPM, in pool mode
• 18 Days between cleaning - Yikes!

I dismissed the filter initially because of the short time between cleanings. Live and learn. Maybe I didn't clean it all that well last time, maybe I need a more aggressive cleaning procedure?

Thanks for the help, @mas985 .

 

[mknauss]

(wouldn't it be cool if you could add these into the filter maintenance in Pool Math?).

It is there. Select Perform Maintenance.

 

[mknauss]

18 Days between cleaning - Yikes!

I would do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

It is there. Select Perform Maintenance.

I meant if you select "clean filter", it includes a place to put the pressures. I am adding the dates already, but all you get is a toggle for "cleaned filter". I used the note function to record the pressures.

 

[mknauss]

Right below the Toggle list is Equipment Readings. Filter Pressure and Flow Rate.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

Ah ha! I did not have "Track Filter Pressure" enabled in the setup menu.

 

[WGpoolnewb]

I would do an Overnight Chlorine Loss Test.

Went from 3.5 to 3.

I’ve been chasing my balance every since my son accidentally put 6,000 gallons of water into the pool. Currently working on raising CYA.