baffled - low flow

Hi, Rick,

Sorry I couldn't respond...out for the evening.

First, I am assuming you filled the pump basket to overflowing after you plugged the skimmer...you don't say that but I'm assuming you did.

So, if you plugged the skimmer hole and filled the pump basket (and the suction line) with water, there is no air left on the suction side. Right?

Then, when you turn on the pump, all the water rushes out of the pump basket. That means it is replaced by air. In a working system, what should happen is nothing....the water can't rush out of the pump basket cause the air can't get in to replace it.

My next thought would be to fill up the entire suction side with water again, turn the pump on as before, then shut the pump off never opening the skimmer hole. If all the water is pumped out of the basket, It shouldn't refill into the basket because now the water (on the pressure side) cannot push the air back out. Make sense?

Rick, I'm stumped. Poconos always has good insight into this type of issue...maybe he'll come along with a good idea.

Hi. I really didn't expect much in replies since most everyone hopefully are ENJOYING thier pools this weekend :). Yes, I did everything you said but the water still moves out-then gushes back in...Would the fact that thw vari-flo has a cracked plastic o-ring (just under the handle) have anyting to do with this problem (it was cracked last year too but never had any probs) Might it be the pump?

Rick, met you over on another thread, it certainly sounds like an air leak on the suction side. If you bring a hose over to the filter pad and have it run a slow stream, you can direct the stream at any questionable connections or the valve itself (if your hose won't reach, you can use a bucket of water, slowly poured, to do the same thing). You used the words 'vari-flo' which indicates to me that you have a Hayward SP 733 valve (3 way). This would explain the problem - those valves are ^%#$&&$%&&$#$ !!!!. As I understand they have been or are being discontinued, they suck! (air mostly). If I'm right, you need SP 733Z1 for the replacement o-ring (if you can't get one, I can get it for you - in fact I have a couple in my basement, you don't mind that they've been through the laundry?)

Hey, Ted,

Man, I sure am glad to see you on this thread...I cannot figure this out! That Hayward SP 733 I assumed was his multiport. Duh!

That said, you think he has that valve on the suction side? Why would he have to go to the skimmer to shut off the water from the pool?

It DOES sound like a suction side leak but he's done his homework reasonably well.....I'm surprised he hasn't found it ....if it's there.

See ya' :)

Dave, if there is a 733 involved, I'll wager that it's the cause. Those valves are just a poor design(they had the right idea, but the gaskets and shell fail way too early. IMHO - Hayward makes the best pool equipment on the market, but they've had a few wrong numbers!

Hi guys. Thanks very much for trying to help me out. The vari-flo I have is an SP-710. I noticed that the 'non-metallic bearing cover' (as it is called on the instruction sheet I have for it is broken and just about completely gone. Might this be causing the problem? I'm nearing wits end but am adamant to fix this as it has become my personal challenge. Is there any other info can I provide that would help the troubleshooting process? Thanks again. Rick

Hi, Rick,

Is that valve on the suction side?

Hi. No. My setup is: from the skimmer a direct line (underground) and then up through the ground into the pump. The water goes through the pump to the valve where i have the option of filter, waste, recirc, backwash, rinse or closed. I am assuming suction side is anything before the pump...thx

Hi, Rick,

That's what I thought, and, yes, suction side is, logically, everything from the impeller of the pump back to the skimmer. Pressure side is everything the other way...pump up to the filter, thru the multi-port valve, etc.

So that Sp 711 valve is not the issue nor is anything on the pressure side since a pressure side leak is water spewing (leaking) from the system.

Suction side leaks, like yours, are characterized by air being drawn into the system. Okay, you've got a suction side leak and there are no moving parts on the suction side. The most common leak is at the o-ring on the pump basket. I know you said you've got suction at that basket but check the o-ring carefully again. Make sure it is seated correctly and eliminate it as a possible source.

The next most likely would be the union between the suction side pipe and the pump basket. There is typically an o-ring there as well. Ensure that it is in place.

I'm still stumped, but it sounds like it is getting narrowed down. An underground suction leak is always thought of but that is very unlikely. That system is drawing air somewhere betweem the skimmer and the impeller on the pump....we'll (you'll) find it. :)

Thanks for the reassurance. My gut all along was that it is an air leak somewhere on the suction side but I'll be damned if i can find it. I don't see or hear anything. I can see through the basket lid and the oring certainly looks sealed but to be sure, I'll get a new one. I don't recall an oring at the union of the basket and suction side pipe. I'll look at that again too. thanks - hopefully I'll be back with good news sooner than later.