Low pressure after moving filter

[EricD]

I have a 24' semi-inground pool <http://www.sharkline.com/oasis-semi-inground-pool.html>.

I moved the filter about 30' away from the pool and now have low pressure. It looked like I had good pressure the day I opened the pool. I may have sucked in some leaves when I opened the pool, but I can't find any obstructions. I cleaned the cartridge twice and snaked the lines.

My setup currently includes:
- a cartridge filter with 1.5hp pump
- approx 40' inlet and outlet underground pipes, 1.5" PVC, connected to pump and pool with flexible hoses. Total run is less than 90'.
- pump inlet is approximately 18" above water level.

My main question is whether this setup should normally run, in which case I should look more for possible obstructions.

If the design is weak, there are a few adjustments I could make. Each would require $$ or labor so I'd like to get an idea of what the best move would be.
- Replace the underground pipe with a 2" pipe. I could reroute it slightly and get rid of a 45° elbow. 2" pipes supposedly have less friction than 1.5" pipes. The connections would still be 1.5".
- Lower the pump (max I could lower is about 8" so it would still be 10" above water line)
- Get more powerful pump (if so, what do you recommend?)

Thanks

[PoolDoc]

I'd recommend checking the pump's impeller to make sure it's not clogged or worn.

Also, if you'd post the pump model and make, along with links to the mfg site if you can find them. Unfortunately, when it comes to AG pool pumps, HP ratings are 'gamed' so extensively that to say it's a 1.5 HP pump says almost nothing.

Ben Powell

[EricD]

The pump is a Sta-rite JWPA5FL-2A2. Unfortunately it's not listed on the manufacturer's site (http://www.starite.com/). I couldn't find any flow info in the manual so I'll transcribe what I see on the label.
Another note: the pressure gauge on the tank reads 15psi. Last year, when it was closer to the pool, it averaged 10psi. I'm not sure if that's an indicator of what the issue may be.

[EricD]

The label on the pump motor says Sta-rite JWPA5FL-2A2, 1.5HP 115V VD 3FT20A
It really just mentions power usage, not flow.
The label on the tank says model PLM100
Max work pressure: 50PSI
FIlter area: 100 sq ft
Max flow rate: 37GPM

This site has a manual for it: http://www.backyardcitypools.com/poo...STA-PLM100.htm

[EricD]

A few updates:
I took the pump apart. The impeller was clean. As I reassembled everything, I lubed all the O-rings and replaced the Teflon tape on the threaded connections. Started the pump, and it ran great... for a few hours.
Then I opened the pump cover to clean the basket and started vacuuming the pool. I noticed the vacuum was a little weak, disconnected it, and noticed the pressure was low again.
So I moved to Plan B and lowered the pump about 8". It didn't change a thing.
Finally, i broke down and moved to plan C. I dug a new trench following a straighter path, and put in 2" pipes. Two days of work and, unfortunately, no improvement.

So I ruled out obstructions in the line. The planets aligned twice and it ran perfectly, but I cant' figure out what's wrong when it's not working.

Here's my setup (pending photos):
Skimmer > 3' flex 1.5" tube > 35' underground 2" Pipe > 3' flex 1.5" tube > Pump + Filter > 3' flex 1.5" tube > 35' underground 2" Pipe > 3' flex 1.5" tube > Return Jet.

TIA, -- Eric

[Poconos]

I'm a little confused. You say the planets aligned twice. Are you saying the pressure and flow were fine twice, and then the pressure and flow dropped? If so then that tells me the system is capable of working fine and something is changing dynamically. What are the pressure readings working and not working if you have them? Actual numbers will help determine the amount of change. Does shutting the pump off for a few minutes, then back on cause it to repeat the working, not working cycle? Are there any air bubbles visible at the returns or in the pump basket chamber? I'm kind of thinking small suction side air leak. With that much of a suction side length the suction vacuum at the pump will be higher than normal so maybe this is causing something funny. It's puzzling that you said it ran for a few hours then went south. I don't know what it would show but can you try running without the cartridges just to see what happens? There is an explanation for everything and just a matter of digging to find it.
Al