This may be a dumb question, but are you guys checking both strainers? Could be the one in the pump is hopelessly clogged!
Also, when running a vac that connects to the skimmer and uses the suction to drive it, sometimes it helps to remove the strainer in the skimmer to stop it all from sucking in air through the excess gaps that are then there, this can stop the vac from working quickly.
Another problem I see frequently is that people are not backwashing long enough, usually it takes 20+ seconds before you will see dirt coming out.
Another issue when sucking in air can sometimes be that the pump lid didn't get tightened enough or the seal is pinched - you will suck in air that way and lose prime.
When you're trying to clean up dead algae - backwashing frequently is common, I tend to have to backwash about 10 times during the cleaning process if I had to kill a bloom before it's back to normal. (also a 30 foot pool)
Bookmarks