Skimmer Problems

[maggie2712]

My skimmer basket seems to have lost resistance - usually I cannot remove the skimmer basket while the pump is running. It now just lifts right out.

It was working fine until a couple of days ago and I am at a loss as to what is causing this.

Pump basket is clear of debris. Have put my hand in and turned the impeller it moves freely doesn't appear to be clogged.

Have put a plastic bag into skimmer and it went straight to the pump basket with no problem.
Sand was replaced coming up for 3 years ago.

My filtration system has been running continuously as I have been clearing a really nasty algae outbreak.
Pump usually starts at 10 and rises as and when it needs back washing. Have had to do a lot of back washing while trying to clear the algae up.

Water is very cloudy and doesn't seem to be clearing.

Any suggestions as to what the problem can be?

[BigDave]

What kind of pool do you have? Do you have other outlets from the pool besides the skimmer? How's the flow at the returns? Does it seem as strong as usual? Does the filter need to be backwashed?

[PoolDoc]

Any suggestions as to what the problem can be?

You didn't -- by any chance -- vacuum up some pine needles the other day? I'm pretty sure your part of Georgia is pine country, and what you are describing sounds like a clogged impeller.

Could be pine needles, small gravel or bits of plaster, or even chewing gum. Some times, I've been able to reach the impeller throat with my finger tips, and drag the debris out. Other times, I've had to take the pump apart.

[maggie2712]

Pool is 18x36 inground with vinyl liner. Other outlet is main drain. Flow at returns is ok had a friend over and he said my flow from the returns was better than his. When pool initially starts there are a few airbubbles but they fast disappear.
No pine trees just a couple of palms and a couple of pecan trees. Filter is back washed once it reaches about 19 - it usually starts at about 10. Tried to run on circulate but pressure was only about 6 or 7 so return it to run on filter. Pump basket doesnt have any air in it at all. Have had to replace spider gasket and also I have replaced the multiport valve but pool was running well once these were changed out. Have also replaced seal on pump basket lid. Pump was replaced last year (Hayward Super Pump)

If it is a clogged impeller would I be able to do that or would it be best to call out a pool repair service.

Thank you so much for your replies I am needing all the help I can get on this one!

[PoolDoc]

Filter is back washed once it reaches about 19 - it usually starts at about 10.

OK, your friend said the flow seemed normal. Are the pressures on your filter gauge still typical of what you've seen before?

[CarlD]

Um, could the main drain have been impeded and now is cleared up? That would definitely cause the suction pressure at the skimmer to drop. Not being able to pull the basket out from the suction seems pretty extreme to me.

[BigDave]

Or is there a valve that shut the main drain when the skimmer suction was so high?