SWCG shows low flow all the time.

[Rosie700]

Help, I have a Krystal Clear Saltwater system Model cs8110. I am using it with a Intex 15' x 42" vinyl pool. I can get it to run for a while then I get low flow alarm. I have been making sure that the water line does not have air but somehow it keeps getting air. this is getting me upset!! Can you give a pool newbe some help where to look for the problem. I have been on hold with Intex for an hour two different time all ready!!

[Rosie700]

I tightened all of the connection to the pipes. I was watching the SWAG (the clear plastic part) it is making it own air bubbles around the tall part that is in between the first connection and the plates. I have braced the last hose that go back to the pool so the bubbles flow out instead of building up. Now is has been running for 1/2 hour with out the alarm going off. Now on to the numbers. The pool has been up since Friday. Here is the reading from my testing.

Date Chlorine PH Alkalinity hardness cyanuric acid
6/9/2012 0 7.8 300 400 water stayed clear add shock
6/10/2012 0.5 7.8 330 400 NA Added 9oz of CYA after reading add shock
6/11/2012 3 7.5 300 370 less then 30 Added 9oz of CYA after reading

We have very hard city water, What else can I do??
the pool is a Intex easy set up 15 x 42 round. I have a floating surface skimmer. Krystal Clear Model 637R filter pump. Krystal Clear Saltwater system Model CS8110
This forum is the best thing out on the internet. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Watermom]

Hi, Rosie, and welcome to the Pool Forum. Unfortunately, I don't have any suggestions for you, but we do have people on here who should be able to advise you. I just wanted to let you know that your post had been read and you weren't being ignored! Sit tight and hopefully before long, one of them will be around and can help you!

Hope you enjoy being a part of the forum!

[Rosie700]

Thanks, now I am back at the low flow alarm all the time!!! frustrating!!! Any one know were to look at, I got the bubbles to be moving away and it is still doing it!!

[PoolDoc]

I have a floating surface skimmer. Krystal Clear Model 637R filter pump. Krystal Clear Saltwater system Model CS8110

I think I may have an idea what your problem is. The CS8100 is the #54601 salt water system and requires between 700 and 4000 gph of flow. The 637R is the #56637 1000 gph pump and filter system.

Here's my guess: either the salt system flow sensor is set a little high (doesn't turn ON till maybe 1100 gph) OR the pump is a little weak (only supplies 600 gph instead of 700), or maybe a little of both. It's also possible that the flow sensor on the SWCG is broken -- even though it's new.

You can try a couple of things:
1. Remove the cartridge from the filter and the skimmer from the pool. Start the pump up with NO cartridge, and with an open connection where the skimmer would connect. See if the SWCG works then.
2. If it still doesn't work, remove any nozzle or sprayer from your hose. Turn your hose on, and put it into the pool. Carefully take the hose end, and put it just in front of the opening where the skimmer connected, so you are spraying fresh water into that opening. See if that increases the flow enough to cause the SWCG to turn on.

If either one of these works . . . you've found your problem: you need a bigger pump, like this one:

Intex 56635EG 1500-Gallon Filter Pump AC 110 to 120-Volt

If this does NOT work, then something may be wrong with the flow sensor on the SWCG. In that case, call Intex,and ask them to send you a new one, under warranty:

1-800-234-6839
M-F 7:00am-5:00pm PST; S 7:00am-3:00pm PST

Return Address:
Intex Recreation Corp. - Attn: Consumer Service Dept.
1665 Hughes Way
Long Beach, CA 90810

[Rosie700]

I found the problem, there was grass in the part of the hose that attached to the skimmer!! I guess I will have to take that off everyday and clean it out too. Now it is working well. I have it on boost overnight and will see what the numbers are in the AM.

[PoolDoc]

Glad you found the obstruction!

[Rosie700]

Thanks for sticking with this nubie and not laughing at me!! Here are my reading so far. I still have some work to do to get them where they need to be.


Date Chlorine PH 7.5-7.8 Alkalinity hardness cyanuric acid CYA
6/9/2012 0 7.8 300 400 water stayed clear add shock
6/10/2012 0.5 7.8 330 400 NA Added 9oz of CYA after reading add shock
6/11/2012 3 7.5 300 370 less then 30 Added 9oz of CYA after reading
6/12/2012 3 7.5 280 390 35 12 hours boost over night before readings