baffled - low flow

[rickpx14]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have checked the multiport valve and there doesn't seem to be any problems there. I have it set to waste so that the (sand) filter is taken out of the equation. And there is plenty of water in the pool...it has all the signs of an air leak but I've repiped everything and don't see any water leakage or hear any air leakage when I shut off the pump. I'm really stumped. thx..

[PatL34]

If you are getting air into the filter, i.e. you have to open the vent valve on top, then you have a suction- side leak.

Check the O-ring to the pump basket has Magic Lube, or similar.

Check with a 3 - 4' piece of PVC pipe held against one ear, the other at different places on the suction piping. When you hear bubbles, that's where the leak is.

Hope this helps.

Pat

[rickpx14]

thx Pat. I went out and opened the top valve on the filter and air did escape. Even though I am going to waste, does this mean that there is def. an air leak problem on the suction side? Should I leave this open when going to waste? closed? does it matter? sorry - i'm trying everything here. I have already checked the oring around the basket (several times) and it seems ok. And I don't hear anything on the suction side as far as leaking or bubbles when I turn the pump off. ...and the reading on the presure gauge just sits at 4-5 psi -does this mean anything? thanks again...

[PatL34]

You need to set the multiflow valve to go through the filter to check for air infiltration, when the pump has been running a good 1/2 hour. If you get a lot of air from the filter vent, i.e. more than a couple of seconds, then you have an air leak, and check as before with the pump running.

If not then you need to check the pressure side of the pump to the filter. Also you may need a new gauge. Remove it, and if there is pressure from the connection, and the gauge drops back to zero, then the gauge is alright.

You mention a back flow when the pump is shut off. Are there any valves downstream of the filter that might be closed or restricted? That could account for the back flow as the filter depressurerizes back through the pump. This also could account for an air-leak on the suction side, as this air pressure is driving the flow back from the filter.

Hope this helps some more.

Pat.

[duraleigh]

Rick,

does your pump and filter sit above the water level of the pool? Your description sure sounds like it. If so, are you giving the pump enough time to prime?

I may take as much as 2-4 minutes. If you are above pool level, post back and I'll give you some tips.

[rickpx14]

hi dave - thanks. yes - it does sit above the pool. i do give it quite a while to build up pressure but this time i'm not getting anything more than a very low flow of water coming through. at this point, i've taken everything apart and put it back together again. the frustrating part is that it was working when I first fired her up. I vaccumed for a bit (opening pool) and lost pressure about half way through the clean up. I didnt have a whole lot of crud in the strainer but I did empty nit a couple times. My gut says its an airleak on the suction side but I'll be darned if I can find/fix it...

[duraleigh]

Rick, can you turn off the suction line leading into the pump?

If so, try this.

Plan A

Turn off that suction line...completely

Put multiport valve in the filter position

Open the pump basket...there should be no water flow either direction.

Next, get a 5 gallon bucket and fill the pump basket 'til it overflows. I know some will go into the suction line...that's what I want.

Now, replace the basket lid and turn the pump on...keep the valve closed...you won't hurt the pump.

Most of the water should stay in the basket, since the pump can't suck it out because you've got the line closed.

Now, slowly open that suction line. It'll slosh around in the basket a good bit but, but hope fully, it will start to draw a larger and larger volume of water 'til it primes. It'll happen very quickly once it primes.

Plan B. If that fails to prime after a minute or so or you dont see an ever increasing flow of water into the pump, close the suction line again...pump running....it wont hurt it.

Next, Repeat Plan A above.....if it doesn't prime then, I am waaay off base.