baffled - low flow

[rickpx14]

thanks. ok - i did exactly as you said. first of all, the only way I can shut the suctions ide off is plugging the inlet hole at the base of the 'skimmer hole' - I did that, turned the multiport to filter and all the water in the basket rushed out - attempting to go toward the filter. I shut down the pump and all the water gushes back into the basket to the previous level. I tried it all oveer again - this time letting the pump run for a couple minutes, but same thing happens...low flow...and gauge reads about 4 psi...

[duraleigh]

Hi, Rick,

Sorry I couldn't respond...out for the evening.

First, I am assuming you filled the pump basket to overflowing after you plugged the skimmer...you don't say that but I'm assuming you did.

So, if you plugged the skimmer hole and filled the pump basket (and the suction line) with water, there is no air left on the suction side. Right?

Then, when you turn on the pump, all the water rushes out of the pump basket. That means it is replaced by air. In a working system, what should happen is nothing....the water can't rush out of the pump basket cause the air can't get in to replace it.

My next thought would be to fill up the entire suction side with water again, turn the pump on as before, then shut the pump off never opening the skimmer hole. If all the water is pumped out of the basket, It shouldn't refill into the basket because now the water (on the pressure side) cannot push the air back out. Make sense?

Rick, I'm stumped. Poconos always has good insight into this type of issue...maybe he'll come along with a good idea.

[rickpx14]

Hi. I really didn't expect much in replies since most everyone hopefully are ENJOYING thier pools this weekend . Yes, I did everything you said but the water still moves out-then gushes back in...Would the fact that thw vari-flo has a cracked plastic o-ring (just under the handle) have anyting to do with this problem (it was cracked last year too but never had any probs) Might it be the pump?

[waste]

Rick, met you over on another thread, it certainly sounds like an air leak on the suction side. If you bring a hose over to the filter pad and have it run a slow stream, you can direct the stream at any questionable connections or the valve itself (if your hose won't reach, you can use a bucket of water, slowly poured, to do the same thing). You used the words 'vari-flo' which indicates to me that you have a Hayward SP 733 valve (3 way). This would explain the problem - those valves are ^%#$&&$%&&$#$ !!!!. As I understand they have been or are being discontinued, they suck! (air mostly). If I'm right, you need SP 733Z1 for the replacement o-ring (if you can't get one, I can get it for you - in fact I have a couple in my basement, you don't mind that they've been through the laundry?)

[duraleigh]

Hey, Ted,

Man, I sure am glad to see you on this thread...I cannot figure this out! That Hayward SP 733 I assumed was his multiport. Duh!

That said, you think he has that valve on the suction side? Why would he have to go to the skimmer to shut off the water from the pool?

It DOES sound like a suction side leak but he's done his homework reasonably well.....I'm surprised he hasn't found it ....if it's there.

See ya'

[waste]

Dave, if there is a 733 involved, I'll wager that it's the cause. Those valves are just a poor design(they had the right idea, but the gaskets and shell fail way too early. IMHO - Hayward makes the best pool equipment on the market, but they've had a few wrong numbers!

[rickpx14]

Hi guys. Thanks very much for trying to help me out. The vari-flo I have is an SP-710. I noticed that the 'non-metallic bearing cover' (as it is called on the instruction sheet I have for it is broken and just about completely gone. Might this be causing the problem? I'm nearing wits end but am adamant to fix this as it has become my personal challenge. Is there any other info can I provide that would help the troubleshooting process? Thanks again. Rick