Newbie question: How to empty pump strainer basket without a flood

[poolfngy]

I have a really simple question. I have a Hayward Power-Flo Matrix pump and a Hayward XStream filter for my 24' AG pool. The pump has a large strainer basket on it. When the time comes, how can I take the top off the strainer to clean the basket without either getting flooded by water coming from the skimmer or water in the filter? It seems to me that as soon as I unscrew the strainer top, gravity and pressure will work against me and I'll end up soggy. I don't really want to learn the hard way if at all possible.

Any help would be appreciated.
Pool Fuhnewgee

[tsandershsa]

I just setup my pool and had the same problem....I fabricated an extension
out of 1 1/2 pvc pipe, which included a pvc shutoff, that goes between
the pump and the skimmer.....now if i need to clean the filter I turn off
the pump, put the filter into the closed position and shut off the pvc
valve.....no more water!

Todd

[matt4x4]

I have a shutoff installed directly below the skimmer and directly before the return - I turn both to off before unscrewing the cap - one of the best things you can do is install shutoffs - if you add them after the fact, and think you'll get a flood trying to get them istalled, plug the skimmer bottom wityh a rag or rubber stopper before disassembly - same goes for return jet - remove directional eyelet and install some type of plug.
Get the larger inline shutoffs that have a quick disconnect on one side so you can easily remove your plumbing when it comes time for winterizing.

[gonefishin]

I added the shutoff below the skimmer as well. I had my pool professional installed ( ) and you would have thought this would have been something added that would be common courteous. I say that because it seems so obvious that you should have a shutoff there...but it isn't obvious until after the pool is installed and filled with water. How are new pool owners to know? if I had...I sure would have bought the shutoff valve before hand.

When I added the shutoff valve. I slowed down the water by removing the skimmer basket and placing a Tupperware container over the skimmer hole (like a cork in a bottle). This kept the water from rushing out as I added the valve.

good luck,
dan

[prh129]

My pool store said they don't provide the valves as standard equipment because people forget to turn the valves back on and can damage the pump by letting it run dry.

I did not opt to add isolation valves because I have a 4 year old that likes to do what dad does so I'm afraid he would turn the valve off someday without my knowing it (despite being told he's not supposed to touch the pool equipment).

Instead I got some rubber stoppers at the Home Depot - one to fit in the bottom of the skimmer and one to fit in the return jet eyeball. I put a screw eye in each stopper and tied a piece of polypropylene line between the two (for two reasons - one to clearly show the stoppers are in the pool and two in case the return one fell out or was dropped it won't go to the bottom of the pool.) It's cheap, easy, and I don't have to worry about valves getting turned off at the wrong time.

Peter

[ShelleyAnn]

All you need to do is get a $4 stopper at Home Depot to put in your skimmer hole...after you turn the pump off of course.

Then unscrew the little drain at the bottom of the basket housing, unscrew the lid on top, remove the basket, whalaah! If you're quick, you can use the draining pump water to rinse the pump basket of those last little specs. Inspect the housing where the basket came from for any debris that didn't get caught and reverse the process.

Shelley

[Karen_in_TN]

I usually turn my pump to closed and then take the skimmer basket out and put a lid off a tupperware bowl over the hole. When the pump basket is opened the water sucks the lid down and only a little water trickles out. After I get the lid back on, I put the skimmer basket back in and set the pump back to filter and start it up.