Problem with new Power-Flo LX pump

[haeffnkr]

Hello,
I have run the pump on my pool deck several times now for several 10 minute runs, and shorter.
The first time I actually got it to work somehow???
It worked like it should have - it started to slowly pull water from start up then finally got to full prime after a couple minutes when the basket was staying full and had the water gushing out of the exit side of the pump with a 1.5" PVC pipe attached. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I poured a lot of water in the basket and the intake pipe and it was cold/empty?

I have since not been able to duplicate it though, I tried 10 times.
Upon initial start up with water in the basket and some even in the intake pipe - or not - when turned on a hand full of water is pulled into the pump basket with the initial startup - then the trickle stops and no matter how long you run the pump it will not pull anymore water, and it appears the initial prime is lost? The pump will not get primed enough to continue pulling water into the basket, but why?

Any help would be appreciated.
thanks Kevin

[Poconos]

Kevin,
If there is any air leak, no matter how small, on the suction side you will have trouble lifting water the 1' to get a solid charge. Once you get that solid charge it should "suck your fingers off". Have you applied silicone grease to the gasket on the pump basket lid? I have an old jacuzzi pump that's a PITA because of the stupid lid.
Best guess for now.
Al

[SCO93]

I could be totally wrong about this, but after reading this post, I thought it just might be worth mentioning. After looking on Hayward's site, the information about the LX pump is as follows:

'The Power-Flo LX™ is a high-performance pump series designed for the rigors of above-ground and on-ground type swimming pools. Combining durable, corrosion-proof construction with advanced features and options, Power-Flo LX sets the standard for value and performance.

For above-ground and in-ground pools requiring self-priming action, Power-Flo II is the pool professional`s choice for superior performance and unparalleled quality.'

The reason I am copying this information from their site is......Since 'self priming' is not mentioned as a feature of the LX, could this mean that the pump is designed to operate only at below the waterline? I assume most AG pool pumps are below the water line, where I think, priming would not be an issue, or as much of one. Trust me, I'm no expert when it comes to pumps, so again, I could be way off base here, but after reading this, it sounds like maybe the LX isn't the right pump for the job. Is it possible to put the pump lower than the waterline outside the pool, at least until (if) the pumping begins? Just a thought.

Jason

[bdavis]

You are correct SCO93. The Power-Flo LX is a flooded suction pump and needs to be installed below the waterline.

What is really needed for the job is a self priming pump like the Power-Flo II. Similar to the LX, but self priming.

Cheers
Bob

[haeffnkr]

I am speechless...It is right in the manual with pictures...

"The Power-Flo LX pump MUST be installed below the pool water line (see Figure to right)"

I skipped right over that and went to the troubleshooting pages.
Thanks for the help - I really appreciate it.
This forum is live-saver - I would have played with this WRONG pump another 2 weeks trying to get it to prime reliably!

I assumed pumps are pumps, especially Haywards pumps - I have seen 3 different pumps used for this purpose, brought out by the builder, they were all Hayward and had no idea there was AG pumps and BG - Oh well, live and learn, now I know pumps are not all alike.

thanks again
Kevin
(with a red face...)

P.S Who wants to buy this pump?