No suction at skimmer (kinda long)

[JenniferC]

Thanks for the reply. I have cleaned the filter several times and it hasnt changed anything and the pressure doesnt drop after changing to clean filter like it has in the past summers. Yes Ive always tested the water on my own, but i must admit that i use the chepo test kit from walmart, so it's tough for me to give you the numbers you're asking for. The first summer was a bit of a struggle keeping a good balance of chemicals and keeping the water clear, but in the last two summers Ive had no issues til this spring. I couldnt for the life of me get the water to clear up. The lady at the pool store said that it was a common issue with a lot of local pool owners...she said with all the rain we had that the phosphate levels were high, and when she did a water sample for me she said that my pool was just like the others. She gave me the name of the product to lower the high phosphate, so that's what I bought and followed her directions... and now I have no skimmer suction. I suppose it could be totally not related but it seems very coincidental. Either way, now my once cloudy pool is now a nice green color and I'm realizing quickly that im in over my head. I called a local pool service today and they want $180 just for the service call. My pool is 39x14 and 26k gallons. I've used ordinary bleach and baking soda and chlorine pucks in the clorinator to regulate the pools chemicals. It has been crystal clear for the last two summers. Thanks in advance for any help.

[FormerBromineUser]

Is your psi returning to your "clean" pressure after cleaning the filter?

[FormerBromineUser]

Also, did you try shutting off the main drain to see what happens?

[JenniferC]

No, the pressure doesnt drop after putting in clean filter. No, i havent tried turning off the main drain. Im heading out now to mess with it. I'll do that and see what happens. Thanks

[FormerBromineUser]

If your experimenting shows that there is a blockage in the skimmer, you could put a garden hose in the pump basket into the skimmer line and see what happens. If there is a blockage, it may push it back into the pool if you have enough water pressure.

[Anonymous [GDPR] European in the UK]

Hi JenniferC, It sounds like the filter cartridge is clogged by the phosfree as you suspect. Can remove the cartridge and just run without it to test flow and the gauge pressure?

I know some people run with high phosphates and it works for them providing the free chlorine level is maintained at the correct level for your stabiliser level, did the pool shop disclose all the figures for you? Personally I prefer to reduce the phosphates so the pool doesn't go green in the blink of an eye if the chlorine tank runs out but others in the US don't and run successfully.

[JenniferC]

Also, did you try shutting off the main drain to see what happens?

Sorry for it taking so long for me to get back to this thread. Busy at work and a racecar that is in pieces has me running 100 different directions. So I did try closing the main and immediately i had good flow thru the skimmer, but the flow to the return jets is low and have air bubbles coming out of them. I must have some type of blockage or a huge air pocket in one of my lines. I have a guy coming today to look at it. Its very frustrating, I've had pretty good luck with the pool for the first few years we've lived here..but this year has been a real hassle. Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

[swimdaddy]

Just my 2 cents at this point, but this forum has historically helped pool owners enjoy their pools with less hassle using the BBB method, the Taylor test kits, frequent cleaning and smaller pumps. I have read the entire Pool Solutions site and scoured this forum, and I think if you do too it will help you maintain your pool with less hassle and more time to do other things. I am in the middle of a transmission rebuild myself, I spend 5-10 minutes a night on my pool.

[FormerBromineUser]

Please provide us with an update when you can!