No suction at skimmer (kinda long)

[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!