Help I did a stupid thing??????

[larry b]

closing the pool today, had a bunch of leaves in the middle of the pool, i thought Id bypass the skimmer basket, the pump basket and vac the leaves to waste,( av ground 28ft round sand filter) well it was good for a minute, then i lost sucking power, 4lbs of pressure instead of 18lbs. i took the multi port and flushed it out, turned the pump on without useing the filter still very low pressure, but water was comeing out. it all works but very very low sucking, the hoses seem to be clear, do i have to take the pump apart an look inside?? had to go buy the leaf bagger, were u hook up your hose to it and it sucks up the leaves it really works i got the pool clean but im worryed about the sucking power, as it will be like this in may if i dont figure this out. this is the most stupid thing that I did as a pool owner does any one have a idea ???????? Help

[Poconos]

If I read the question right....you goofed. The only way to bypass the skimmer and pump baskets is to remove them. Is that what you did? Those baskets are there for a reason. That being to keep junk, including damaging junk, from the pump impeller. First guess is the leaves plugged up the impeller. If they get past that then the multiport could be plugged too because of the sharp corners and the way the water is directed internally. Possibly you could have plugged up the skimmer line too.
If this is what you did you need to kill pump power so your sure it cannot come on, then reach in through the basket and see if the impeller has junk. The multiport would most likely have to be taken apart to clean it out. Relatively easy. If the skimmer line is plugged then maybe using a garden hose into the entrance pipe in the pump basket can reverse flush it. Keep us posted and good luck.
Al

[larry b]

yes i did remove both baskets ( i know really stupid, first time last time) was going to save me time from running up and down the deck turning the pump on and off and emptying the baskets, i know now not to do this, i will check the pump, pool is closed now when i take all the hoses off Ill check things out and post info later. thanks talk to u later milwaukee wis cold and windy today