Pentair Pump/Filter match for replacing Hayward

[mas985]

I don't think your problem is due to low HP so you may want to consider other things before upgrading the pump. With that size pool, a 3/4 HP should be more than sufficient. The problems you are experiencing may lie somewhere else.

First head is not the distance from the pool to the pad but has to do with the amount of pressure loss in the plumbing. With 10 to 14 PSI on the filter, you probably have about 30-40 feet of head which is pretty low as far as pools go. It could also mean that you have some blockage in your suction lines.

Second, the reason PSI drops with the cleaner is because the suction head loss increases. This is normal but in your case it seems a bit excessive. Are you adjusting your valves properly for the cleaner? It could be you don't need to close off the main suction lines completely for the vacuum to work properly. The other thing to look for is blockage in the vacuum line.

Third, for skimmers to work properly, your returns must be pointed properly. Depending on the placement of the returns and the skimmers, you can either point the returns at the skimmers or along the side of the pool to get the water movement you want. Sometimes they need to be pointed slightly upward to get proper water movement.

As for priming. It could be a couple of factors. Is the pad much higher in elevation than the pool? Your pump should handle 8 feet of elevation.

Another problem could be you do not have any one way valves in your plumbing so all of the water drains out of the pad when the pump is shut off. This should not be too hard to fix.

A third reason for the priming problem could again be due to line blockage.

Given all of your symptoms, it sounds as though there may be some blockage in your suction lines. That is pretty common for pools with 1 1/2" plumbing. Check that first before buying any equipment. The best way to clean them out is to backflush it with a Drain King hose attachment.

[simsjim]

Wow, thanks for that great info. That is very helpful and gives me something to think about. Although I would debate the idea of blockage since I just had all of the plumbing replaced last year. I'll try to flush the lines by forcing water OUT of the suction side into the pool and see what happens. Thanks Again!

Any other thoughts?