How tight to make pump lid?

[GWNorth]

We have a Hydropump for pool circulation (in ground pool with pump in basement below pool level) that has the two screw downs on each side of the lid. It is quite difficult to tighten the lid enough to prevent a bit of a "burp" of water from the backpressure when the pump is turned off. I just replaced the o-ring hoping that would help and have used lots of MagicLube and it is a little better but still concerning. While running, there are no leaks and everything is fine with just what I consider normal tighness on the screw downs. When it turns off though, it does the water burp thing unless I really tighten the screw downs quite hard. I'm a bit worried about deforming the lid or something (perhaps that is already the case which may be why I'm having the trouble).

Is it normal to have to really tighen down those screw downs quite hard? I've tried searching but haven't seen a related question but apologies if this has been covered. Perhaps I see why many of the newer pumps seem to have a different lid design that you screw the whole lid on.

Thanks for any feedback. I've learned a lot from the variety of topics covered here.

[Davenj]

I have a Northstar pump with a twist cam lid (garbage design). I also have an issue with the seal on the lid. The lid moves quite a bit when the pump changes speeds or turns off. I would say if its not constanly sucking air then not such a big deal. One of the more knowledgable people may have a better response.

[Poconos]

Since your pump is below the pool you have additional pressure because of the location. The lids are designed to seal better under a partial vacuum and not positive pressure. My limited experience with a twist off lid was.....junk it. usually difficult to open and close compared to the one you have. For a suggestion how about a really large hose clamp around the middle of the lid and the basket body to help even out the hold down force? The hold down screws are at one end and tangs at the other. The hose clamp would give some middle force. Might also put some strips of rubber such as from an old inner tube between the hose clamp and the lid to provide a little cushion and help even out the stress from the clamp.
Al

[GWNorth]

That is an interesting suggestion I hadn't considered. I might be able to criss cross two clamps across the middle to give some extra tension in the middle. I'll have to scrounge up some parts and give it a try. Thanks for the idea.

[Poconos]

Great. Let us know how you make out. Home Depot has some pretty big hose clamps and you can always string a couple together.
Al

[GWNorth]

I got sidetracked with other non-pool projects since I hard to go parts for this but finally got back to this to give it a try. I picked up 4 clamps at HD (2 - 6" and 2 - 4") that worked out a little bigger than I needed but better than too short) and attached them together to make two large loops. I criss crossed these over the center of the pump strainer assembly and lid with some pieces of cut up weatherstripping to protect the plastic and help keep it from sliding off. I snugged the clamps down (not too hard) enough it give it a little pressure towards the center of the lid.

Great results. The lid no longer "burps" water when shutting off the motor and I don't have to go gorilla tight on the side screw downs. It looks a little "Macgiver" like (I guess that ages me) but preformance is more important to me so I'm happy with the results.

Great suggestion Poconos.

Thanks.