Hayward Pump and Sand Filter Issue

[kevev99]

Hi all. I'm new to the forums, but have a question on an issue that's been driving me nuts since I opened my pool about 2 weeks ago. I'll detail it all out:

Pool and Equipment: 18'x34'x52" with Hayward S230T sand filter with Vari-Flo 6 position valve and Hayward SP1593 Power-Flo Matrix 1.5hp pump - 6th season of use

Problem: Water leaking out backwash connection when filter in "FILTER" position

So I opened my pool up and got everything hooked up. The sand filter stays outside year round and I put the pump in the garage during winter time. However, 2 years ago I did not so it was out all winter (which could be a contributing issue now). Everything is hooked up, I turn on the pump with the filter valve in "FILTER" position and I get water leaking out the backwash connection. I set it to "BACKWASH" and have almost no pressure with water flowing out significantly slower than expected. The only setting that works with no leaking is "RECIRCULATE". I investigate the issue and think I need to put a new Vari-Flo valve on the filter. I order a new one and replace it, as well as replacing 250 lbs of sand, reconnect everything, start the pump, and have no leaking in "FITLER" position for the first 24-30 hours. After that it starts leaking again. I do more investigating and find that it could be the pump. So I take the pump apart as best I can and clean/lubricate the o-rings, but I can't get the impeller off. No screws, but it was stuck. Keep in mind I have heard some sort of a hum hear and there, and I have the same issue of almost no pressure for "BACKWASH" with the new valve.

So my question is: Is the pump going bad? I'm thinking that from the impeller on back to the motor it is possibly rusted/corroded/gunked up, and as a result not rotating at the proper RPMs to push the water through, causing the leak when in "FILTER" and the lack of flow when in "BACKWASH". I've tried smacking the casing with a rubber mallet to loosen any particles up, but no luck. Can somebody help me out with some suggestions before I drop $300 on a new pump?

Thanks.

[waste]

Welcome to the forum!

Sorry you're having this trouble

My first thought, on reading your story, would be that the wagon wheel A/K/A spider gasket in the multiport was bad.

However, is the water still coming out the backwash port with the new Vari-Flo valve?

Does the impeller turn easily by hand? (if yes, read on - if no, the shaft is seized and we can tell you how to fix that )

I'm having a little trouble figuring this one out, but suspect a clogged impeller - have you been vacuuming a bunch of 'crud' (especially the leafy pollen string type)? Or perhaps a leak from the discharge port on the pump itself (rather than the multiport). Or maybe a seal assembly issue, water would leak from underneath the pump, where the motor meets the housing.

Any chance of giving us a picture of the system/ where the water is leaking (photobucket is how I post pics - but you might be able to do it without their service) We may have a simple terminology issue (you call it "X" and I call it "Y") - if we can get on the same page, I'll most likely be able to help you

[Watermom]

Ted --- Unfortunately, temporary members are not able to post pictures. If Kevin wants to bump up to the "subscriber" level, he would be able to though. Just an FYI.

[waste]

Thanks Lisa, I pray all is well with you/ your health and your family!

Could a photobucket link be a 'work-around'? (a link to an outside source to view the pic)

(No! I have no connection to photobucket but, I can use it, despite the fact I'm 'technologically challenged' )

[Watermom]

Sorry. Live links aren't allowed either for temporary subscribers.

[Poconos]

Reading your post several times I have to agree with Ted in that the multiport valve seems to have a problem. Doesn't explain the new one doing the same thing though. Ted is also questioning the source of the leak if I read it right. Valve or pump. That should be easy to determine. As for the pump not running up to speed, unlikely. These motors will run at a pretty constant RPM and if you load them to the point of slowing them down then they would overheat quickly. Another point, the pump has nothing to do with a leaking multiport.
Al