Low flow, poor suction; bubbles in pump & pool, mustard algae

[mas985]

The bottom valve in this picture on the suction side of the pump (without the actuator) is set to restrict the flow on the main line. This will increase the suction head and decrease both flow rate and filter pressure plus it can cause the pump basket to leak air and draw in bubbles. Set that valve such that the handle is pointed along the common pipe and see if that improves things. BTW, do you know what those two lines go to (e.g. skimmer and main drain)?

[PoolDoc]

Good catch. Thanks, Mark.

[kahmeal]

The bottom valve in this picture on the suction side of the pump (without the actuator) is set to restrict the flow on the main line. This will increase the suction head and decrease both flow rate and filter pressure plus it can cause the pump basket to leak air and draw in bubbles. Set that valve such that the handle is pointed along the common pipe and see if that improves things. BTW, do you know what those two lines go to (e.g. skimmer and main drain)?

Sorry it took me a while to reply, been a bit caught up with other things the last few days. I have not yet had a chance to track down the leak, however as far as that handle goes; The position it's in is as far as it will turn in that direction. The other possible positions are 12 o'clock which completely blocks all water to the pump and then 2 o'clock which partially blocks the right pipe the same way the left is now partially blocked. Unfortunately these two pipes are not labeled so I'm not sure where they go.

I made another quick video showing the piping a little better, if you can figure out exactly what each/valve does and what they should be set to that could help me a bit as I'm still not quite sure what they all do or what they should be set to.

http://youtu.be/x6C8bvSSeRE

Also, is the pool swimmable a few hours after adding the 1 gallon of 8.25% bleach and scrubbing the algae or should we not be using it until that problem is gone?

[kahmeal]

Well I've tried a few different things so far:

1. I ran water over all the different joints in the suction side piping while watching the return jets to see if the bubbles diminished at all -- they did not. The pump lid still continued to show a lot of air.
2. I used smoke around all the pump joints to see if any was getting pulled in -- none. Checked around the pump lid as well. Relubed the gasket just in case and closed the lid snug but not too tight.
3. I applied a high temp waterproof silicone around all the PVC joints on the suction side to rule out air leaks despite the lack of indication from the previous two strategies, just in case. After allowing it to cure all day, tried the pump in the evening and the problem remains.

At this juncture I am beginning to suspect an in-ground leak somewhere but have no idea what tracking that down entails or whether it's even feasible for someone like myself. I appreciate any and all feedback in this matter as it's beginning to look like it might get expensive and we really can't afford to throw too much money at this yet considering our recent move in and related expenses. Thanks so much!

[PoolDoc]

I've never really known if this stuff:

http://www.fixaleak.com/pools.html

works, or not. But given what your options are, it might be worth trying. Be *SURE* to read the instructions on the page above, before deciding to buy. Here are two links to Amazon for the product:

#1 Marlig Fix A Leak Pool Leak Sealer - 32 oz
#2 Marlig Fix A Leak Pool Leak Sealer - 32 oz

If you do use it, please let us know whether it works or not.

[mas985]

Sorry it took me a while to reply, been a bit caught up with other things the last few days. I have not yet had a chance to track down the leak, however as far as that handle goes; The position it's in is as far as it will turn in that direction. The other possible positions are 12 o'clock which completely blocks all water to the pump and then 2 o'clock which partially blocks the right pipe the same way the left is now partially blocked. Unfortunately these two pipes are not labeled so I'm not sure where they go.

The valve cover is installed incorrectly. Take out all the screws, remove the valve internals and rotate the cover 180 degrees and re-install. That should fix the valve problem. While you have the valve apart, check the o-ring for any damage as that can cause a leak.

[kahmeal]

Ditto, it was in fact the valve. Took it apart, replaced with new freshly lubed rings, re-oriented the handle properly and no more bubbles What a weight off my shoulders, and quite the learning experience along the way! Just got done spending about 5 hours on the valves/filters/vacuuming/scrubbing the pool and finished off with a fresh gallon of clorox and leaving the pump on for the night. My taylor testing kit came in as well so I'll be spending this week getting the water quality dialed in and hopefully be swimming by the weekend! Thanks to everyone who helped me along here; again, so much learned.

[PoolDoc]

The valve cover is installed incorrectly.

Good catch, Mark.

[Marin]

That was a nice catch.

Question on this topic, one I've wondered about recently. Will an underground suction leak provide enough air? I suppose it depends on soil composition. Rocky/sandy could, dirt/clay might not. Mostly dirt around here, I assumed that an underground suction leak would draw in and show mud. Any ideas?

[PoolDoc]

As you say, it depends on soil conditions . . .