Hayward Pump and Sand Filter Issue

[Poconos]

I think what you're describing is a 'slamming' or 'hammer' effect. You get a mass of fluid moving then slam a valve shut or something to suddenly stop the flow. Fluid tries to keep moving and in your case the weakest point is the variflow valve and it lifts the spring loaded valve mechanism...the handle. I know you don't want to hear this but I never heard of something like this. Even with the return lines totally blocked there shouldn't be enough static pressure to lift that handle. Almost sounds like there is something in the return pipe that gets moving and jams to block the flow. Any kind of motor driven valves in the system that could be doing something unexpected? How about a heater? After this event do you still get flow from the returns? Whatever is causing this can definitely unseat that gasket no matter how well it is glued in. You have one heck of a pressure spike. I think BP may be trying to figure out something like this too.

To summarize:
-- Any chance of some object in the plumbing?
-- Do you still get flow out the returns after the event?
-- Any motor driven valves in the system?
-- How about a heater?

Just think of the satiisfaction you'll have when you solve this problem.
Al

Edit: Thought of something else. Remove your eyeballs to open up the returns and see if anything changes.

[kevev99]

I think what you're describing is a 'slamming' or 'hammer' effect. You get a mass of fluid moving then slam a valve shut or something to suddenly stop the flow. Fluid tries to keep moving and in your case the weakest point is the variflow valve and it lifts the spring loaded valve mechanism...the handle. I know you don't want to hear this but I never heard of something like this. Even with the return lines totally blocked there shouldn't be enough static pressure to lift that handle. Almost sounds like there is something in the return pipe that gets moving and jams to block the flow. Any kind of motor driven valves in the system that could be doing something unexpected? How about a heater? After this event do you still get flow from the returns? Whatever is causing this can definitely unseat that gasket no matter how well it is glued in. You have one heck of a pressure spike. I think BP may be trying to figure out something like this too.

To summarize:
-- Any chance of some object in the plumbing?
-- Do you still get flow out the returns after the event?
-- Any motor driven valves in the system?
-- How about a heater?

Just think of the satiisfaction you'll have when you solve this problem.
Al

Edit: Thought of something else. Remove your eyeballs to open up the returns and see if anything changes.

Hi Al,

To answer - No object in the plumbing. It's a brand new return hose from the filter to the pool. Yes there is flow out of the return (I only have one) and it is excessively strong. No motor driven valves. The only motor is the pump itself that's only 1.5hp. No heater either. It's the hose from the skimmer (brand new) to the pump. The hose from the pump to the valve, and the hose from the valve to the return/eyeball. I have an inline chlorinator to install but haven't done so yet as I want to solve the filtering issue first. I agree it will be very satisfying to solve this. I'll try removing the eyeball tomorrow. Thanks!

Kevin

[kevev99]

Hi all. I have an update: THE FILTER IS WORKING! I talked to another pool guy today. He wasn't sure, but gave me the # for a place in the area that specializes in above ground pools and filters. I called them. The guy I spoke to said he thought the new valve I bought may be defective and they had another in stock. So I go up there tonight to pick it up. Another guy was there and I told him what was up. He said Hayward in the last 2-3 years switched the PUMP and RETURN connections on the Vari Flo valves. So even though the valve looks identical to my old valve, the connections could be reversed. He said before I open the new valve and install it to check the connections. I did, it was connected backwards, I reversed them and now there is no leak and the filter is filtering. So I'll return the unopened valve tomorrow.

Thanks to all for your input, suggestions, feedback, and encouragement. It was very welcome, and I know I can rely on the folks here at the Pool Forum if I have future issues. I know the next thing on my agenda after I use up all the chemicals I have is to figure out how to chlorinate, level ph, and maintain everything using bleach, borax, etc so I can save $$$ on that.

Thanks again - Kevin

[waste]

Kevin, I am so very happy you got this fixed!!

I hadn't heard about that problem, but will keep it in mind, next time I run into a similar issue - thank you!


I really hope the pool won't give you any more trouble, but would like to see you around here anyway

[Poconos]

Glad to hear you solved the problem Kevin. Somewhere buried in the bowels of this forum I vaguely remember something about a variflow being plumbed backwards. Don't remember any other detail. Must have been a Hayward. Why do they do this stuff?
Al

[kevev99]

I know the whole being plumbed backwards thing is odd. The guy at the pool store said it caught him off guard a few years ago. He'd did an install the day before and everything hooked up as expected. Did another install the next, hooked it up as he normally did, and the customer called a day later about a leak. He went back and noticed that the intake/outtake were switched. Swapped the connections and all was good.

Glad he told me about it so I didn't open the box with the new Vari Flo I bought tonight and can return it tomorrow for a full refund.

I'll be around as I'm sure others will post questions about things I've encountered in the past. And I definitely want to wean myself off of pool chemicals and use everyday things to save money. Everyone here is great and I'll be sure to pop in every so often.

Kevin