Have a 16x32 IG fiberglass pool. Had pump issues sincecwe got the house 3 yrs ago. Replaced pump last week with a new Hayward Swimpro XL 1.5 hp pump. .
There are several factors why you would have an air leak and/or priming issues. Check out the video and blog below.
Why Are My Pool Jets Not Working? (click link to view article)
There is only 1-90 degree angle infront of the pump. There are a few to the filter but that doesnt affect the pump priming. There are small cracks in the skimmer housing below water…the pool service guy used the putty on it but it molded and had to be taken off
That is what the pool technician used before that molded. Is there anyway to keep it from molding?
Other than keeping the chlorine level maintained at 2-4 ppm, I’m not sure what else can be done. The chlorine is usually enough to prevent mold from growing.
Ok, we were having an issue with that and keeping the other levels good since the pump was bad. Could it maybe be the O rings in the unions or where the pipe us glued? I know we checked them but…we are anning on doing a pressure test on the skimmer line this weekend. If that is the issue what are your thoughts or recommendations on the liquid sealant for the cracks? I can not afford to have the concrete decking torn out/replaced and pipe dug up. We contacted the company that installed the pool to ser if they happen to of kept blueprint or skematics of the plumbing but have not heard back…been almost 4 days now.
It could be anywhere on the suction side of the system. This includes the pump lid, the pump intake, and anything before the pump. We have a liquid sealant called Fix-A-Leak. It will only work on suction side leaks if you reverse the flow of water.
We have no way of reversing the water flow. The previous owners cut the main drain/ valve piping out and only have 1 line which comes from the skimmer straight into the pump. We do not know if the MD even works.
Update, the skimmer line failed the pressure test. Wpukd not even hold 10lbs…
Found and fixed the skimmer line l. Previous owners had pierced the pipe with a metal stake. Pump is primed perfect but i notice my return jet flow is not as strong as it had been before fixing the line. How strong should the flow be?
We’re glad to hear that you found the problem. Every pool is different and there isn’t a standard flow rating for return jets. If the PSI is at a normal operating range on the filter and there are no air bubbles, the system should be ok.
Ok. Wife was wondering. Before we fixed the leak the output from the jet was so strong you could barely hold your hand infront of it and now its not like that at all but wecwill just go with it. Thank you for all your advice and your videos really are helpful.