Pool Pump Strainer Lid O-ring; The pump strainer lid is sealed by a single gasket; which once it loses pliability can provide a direct route to foul your prime. Normal signs of wear are cracking in the rubber, warping or stretching, and the obvious, missing bits
Check the rubber gasket for cracks pinching the gasket into a smaller loop. Cracks will look like striations across the length of the gasket.
Warped or stretched gaskets are evident when the o-ring sits in the groove o-ring, spilling over. The warping of an o-ring can lead to it being pinched creating a gap through which air can enter the plumbing.
If necessary, replace with new gasket, after cleaning the o-ring’s groove of gunk and leftover lube. Apply a new coat of lube, as well.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/28/2017
Darrell - It sounds like you have a suction air leak that is causing air to build up in the top of the filter tank. When you press down on the MPV handle, you are opening up the system and letting this air release. Suction air leaks occur in the connections at or before the pump on the suction side of the pump between the pump and the pool. Since the MPV is on the discharge side of the pump, any leak there would show up as a squirt. So concentrate on the suction side of the pump to isolate any suction leaks. Try covering suction side connection with a soapy solution. If it has a leak, you will see soap bubbles being sucked into the hole.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2017
drigs - Your problem sounds the same as "not a problem solver" below. See my comment to him.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2017
not a problem solver - If you have to bleed out air from the top of your filter to increase flow, you are definitely getting air into your system from suction air leaks and this is probably causing backpressure that's impeding water flow as it builds up. Many filters have a breather tube down the center of the tank to relieve this pressure. If you have one, check to make sure it and the screen filter at the top end of it are not clogged. The suction air leaks occur at connections between the pool and the front end of the pump. If you can't see anything with a soapy solution, try using something heavier like shaving cream. A suction leak will suck the cream in leaving a pothole.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/27/2017
Nidhu - Since your problems seemed to start when you opened up the strainer basket to clean out debris, I would start there. Look at the strainer cover O-ring. If it is old, stretched or damaged, it may not be sealing properly. I would replace it. As for your basket overflowing, when you open up the system, water will tend to move around to find its natural level. Also, if part of your problem is low water pressure, see our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". See Step 6, Clogged Impeller, in particular.Reply
drigs Posted: 6/26/2017
The flow out of my returns is low but the pressure is always the same as when I start it after a backwash. I cleaned the filter again today started it up and everything was fine for about an hour then the flow went down again. If I set the filter to recirculate the flow is normal. When I put it back to filter it will stay normal for about an hour again. I have a Hayward DE filter. The equipment is about 12 years old.Reply
not a problem solver Posted: 6/26/2017
This is our 2nd year with a pool. Older pool (30 years?). First summer, no issues. Noticed late summer that the pump was not getting great suction and flow into filter was slow. Someone finally told me to clean the cartridges . did so and everything was fine. Ran through the winter (Vegas, never froze) no issues.About a month ago, replaced all 4 cartridges in Hayward filter. flow was great for about a day, then slowed. Then crawled, then seemingly nothing after a few weeks. Took them out and cleaned them ... same process.
This weekend cleaned them again (2 cleanings in one month!) and replaced the O-rings on the filter and on the filter lid. It is already back to seemingly no flow.
There is so little flow. I can bleed out air from the filter for about 20 seconds every day .. .it just comes back.
I have run a hose to test the flow to the holes in the pool, seems fine.
Same from the pump to the skimmer, fine.
Very few bubbles of air visible in pump basket window.
No visible water leaks in any of the exposed pipes. Have used the soapy solution, nothing that I can find.
Pump when it was working well made a noise, now it is whisper quiet.
I just want stuff to work .. that is all.
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Nidhu Posted: 6/26/2017
Hi,I have a DE filter.I see water coming out of filter basket when pump is turned off. I have two jets in the pool. One isn't doing anything and the one is majorly throwing air bubbles in the pool. This started happening after I back washed the filter and opened up the pool filter basket to take debris out. We are not really sure if this is normal for the pump basket overflowing with water when pump is off. Please advise.
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Darrell Posted: 6/25/2017
I have an issue with air in my pump. I ran a separate line from the pool directly to the pump to check if there was an issue with my underground lines- Same result. I have tried backwashing-same result. When I press down on the filter valve to relieve pressure , the pump pushes out the air and the chamber fills with water. When the filter handle is returned to normal , the air comes back. It sounds like the filter valve control is sucking air. its about 15 yrs old so maybe the seals are gone.My heater keeps getting a low flow signal . Any thoughts?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/20/2017
tig - Thank you very much for your observation. The Teflon tape comment has come up before and we are trying to pull it out of our guides.Reply
tlg Posted: 6/20/2017
I just want to note that in step 6, you shouldn't put teflon tape on the threads of the union. The O-ring provides the water sealing. Teflon tape will only inhibit the ability to get the ring properly tightened. Also, there are mixed opinions on using teflon tape on PVC in general.Reply
NAshvillepool Posted: 6/18/2017
I researched this site and did a methodical, diligent step-by-step inspection of the whole routine (I'm a new pool owner with no experience; er....I'm new to pools). I found out that I had not opened one of the pipes on the suction side after backwashing. There was no reason for me to have closed it in the first place. I was just "checking systems" (ahem). The pump is fine. the water is now circulating and I have a huge job in getting the muddy Amazonian pond to look half-way respectable. I'm working on it through the stormy weather. I noticed that one the three water inlet into the pool is blowing a whole lot of air. I'm getting to that part now. Probably the gasket. Thank you.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/17/2017
Nashvillepool - When you say skimmer, I think you mean the strainer basket in the pump. If so, the only thing that could generate that much heat is the motor in the pump. If that is the case, I'm surprised that the motor didn't shut off before generating that much heat and I'm also surprised that all the pump's gaskets and the shaft seal weren't destroyed. With that much heat being generated, it sounds like you need a new motor.Reply
Nashvillepool Posted: 6/14/2017
I have a Hayward Vari-Flo XL sand filter and a Centurion switchless pump. One day recently I noticed no flow to the pool. The motor was humming and the skimmer basket was warped (melted) form the hot water. (I replaced the basket) I turned the pump off and on again a few times and I can hear a faint hiss of air a few times. I checked to see if anything was lose. I backwashed and rinsed the filter once. Then, I turned the pump on again overnight. The pumps seems to be running and I can feel the pipes vibrating/humming (as if water was running). The water is not flowing into the pool though. I kept it on though and next morning, I found the water in the skimmer hot again. I turned everything off again. What should I be looking at? Is my pump shot or am I missing something fundamanetal? Thank you!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/12/2017
MickeyGzzz - If you mean the piece of short pipe that screws into the pumps discharge port, it could be an adapter or a union depending on how your intend to attach the filter.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/12/2017
mike - You may have an air leak in your cleaner hose. Try taking all but one or two of the hoses off and see if that correct your problem. If so, you need to buy new hoses sections.Reply
MickeyGzzz Posted: 6/11/2017
Please if someone can tell me what the pipe that screws into the discharge side port is ? I don't know what it's name isSo thank you
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mike Posted: 6/10/2017
I recently replaced my pump and it appears to be working fine and until i plug the pool vacuum hose into the skimmer. With the vac attached the pump begins to surge and suction is greatly reduced. The water level in the strainer drops to the level where the inlet pipe is connected. It acts like the vac hose is restricted but it isn't clogged or collapsing. Does this sound like an air leak?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/9/2017
Thawk654 - Check that your pump's GPM water flow is smaller than your filter's capacity. Your pump may be too strong for your filter. Make sure you have the right O-ring for your MPV. As you are tightening the clamp, hit it gently with a rubber hammer around its circumference to make sure it seats properly. Check that the clamp is not bent or broken.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/8/2017
DBoh - It sounds like you know the difference between a full rated and uprated pump, but check again that you don't have the impeller for a 1.5 full rated pump. A full rated propeller would require your 1.5 HP pump do the work of a 2 or 2.25 HP pump and it would fail. Assuming you have the right impeller, the whining is usually an indication that the bearings are going.Reply
Thawk654 Posted: 6/7/2017
Pressure showing 32-34psi.Replaced the spider gasket as it was dripping water from backwash outlet.
Several days later, water started coming out of where the o-ring is. Removed multiport and replaced the o-ring with Lube Tube.
Pressure still at 32-34 and over a few hours, water begins shooting out of the clamp again.
The o-ring is "smashing" out of multiport.
I can sfigure out why this is occurring.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/7/2017
davidtfull - Thank you for your response. I would be very interested in your results to resolve this issue.Reply
davidtfull Posted: 6/6/2017
Inyopools: I do not have a salt generator or a heater. Using chlorine tablets through an inline feeder. I ran a bead of silicone around all the pvc fittings on the suction side which eliminated the small bubble (about the size of a nickel) I had in the basket. The tiny bubbles in the pool are not affecting anything, just annoying is all. Will see if sealing the pvc joints has any effect and will report back if it does. I do appreciate your prompt response to my initial concerns. Thank you.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/6/2017
davidtfull - Not sure what this is but it doesn't sound like these bubbles are causing any problems. If you have a Salt Chlorine Generator, it produces very, very small bubbles at the exit end of the SCG that go out through the returns.Reply
DBoh Posted: 6/6/2017
For my pool we use a Hayward SP2607x10 pump with an uprated 1.5HP with the proper impeller upgrade kit. For the spring opening I took a sample to the pool store and bought the recommended products. I performed the regimen as instructed (as I done plenty times now) and suddenly at the end of day 3 the pump began to whine. I pulled everything apart and the were some soft pine cone sprouts in the impeller so I cleaned and reassembled. The pump still whines but the jets seem to push as hard as before and the skimmer "seems" to vacuum okay but the pressure is much higher than normal. Any ideas? I've backwashed etc. but there at time does seem to be air in the pump. Want to verify the impeller/pump is is the issue before spending $400 for a new pumpReply
davidtfull Posted: 6/6/2017
I checked everything on the suction side and found no leaks. I have a very small air bubble in the strainer basket. but no bubbles coming out of the returns. Pump pressure holds steady at 15, pump holds prime, water pressure at the returns are normal, water level is correct but I still have very, very tiny air bubbles in the pool water. Very noticeable when the pool light is on. You can see tons of very tiny bubbles flowing in front of the light. When you stick your hand in the water the bubbles collect on the hair of your arms. Bubbles still remain even when the pump is turned off. What am I missing here?Reply
Brad B Posted: 6/6/2017
I've noticed after I backwash and return to filter mode, large amounts of air are in my return jets. Filter basket has little to no air. When pump turns off, the pressure pushes off the vacuum line and the water drains from pump. I then have to add water to filter basket in order to get it to prime. After several days, the air seems to flush from the system. But then I backwash again and the problem starts over.It seems air is getting into the filter when I backwash - is this possible? If so, how do I prevent it?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 6/2/2017
Bob B. - The easy fixes first. Make sure your weir door is operating smoothly. Then check for a blockage in the first elbow of your skimmer using a plumber's line. If there is a blockage like a small toy that is jammed in, try opening up the diverter valve (main/skimmer and blowing the toy back to the skimmer using a Drain King attached to a garden hose. If the line is clear, you may have a broken joint where the skimmer attaches to the pipe and you may have to replace the skimmer (not easy).Reply
Bob B. Posted: 6/1/2017
When running pool from port 1 (skimmer to filter) there is very little suction and a lot of air in the filter basket. When pool is running on port 2 (bottom of pool), it runs perfect. I have not noticed a lower water level although we have had a lot of rain. I'm assuming there is a crack or leak in the plumbing line. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/31/2017
wspwithe - First, try putting only 80% of a full load of DE Powder when you recharge your filter. After a backwash, 20% of the powder is left in the filter. Second, if you have an air relief tube in the center of your filter, make sure it and the screen at the top of it are not clogged. Third, does this problem occur when you have the MPV in “recirculate’ mode effectively bypassing the filter. If so, your filter is not the issue.Reply
wspwithe Posted: 5/29/2017
Our pool pressure has been running at 35 psi. Can't find problem. We cleaned and back washed DE filter. Turn it on, it runs at 20psi... we added DE powder...psi slowly rises...finally after about 1 hour water completely stops flowing from waterfall as if we turned it off. Definitely not filtering. Pool is green. We did remove the filter completely as well and clean it. At a loss.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/23/2017
Anonymous (AG air leaks) - There aren't many places for suction leaks between the pump and the pool, generally only the two fittings at the pool and at the pump. If these are unions, check the placement of the O-rings in the unions and tighten the unions up. If these fittings can’t be removed easily, try sealing the connections with silicon glue.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/22/2017
Do you help with Above ground pool air leaks? We have actual foam that appeared on top of the pool after we opened the pool. We finally figured it out that it is due to an air leak from some where....no visible leak. Can you guide us?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/22/2017
islander - I don't know why the multiport valve Filter position would cause air in the pump's strainer basket. The water in the filter's multiport valve has passed the pump and shouldn't impact the pump’s operation. It shouldn't matter, but check the spider gasket in the MPV for damage. Then review this guide again for identifying air leaks.Reply
islander Posted: 5/20/2017
When my sand filter is set to "Filter," bubbles exit the returns and air gradually accumulates under the strainer cover. Eventually, the pump no longer takes in water. When I set the filter to "Waste," the air under the strainer cover gradually decreases and the pump functions normally. So...not a suction problem, I suppose. Ideas?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/19/2017
Ray - See our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". A clogged impeller (Step 6) is a common problem.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/19/2017
DD - You may have several problems. For DE powder in the pool see our guide on "How To Prevent DE Filter Powder Returning to Pool". For low water flow, see our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". A clogged impeller (Step 6) is very common. For air in the return lines when vacuuming, you may have a leak in the vacuuming hose. Try holding the entire hose under water to see if the air bubbles stop. If so, you have a leak in the hose. Take a section of the hose out one at a time to isolate the leak.Reply
Ray Posted: 5/18/2017
I'm having problem building pressure (only got about 2 psi) Normally pool runs around 10 psi. I do have some bubbles sputtering from one of my return jets. I had to replace the spider gasket in my Hayward Vari Flow valve as that was broken. I thought this may have been the problem but it did correct it. I have also replaced the pressure gauge. Any suggestions on where to go to next?Reply
DD Posted: 5/17/2017
Hello, Thank you for all this helpful information. I had DE powder go back into the pool, have air coming from return lines when vacuuming, and I don't seem to have good suction from the skimmer. Are these things related?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Dennis R. Posted: 5/17/2017
Cmoctezu - See our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". A clogged impeller is one of the most frequent low-pressure problems.Reply
Cmoctezu Posted: 5/16/2017
The gauge is reading 15 psi, but the water pressure feels weak compared to how it normally runs. I checked everything, clean the filter, etc., and she I first turn it on the pressure is fine, but after a bit it is weak again. However the gauge is always at 15 psi, unless it's shut off.Reply