PSI/Suction Issue -- Above Ground Pool. Looking for Thoughts.

Pool Equipment
1

Hello,

Hope all is well.  I have a 12/x24 oval above ground pool installed this year.  Pump is a waterway 1.5hp.  After installation, I had good suction, very strong flow of water from the return and 15/16 PSI.  I had great clarity and little to no small debris on the surface despite being under a large oak.  I would vaccum weekly to deal with accumulation of leaves on the bottom.

I noticed a couple small leaks in some of the PVC, and asked the installer to return.  There was a small leak from the drain plug, which I subsequently correctled by turning it tighter.  The installer thought it was from the joint between the pump and the filter, and resealed them.  This was the only suction side change that was made.

The installer then installed a t-valve, and waste line using a ball valve between the filter and heat pump.  He also added some additional cement on the return line from the heat pump, because there was a very slow drip – that did not correct the problem, but it wasn’t causing any significant issues anyway.

After these modifications, my PSI went down to 8 to 10.  I still have strong flow from the return, but not quite as strong, and the suction appears to be slightly reduced.  I use to have a pretty good vortex going without causing air bubbles, but now, the vortex is much less.  When the pump shut off before the modifications, it would hold prime, now it losses prime (most of the time).  When turned on, prime is restored, and air bubbles are gone after a reasonable amount of time.

The biggest change I have noticed is that I am having more surface debris – small bugs, etc.  I did not have much, if any, of this before.  Most people I speak to believe that the reduced PSI and suction, would have to be suction side issues, but the only thing that was changed on the suction side was the resealing of the joint between the pump and the filter (there are no leaks), and the tighening of the drain plug, which I did with my hand.  I think the PSI and suction changes are more likely a result of the addition of the waste line, despite the fact that it is located after the filter.  Perhaps it is creating back pressure?

So, should I just be happy with 8-10 PSI and the slight reduction in suction and flow, along with additional debris on the surface?  Should I cut out the waste line and try to restore the PVC to the original install?  Or, should I get a skimmer doctor for above ground pools (which is a hard product to find)?

These readings are all on high.

Thank you very much!

Shawn

2

Another idea is installing a diverter along the original line in order to avoid the 180 degree turn currently in place with the t valve/ball valve set up. Here is a picture of the set-up, as currently in place.

Pool Pump Set Up
Pool Pump Set Up2016×1512 1.4 MB

3

Shawn, by waste line I assume you mean a pipe for backwashing your filter. If so the waste line has no effect on return pressure in normal operation, only when you backwash filter. you said that you vacuum the pool regularly and when you do so the debris goes directly to your pump basket and filter. You have to inspect skimmer basket and pump basket to make sure they are clear and if they are and you still have a lower pressure reading on filter gauge then impeller could be the problem. Sometimes fine debris gets through the basket and clogs impeller. This would give a lower reading on the gauge and lower return pressure.