1rst Pool Help..Pump Won't Circulate, So Can I Swim?
by Jason DeFrancesco
I've got everything hooked up to its pump, but the pump refuses to circulate the water thorough. I've done all the trouble-shooting in it's manual to no luck. I just can't get any circulation going. Being that it's not a huge pool, is there anything I can put directly into the water to keep it clean that doesn't require the pump? Maye something that would circulate by the motion of the swimmers? There won't be a lot of swimmers in it at once. Probably no more than 4 people (5 tops). Thanks for the question Jason and congratulations on your new pool. I'm sure you're going to have alot of fun with it. I had a route of 50 home and commercial pools in Arizona for years and have been the pool operator for our YMCA for the last 3 years, so any answers you need will come from years of knowledge and real world experience. Your 15 X 48 pool holds about 5,200 gallons of water, which is not huge, but good enough to warrant a pool pump and filter. Your first order should be to get that up and running as quickly as possible. Even if you chlorinate the water, any water that is in the filter will turn to algae very quickly. When you turn the pump back on you'll get a good dose of algae straight into the pool. Pool water is meant to be circulated and filtered. Here's some good posts on troubleshooting your filter and pump: How Do I Fix Low Skimmer Suction? Pressure Won't Come Up On Sand Filter No Backwash Or Rinse Pressure On A Pool Sand Filter... My Pool Sand Filter Has Low Pressure..Low Psi & Multiport Valve Is Leaking.. Not everything will apply to your situation, but there's much information on those pages. I'll give you some good answers to start with. First, be sure the water level is up 1/3 - 1/2 from the bottom of the skimmer. If it isn't, your system will draw in air. Be sure the pump pot is full of water. If it's not, you'll need to prime it. Fill a bucket with water, or use a garden hose, and fill the pot up. Quickly put the lid on and secure it down, and start the pump motor. Check the lid for cracks. The O-ring needs to not have any tears or rips. Replace it if it's damaged. All skimmer valve(s) should be opened. Bleed the air out of the filter. Hope this helps and have a fun and safe swimming season. Robert |
