Swimming Pool Sand Filter Problems..
by Tina Roberson
I have a Hayward sand filter that is not getting primed to run. When on the filter setting it starts going, alot of bubbles, like alot of force is going into pool at the return and almost has a good prime but then shoots water out the waste line and loses prime. The only setting that doesn't have water coming out the waste is on circulate. I can send a pic or video if needed.... Thanks for the question Tina The return lines might blow bubbles the first couple minutes after turning on the pump. This is normal because the bubbles are trapped air in the lines. The air will be replaced by water This is not harmful and can be minimized by opening the pressure relief valve on the pool's filter. If the bubbles keep happening, or if the pump cannot prime, either the pump is defective, the impellar motor is bad or clogged up with debris, or there's a leak on the suction side of the system which is common. The suction side of the system is everything between the drain/skimmer and the pump, including the pump basket. The big job is to find the leak. Next, be sure the water level is between 1/3 - 1/2 up from the bottom of the skimmer. A low water level will cause the skimmer to draw in air which will cause bubbles in the pool water and no prime in the pump motor. There's a simple way to see if the suction loss is at the skimmer or drain. When the pump is running, slowly close the skimmer valve. If the pump fills with water, then the suction problem is at the drain. Do the opposite with the drain valve to verify. Open the skimmer valve and close the drain valve. Check the seal/O-ring around the pump lid. If it's broken or worn, replace it. Check the air release valve on the filter. Many have a small O-ring on the end of the valve which can get worn down or broken when overtightened. Check around the outside of the all the equipment and on the ground. Look for any spots that might have water, around the top of the filter, pipes, everywhere. Water will indicate a leak somewhere. Pool Sand Filter Problems..How To For Troubleshooting & Maintenance Swimming Pool Sand Filters..Pool Filter System..Backwash If the pump motor runs dry for too long the seals might melt which will cause the impeller to burn up as well, which might be the cause of the loss of prime. It would be great to see some pics. or a video. Other people have the same issue as you and your pics./video might help them. Hope this helps and good luck Robert |
