Getting to a pool with no suction at the pump can be frustrating but there are specific steps you can take to help troubleshoot the problem. I can be something simple or something not so simple so it is important to follow these steps.
The first thing I check is obvious. Is the water level at the right spot in the pool, usually halfway up the tile line, or if you look at the skimmer opening the water should be filling the opening halfway? Low water can of course cause the pool pump to lose its prime. Next, is something blocking the skimmer? A pool toy or pool float maybe or there may be a twig or debris stuck in the weir gate keeping that in the closed position. The weir gate is the white plastic device in the front of the skimmer and if it is in the closed position when the pool is running it will prevent water from getting to the pump.
I then check the skimmer basket to make sure that is free of debris. If it is full of leaves that will prevent the pump from priming also. Nest, check the pump basket to make sure that is free of debris as well. If the pump basket is full of debris the pool pump will not prime. If all of those issues look fine we then move on to some other common issues.
Check the valves to make sure they are in the right position. Sometimes a valve gets turned in the wrong direction and in some cases that is very obvious. You may notice for instance the spa is completely drained down.
Turn the pump off if it is not off already. You want to remove the pump lid and inspect the o-ring in the lid. Make sure it is on there of course and that it is free of debris, lubed, and on tight. If it is stretched or cracked this can stop the pump from priming. After that, you want to check the impeller to remove the pump basket and get a flathead screwdriver and use that to try and spin the impeller. Sometimes there is debris in there preventing it from spinning. You may also need to remove the 6 bolts or clamp and visually inspect the impeller to make sure no debris is jammed in there.
The filter can also be an issue if it is very dirty. The PSI on the gauge is a good indicator of this. If it is 10 PSI over the normal PSI when the filter is clean you may need to backwash it if it is a sand or DE filter. If it is a cartridge filter take the filter apart and clean it. Sometimes the PSI is good with a cartridge filter but the cartridge or cartridges are worn out. Once you put in a new cartridge or set of cartridges the pool may regain suction.
If you notice the skimmer basket had a crack in it or was flipped over in the skimmer, some debris may be stuck in the plumbing. You can use a drain bladder to try and clear it or call in a professional plumber who will snake the line or use C02 to blow the line.
Remember if you can’t clear the line yourself or figure out why the pool pump won’t prime, calling in a specialist like a Leak Detection company may be the best option.
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