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Suction Leaks:
1.) Most likely problem: A Pump Lid O-Ring that has not
been COMPLETELY pulled off the Lid, had all contacting Surfaces Cleaned, and
Lubed with a Pool Lube (Vaseline Eats Rubber. Don't Use It!) I prefer
silicone “lubricants”, that’s lube, not sealant, to most others. They last
longer and seem to do a better job.
2.) 2nd most likely: Your Skimmer Weir is Stuck
in the Up Position.
3.) 3rd most likely: The Fitting at the Front
of the Pump is Sucking Air. (Second most common. Pick up some waterproof Tub
and Tile Silicone Sealant (That’s sealant, not lube like in #1 above). Shut
off pump. Fill Pump basket with water to intake pipe level. Tighten on lid.
Spread a dollop of silicone on your finger. As you turn on the equipment,
spread that silicone into the joint between the intake pipe and the front of
the pump. LEAVE THE EQUIPMENT RUNNING! In 4-5 minutes wipe off the excess
from the pipe / Front of the pump. LEAVE THE EQUIPMENT RUNNING FOR ANOTHER
HOUR OR SO. Do not shut off the equipment until the sealant is completely
cured.)
4.) You have Valves that are Sucking Air. Yes, there are
many valves where the home owner can take out all of the screws, bring the
O-rings and gaskets down to a hardware store, or pool supply shop, pick up
replacements, re-lube (Silicone Lube, NOT sealant this time) and reassemble
the valve. Be aware that matching up the exact positioning of all components
is a requirement or you can really screw things up, melting fittings, burning
out pump motors, blowing up filters, … Be careful. Be precise. If you can’t
do this, call a professional.
5.) Your Pump Seal has Failed. (Usually best left to
professionals. Involves pump disassembly, removing diffuser plates, removing
pump impellers, removal of the old seal, installation of a new one, and
reversing the process.)
6.) Other leaks from the pump area including screw
fittings, …
7.) Underground Leaks:
Do I have a Leak?
Chlorine stabilizer remains in a pool
until the water it bonds with until it is removed by draining, backwashing,
overfilling the pool, or, ... as a result of a leak in the pool, the
equipment or the plumbing. Once your chlorine stabilizer reading is where it
should be, it should stay ok until the next drain requires you to re-add it.
If this is not the case, you “could” have a leak. Mark where your water level
is on your tile, Shut off your water leveler, and in 24 hours mark where the
new water level is. Normal evaporation is about 3 1/2 -4" a week in Phoenix
in the summer, so if you only loose 1/2-3/4" in a day, you do not have a
bad leak that is worth hunting down. (For further info see "Leak
Detection") (Click HERE)
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