Pump Needs Constant Priming

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  • Last Post 24 August 2020
hawkhuff posted this 01 August 2020

I have an old in ground pool and a relatively new Hayward Super Pool Pump 1.5 hp model SP2610x15. My major issue appears to be a leak in the suction side of the chain. I replaced the o rings on the sump (2) and put a new gasket on the pump basket to no avail. It still blows air out of the outlets. I then used silicone to add an additional layer of sealant to the pool pipe joints. This too had no effect. My major complaint is when I turn on the filter it needs priming now but I am wondering if this might be a different problem. I had it on a timer but I cannot do this now.

When the pump is turned on the basket is most times half full of water, sometimes full but it doesn't prime. I then have to shut off the water lines, then open up the pump basket. Sometimes it needs water but often times it's nearly or completely full. I replace the top, screw it down tight, re-activate the pump then turn on the pool lines and it primes and runs normally. My question is this a pump problem or is it an extension of the air leak?

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Inyohector posted this 21 August 2020

Most often this is due to an air suction leak of some sort. Check out this guide we put together that may offer some tips. You can also consider adding a check valve in the line going into the suction port of the pump to help keep water in the pump once it shuts down. 

 

hawkhuff posted this 21 August 2020

Thank you.

I did locate this video on Youtube and it was very helpful. I replaced the three filter basket o ring and applied silcone sealer to all of the suction side joints. That did do the trick as I am now able to go back on the pump timer and not have to worry about priming the pump over and over each day. However, I still have some air coming from the outlets and I suspect there may be other issues with o rings like the bulkhead o ring. That one has never been replaced nor has the filter drain o ring. Those will have to wait until closing which is fast approaching.

hawkhuff posted this 21 August 2020

Oh and by the way, I am intriqued about the check valve but I don't know how I would install that on my current system. If the problem persists it will be on my to do list and figure out a way. Thanks again.

InyoRob posted this 21 August 2020

The bulkhead o-ring and drain plug o-ring on the filter are on the pressure side of the system. You would see leaking water if those were bad. Air would have to be coming from the pump strainer or before.

Inyohector posted this 21 August 2020

Those bubbles are most often associated with a suction side air leak, old or dirty filter. The filter bulkhead o rings are on the pressure side of the water flow so are not likely causing that. Often times adding silicone to the suction side of the system to seal leaks may help, but most are not guaranteed to stop all of the air suction leaks. Many of the suction fittings end up needing to be replaced.  

hawkhuff posted this 22 August 2020

Thank you for the information regarding the o rings. Unfortunately, the suction side pipes were just replaced within the last two years. The main three way valve was shot so that entire suction side pipes and valve were replaced from the ground up to the pump. I will apply more silicone to see what that does for it. It's entirely possible I missed a spot or three!

I'm not sure what you mean about the old or dirty filter. Are you referring to the filter cartridge? If so, that too has been replaced within the last three years and I have routinely taken the filter apart (it's a Nautilus Pac Fab NS36 DE) for a thorough cleaning during the season but how is that the suction side? I'm not clear about that. 

InyoRob posted this 24 August 2020

Do you have a salt system? If so, it is common for there to be bubbles coming from the return jets.

Like Hector mentioned previously, a check valve on the suction side of the system will help the pump keep prime when it shuts off.

hawkhuff posted this 24 August 2020

No, it is a traditional in ground pool with a DE filter and 1.5 hp pump.

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