Why does my pool debris/hair basket only stay half full, and very low pressure on the return?

Question

I recently bought a house and it had an inground pool. The filter and pump were shot. Found one on craigslist and it works fine. New sand in the filter. It was working great for a while then, after I tried to vaccum the bottom, the filter has had low pressure. I have cleaned the basket, as well as filled the basket with water, and secured the lid tightly. Backwashed for 5 minutes and then rinsed for 5 minutes and then back to filter. I tried recirculating setting but still the same outcome low pressure coming out the return. Pressure gauge is shot so I dont know the exact pressure reading. Any helpful tips, or suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Normally there is a second basket attached to the pump. It is probably clogged. Look for a cylinder with a cap on it attached to the filter, and the pipe from the pool going into the cylinder.

If you don't have the second filter in front of the pump intake, then the pump impellers are probably clogged with leaves and hair. Take the pump apart, clean out the hair and leaves, put the pump back together and then install a filter in front of the pump.

Answer 2

I agree with above comment most likely a clogged impeller..heres a page with more pump tips: http://www.swimming-pool-information.com...

Answer 3

check to see if there is air in the system.there should be valves or caps that ,when opened,will allow traped air to escape.when water begins to spurt out,close the valve.in some cases this may need to be repeated several times over several hours.circulation volume should improve when all air is purged from the system