mizepools
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![[*]](./images/corporate/default_icon.gif) posted on 5-6-11 at 06:58 PM |
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Skimmer holds pressure but loses prime
This job is a pool and spa. Starting from the pump there is an electronic valve that tees. The left side runs the two pool skimmers and pool main
drain. Right side runs spa skimmer ans spa main drains. All plumbing tested and the pump runs fine but when you open the valve for the spa skimmer it
loses its prime instantly.
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brehmcon
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| posted on 5-6-11 at 10:20 PM |
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If you plugged the valve for the pressure test maybe the valve is leaking. The o-ring on the valve stem that is going to the actuator might be bad.
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mizepools
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| posted on 6-6-11 at 04:38 AM |
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The valve was tested. I induced water from the pump.
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mizepools
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| posted on 7-6-11 at 04:08 AM |
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Another thing that confuses me is the pump will be running off pool main drain, pool skimmer, spa main drain but when the spa skimmer valve is opened
loses prime. This would indicate massive amount of air from skimmer but it holds pressure. I also tested at the top of the threads to rule out male
adaptor. Need help guys!
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ChuckGeo
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| posted on 7-6-11 at 05:13 AM |
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Is it possible that the spa skimmer weir is stuck in the up position? This would cause the symptom you described. Also, is the spa full enough to be
able to run the skimmer?
Just a couple of thoughts.
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brehmcon
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| posted on 7-6-11 at 08:17 PM |
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Is it possible a check valve could be hiding the leak? is the pool actually loosing water? Maybe try isolating the spa skimmer line and pressure it
from the skimmer end.Good ideas ChuckGeo the weir thing just happened to me yesterday. It's possible that the leak only opens up under suction not
pressure.
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trackerm
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| posted on 15-6-11 at 11:35 AM |
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i have seen lines plugged up with debris, chestnuts, acorns and DE. No flow of water can be establish from the skimmer to the pump. it wil hold
pressure, but its not a crack, its an obstruction causing it
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jstinemire
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| posted on 15-6-11 at 06:53 PM |
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Trackerm makes a very good point. I have had that happen! Also, make sure that you aren't covering the leak with your test plug. I've had that
happen a few times, including just last week.
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brehmcon
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| posted on 16-6-11 at 06:44 AM |
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Collapsed flex line can do that to.
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Poolman
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| posted on 17-6-11 at 10:58 PM |
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Strip the valve and check the seals, pressure can keep the seals seated but suction can draw air.
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trackerm
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| posted on 23-6-11 at 09:32 AM |
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small leaks around unions that are pulling air back into the system. nobody seems to replace o rings or pump gasket. i have seen cracks in the pump
housing that did not leak, shut the pump off and watch the water shoot out of the plastic housing.
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