WaterNet Online

We had a mess when we opened our pool this year as the cover blew in during a bad storm this winter.  We've finally got the water balanced and clear, but we are still having a problem with a lot of air in the lines.  What is really puzzling me is that when I remove the cover from the strainer basket on the pump, the water does not flow out of the pool.  I've never seen this before.  To restart I have to put the cover back and turn the pump on for a short time.  Then when I remove the cover again, the water will usually start flowing, slowly at first.  After this I can get the pump going without running it dry.  Got any ideas what's keeping the water back?  My pump is well below my water line.  I've got a 25,000 vinyl pool that is 8 years old.  I'm not losing any water from the pool other than normal evaporation.

Thanks,

Gina

I would assume you have a check valve after the pump, or water would flow back from the returns. If water does not flow from the suction side, there must be a blockage(s). Is there a main drain and skimmer? Separate lines or joined underground, most likely at the skimmer? The latter is my assumption, but in any event I would have a local pool guy come vac out the suction lines to try and clear any blockage. Mind you, by the time I am writing this, your pump may have pulled through a pile of leaves etc already