Swimming pools blog

get advice about heaters, pumps, filters, liners, chemicals and maintaining private swimming pools

Swimming pools blog header image 2


low/no suction on skimmer intake line

November 19th, 2004 · 2 Comments

Hi All:
I could use some advice, especially since my pool guy can’t get to me
until next week.
Symptoms: low to no suction/pressure on the skimmer intake line. Not
enough suction to create a sufficient vacuum for my vac, hence the
pool’s getting pretty dirty. Pressure running at about 10 lbs psi on
50/50. Bottom intake runs fine-about 5 psi. Skimmer intake seems to be
ok from the filter/pump end- good intake of water evident, pressure
varies from 3-5 psi (sort of “bounces” or varies somewhat rhythmically).
Troubleshooting so far:
1. checked the impeller - clean, nothing lodged there.
2. got a drain king- blew out the skimmer intake line- no real
debris dislodged
3. blew out the vacuum hose-no debris there either
4. checked the ball valve at the pump intake- lines up correctly,

no blockage
Any ideas?
Thanks,
Greg

Tags: swimming pools

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 janis_40 // Nov 25, 2004 at 8:12 pm

    In a message dated 7/4/2003 3:21:27 PM Central Daylight Time,
    gketcham@… writes:
    Did you check the oring on the lid of the strainer backet? There is a bunch
    of suction on that oring and if it can leak air it will. Air is easier to
    pull in than water! The strainer basket should be full at all times and by full
    I mean it should be up to the top with only a small bubble of air on the lid.
    Be sure the line from the skimmer to the pump is clear and then replace that
    oring. Even if it looks good replace it and lube it well. get soem type of
    pool and spa lube do not use vaseline!
    Ken

  • 2 Zachariah Stein // Dec 1, 2004 at 3:29 am

    Thanks for the advice, to those who replied. Turns out there was a dive
    stick lodged somewhere in the intake, impeding flow. Who would’ve
    thought it would make it past the bend in the pipe under the skimmer
    basket? My pool guy blew it out with his air compressor- problem solved.
    Greg

You must log in to post a comment.