I just found my pool water level down, and could hear water running out through the drain in our pump house, well below the bottom of the pool. It is time to replace the check valve occasionally a twig gets stuck in the hinge, water can flow backwards in your system if the pool pump is running slowly. and you have equipment below the pool's water line. Thanks for all you help over the years!
I been in this field for a long time and was the plumber for many years. Never put the check valve before the pump your just asking for problems. Use a regular 2 way in front of the and the check valve after the pump only if a check valve is needed. Saying that it is only needed if water is going to two different bodies of water at two different levels. Such as a raised spa and then needs to be on the return side. Check valves are best when used with already clean filtered water and strained water if nothing else. By placing it in front of the pump everything that is coming through pipe has a high chance of getting stuck on the flap and making the valve not work and needing a service. If this is your service guys answer to your filter back draining into your pump then you need a new service guy. A air tight system will not back siphon. But it is a easy way to say I can make it work but I can't fix the real problem.
I see all these videos of guys saying "check valve in front of pump to stop it from draining" I never understood it because it's a closed system, there should be VERY little to no air in it.
Hello and thank you for your video. So I have the issue of water drainage. And my water system does not have one of these check valves. What can I do? Thank yiu
I’m new to this so I’m not that knowledgeable when it comes to pools or spas. The drainage started the other day when I had to shut off the main water to fix some sprinklers. The day after I started noticing that the spa had drained a few inches and it’s been draining ever since
I do have a water level thing that’s in the ground next to the spa and I’m wondering if that could be a reason but I don’t have any idea how that thing works
Thanks for the video, very educative. One question - if there is no check valve on the return side (only on suction side as per your video), is the water from the filter, together with some DE powder not going to flow back to the pool from the return outlets? Thank you!
We’re should I find those check valves, we have a problem of water going back from the filter to the skimmer with DE power, we need to add one valve next to the pump, but we only have seen those in Home Depot those are to small for that job, thank you for your time and info
@@SPL Before it happened I notice the spa wasn't spilling over and when I back washed the DE super good the spa started spilling over and the spill way sucked all water out
My spa is also draining overnight. My pump basket does not drain. The check valve is under the spa return. It was just replaced a few days ago as I had a cracked pipe just above and to the left of the check valve. Could it be in wrong or could there be air leaks where the new pipe was put in? How do I check for these things if they might be the problem? My pool equipment is lower than my pool. Thanks
How would you make this repair if the equipment is below the pool and thus water would rush out with no way of stopping it while you’re replacing the check valve. ? Thanks
Plug up the skimmer and return lines. If you have an attached spa you can lift the Jandy Handle off and put it back on above the safety tab on the bottom and dead head the suction and return line. Hard to explain but if you look at the valves you can figure out what i am describing.
Excellent video. I am going to be putting in a check valve for my current system. The question I have is right now in order to open the filter housing, I have to open the air valve on the top so the water empties out into the pool. With a check valve, will the water still empty into the pool? Or will it just sit in the housing? I need a way to drain the water out of the filter housing when replacing the filters. Thanks!
What about water draining the opposite way?? I went to clean my basket and the water got sucked out. I do have a check valve and was told I don’t have to worry about the water draining.
@@SPL Yes on the front. Pool guy opens the cover and shows me the water doesn't flow back into the pool (no need to fill it with water). I open the cover and all the water flows out (towards the filter).
Hi, thanks for video. I have check valve installed at the right position. However, when I take out the pump lid the water seems to drain to the other way which I can hear water flow through the pipe and the filter. Any idea why? When I start the pump, a lot of air bubble blows out from the return and sometimes some dirt/DE too, which is very annoying
I have watched most of your videos and always wondered when you fill the pump after taking lid off why the water doesn't drain out like mine. And know I know because I don't have a check valve. And I'm always scared the pump is running dry at start up.
Could I install a Flowvis and use it as a check valve and meter. And would that position be a good spot to read gpm being in front of pump or should it be after filter?
Jacob, same here. I usually have the hose in one hand and the lid in the other, and as soon as it's filled I throw the hose and slam the lid down and twist shut. Still is only half full. I always knew this seemed a bit ridiculous. :(
I have what looks more like a "slip spring" inline 2" check valve on the suction side of my pool pump, which seems to be failing. I assume this would need cut out to be replaced as the valve is not accessible like the Jandy valve you show?
Hi there , my pool guy just relocated my pool equipment and replace the filter , check valve and a salt system , when the pumpis off i loose water from spa to pool. i believe is the chack valve ,he saids i need a new pump because i have a small leak on the pump seal ,but i had that leak bofore moving and replacing the equipment . could the leak on the pump cause to loose tha water ? thank you.
What about the same thing happening when my pump turns on? All the water in the filter then flushes out and it takes 2-3 manual 2min primes for it to refill enough to get going
How "stiff" is the check valve? I have a VS pump and during the winter I only run it at 1000 RPM just to move some water around, will a lower flow rate put too much strain on my pump with a check valve? Also, any issues with a check valve getting fouled up if I have a lot of debris in my pool while running vacuum? BTW... Great Content!
You have to plug the skimmer as well as all the return lines. If you have an attached spa with Jandy valves you can remove the nut, lift the handle slightly and turn it past the safety so that the "off" is facing the pump. This will dead head the pump.
Can you please create a video on how to shut off the valves from “below ground” level. ( for filter cleaning) I was at a clients pool attempting to clean her cartridge filter. When I shut off All the valves and remove the top of her filter lid,water was still coming out of the filter tank and it wouldn’t stop. Please help
I just started learning about how to check chemicals in a pool this is a pool used by condos and guest some owners. Yesterday I checked it cleaned the filters did everything checked it my boss left a detailed list I been using it reading it 2 or more times well he is out of town and the pool does have a leak and it was supposedly fixed. They got a pool company to take over while he is away. They came in this morning water was low in the pool the leak is by the light in the deep end. They said it was something I did but all I did was turn off the pump and turn 2 knits 180 degrees and turned everything back on same way. I been checking could it cause a leak nobody said anything I called the pool company they didn't give me no information on why the pool leaked. It's aggravating me I know I did the list to a T and read it over and over. Qhat do you guys think?
When I open the old spa check valve to replace it, water gushes out of the housing. How do I install the new filter? Our spa is completely above the pool, so I imagine it will need to totally drain out before replacing, but how do I that without losing 200-300 gallons of water?
Hi. Changing mine out this week. Do I need to close any valves or just turn filter off? Wondering about when I get those 8 screws off if it’ll cause a geyser when I pop the cover off! Also, my pump is full and not needing priming. Water in spa empties to right above spa jets. Does that still sound like a possible check valve flapper? Thanks
Sounds like a bad check valve. Unless your pool equipment is below the pool water level there is no danger of water coming out. Nor of it popping out on you.
@@SPL I have to try something else. Replacement of check valve didn’t work. Also, or wasn’t a geyser, but the water poured out the entire time I was changing the cover out. Filter was off. Thanks
Mine is doing the same thing. I have check valves for my solar but they are away from my pump and next to my Pentair filter. Could this still be my issue? Thanks for the informative video
We had a pool installed last year, they did a bad job placing the equipment - and didn't include a check valve so the water runs out. I will be adding one for sure! Is there any way I can send you some pictures to see what else you might recommend? (I also can't reach the 3 way valves)
My pool was installed 30 years ago and I am having the spa draining issue now and the previous owner thinks a check value was installed and should be located underground but I've dug around and can't find it. Any suggestions?
Thanks for all the great videos! I have this same scenario and priming issue. Also when my pump shuts off the debris comes back out the skimmer. Will this check valve help that as well?
Hello and really appreciate your videos. I need assistance. I’m new to all this pool stuff. I think what looks to be the check valve is causing the same issues. My check valve does not look nothing like the one in your video. Mines run vertically. If it’s ok with you, I would like to email the pictures of my pool pump set up. Let me know. Thx in advance.
@@SPL Hey David, thanks for getting back to me. I actually came across another video of yours yesterday which really assisted me. I have the spring check valve. Thank you, Sir! 👍🏽
I have the opposite problem, the spa is draining when the pool pump is on. The pool and spa water levels are equal and the spillover actually drains pool water into the spa instead of the reverse. Should I block the spillover?
Dave, my spill over hot tub was draining overnight (with the pump off) and would drain quickly when I put it in Spa mode. I replaced the check valve and it now holds water overnight (with the pump off). But it still drains when I have the pump in Spa mode. Within 2-3 hours the spa would drain completely. Have any suggestions?
@@SPL When the Spa is on it does not pull from the skimmer. When in Pool mode it does pull from the skimmers. Before I replaced the check valve I tinkered with some of the manual valves trying to get the Spa to NOT drain back into the pool. Is it possible that is an issue? I can send pics of the valve positioning if you'd like. When in Spa mode the Spa suction and Spa return are in the full open position. They are run by actuators that are allowing the valves to be wide open. I am thinking maybe a valve compool (door) may may be leaking or I may have not adjusted a manual valve and that is the cause?
Water's actually draining (super slowly) from my pool now (closed for the winter). Yikes. Not looking forward to finding out what's causing it...$$$ Just had a new liner put in in the fall and the contractor said all the lines were good after pressure testing.
I once had a house call for a client who de-winterized his pool himself, and he couldn’t figure out why his pump wouldn’t prime. Turned out when he put his system back together he had installed the check valve going the wrong way, completely deadheading his pump.
No. Pump needs long length of straight pipe going into inlet. Minimum recommendation is a length of 5x the pipe diameter. Otherwise you will strain pump motor with turbulence and cavitation. It’s right in the owner’s installation manual!
Sorry I never seem to remember to look at the notifications I am going to get some I have to small leaks one by the filter and one by the pump I think I might have a hair line crack by the pump it’s 15+ yrs old time for a new one
Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL so my pool drains water if pool pump is off several hours. I love this video but I’m seeing I do not have this check valve. We have a Hayward multiport valve. Could this part be the problem?
After changing my check valve and all my o rings on my auction and return lines ... my spa still drains down ..! Any tips ? It's a new jandy check valve
Does anyone know the reason why a pool pump won't fill up with water, I keep hose on for 10-15 min even more and water just keeps going in to pipe coming from pool skimmer, I usually keep the water level on skimmer at least half way so there is plenty of water in the pool. I don't think there is a pipe leak since the water level seems to be normal all the time, i can't figure this out and i have issues with pump priming, what should I do?
Thank you for the video, I sent this to my older brother in hopes that this might help him with his pool. He’s got an in-ground pool that came with his house when they bought it, and whenever you turn the pump off even just for a split second, the water in the pump drains out to the skimmer quite quickly (and possibly his main drain too). This makes it very difficult to cycle the pump in backwash, waste, or any of the other valve settings because in order to do so you have to be very fast or you will be waiting for a long time for the pump to start priming again.. (we’ve even tried getting a bucket to fill the pump basket back up too but that usually ends up draining out as well). He did originally have a couple of small leaks coming from his sand filter, and when we changed his sand out a couple of months ago we replaced the seals (and lubed them) hoping this might minimize the issue. Unfortunately, it only fixed the areas that were leaking… it did not fix the prime issue. I do know for a fact his plumbing does not have a check valve on it, which I’m starting to think his might need one. His pump is a couple yards away from his skimmer basket, but it is also installed a little bit higher than the pool (it’s got a bit of an uphill climb, which may also be another factor). Aside from that the only other thing we can think of is that there is another leak somewhere else. Is there anything that we may be missing aside from there being no check valve?
If he purchased it within a year and the home came with a Home Warranty he may be able to call them out to look at it for the $65.00 fee. If not a pool professional may be in order to isolate the issue.
He needs to get the air trapped in the filter. While the pump is primed switch to backwash or let the air valve in the filter open for a bit to let the air escape and allow the water to fill the void by pushing the air out.
My pool is several feet below the pump (some idiot built it years ago). How would I prime the duct between the skimmers and the check valve? Even worse, how do I prime the duct that goes to the drain in the bottom of the pool? Is there some way of connecting a garden hose before the check valve? And how do you burp the line? Thanks
@@SPL Ok, I have been able to prime the skimmer lines by closing the skimmers and flushing water down the lines by gravity. The pump is working but only if I keep the main drain valve closed, otherwise it sucks the water from the pump. My question is, how do I prime the main drain line? When I try to flushing it from the pump, it burps for a while, the pump basket fills up, then suddenly it siphons all the water down. I have no way of occluding the main drain, which is 8 feet under (green) water. I don't want to run the pump dry and burn it. If I install a check valve in the main drain line, and the line was full of water, that would work fine, but how do I flush the line with the check valve installed? Any ideas? Thanks for your help!
Man my pool has been driving me crazy I replace the pvc coming from pump to filter it would be good and then start leaking now I have the oool off and it was still leaking sooo I am going out the tomorrow first thing
love the videos David, I was wondering i saw the other pump next to the one you were working on did not have a check valve, if one needed a check valve won't they all need a check valve?
hi I think you missed my comment on your previous video I need help with a pool build would appreciate if you could have a look thanks.its in comments under your last video on pool cleaners thanks
I just found my pool water level down, and could hear water running out through the drain in our pump house, well below the bottom of the pool. It is time to replace the check valve occasionally a twig gets stuck in the hinge, water can flow backwards in your system if the pool pump is running slowly. and you have equipment below the pool's water line. Thanks for all you help over the years!
I been in this field for a long time and was the plumber for many years. Never put the check valve before the pump your just asking for problems. Use a regular 2 way in front of the and the check valve after the pump only if a check valve is needed. Saying that it is only needed if water is going to two different bodies of water at two different levels. Such as a raised spa and then needs to be on the return side. Check valves are best when used with already clean filtered water and strained water if nothing else. By placing it in front of the pump everything that is coming through pipe has a high chance of getting stuck on the flap and making the valve not work and needing a service. If this is your service guys answer to your filter back draining into your pump then you need a new service guy. A air tight system will not back siphon. But it is a easy way to say I can make it work but I can't fix the real problem.
I see all these videos of guys saying "check valve in front of pump to stop it from draining" I never understood it because it's a closed system, there should be VERY little to no air in it.
Hello and thank you for your video. So I have the issue of water drainage. And my water system does not have one of these check valves. What can I do? Thank yiu
If there is room you may want to plumb one of these in.
It’s draining from the spa every day.
I’m new to this so I’m not that knowledgeable when it comes to pools or spas. The drainage started the other day when I had to shut off the main water to fix some sprinklers. The day after I started noticing that the spa had drained a few inches and it’s been draining ever since
I do have a water level thing that’s in the ground next to the spa and I’m wondering if that could be a reason but I don’t have any idea how that thing works
Thanks for the video, very educative. One question - if there is no check valve on the return side (only on suction side as per your video), is the water from the filter, together with some DE powder not going to flow back to the pool from the return outlets? Thank you!
Usually not. That side should be a completely air tight set up.
I’m having issues with a client trough draining. Water won’t fill in her trough. Is this still a “check valve” issue?
Could be.
We’re should I find those check valves, we have a problem of water going back from the filter to the skimmer with DE power, we need to add one valve next to the pump, but we only have seen those in Home Depot those are to small for that job, thank you for your time and info
You can find these at your local pool store or online mainly. It is a specialty item.
I had someone install the check valve above the pump near where the chorine tabs go is that ok or does it need to be near the pump?
That is fine. and you need one before the heater.
Any idea on why a spillway keeps emptying? I notice it when i turn the pool on it pulls everything out of the spillway
Could be a return valve position
@@SPL Before it happened I notice the spa wasn't spilling over and when I back washed the DE super good the spa started spilling over and the spill way sucked all water out
My spa is also draining overnight. My pump basket does not drain. The check valve is under the spa return. It was just replaced a few days ago as I had a cracked pipe just above and to the left of the check valve. Could it be in wrong or could there be air leaks where the new pipe was put in? How do I check for these things if they might be the problem? My pool equipment is lower than my pool. Thanks
How would you make this repair if the equipment is below the pool and thus water would rush out with no way of stopping it while you’re replacing the check valve. ? Thanks
Plug up the skimmer and return lines. If you have an attached spa you can lift the Jandy Handle off and put it back on above the safety tab on the bottom and dead head the suction and return line. Hard to explain but if you look at the valves you can figure out what i am describing.
Excellent video. I am going to be putting in a check valve for my current system. The question I have is right now in order to open the filter housing, I have to open the air valve on the top so the water empties out into the pool. With a check valve, will the water still empty into the pool? Or will it just sit in the housing? I need a way to drain the water out of the filter housing when replacing the filters. Thanks!
For that you can take the pump lid off or simply remove the filter drain plug.
the anti-siphon valve for my built-in ground spa is leaking. I changed the cover/lid to the valve and it is still leaking. Not sure what is wrong.
Could be cracked at the threaded parts where the screws go in.
Have you had any success using less expensive rebuilds or only use OEM?
The other check valves seem to have a high fail rate.
What about water draining the opposite way?? I went to clean my basket and the water got sucked out. I do have a check valve and was told I don’t have to worry about the water draining.
Is the check valve on front of the pump like this one?
@@SPL Yes on the front. Pool guy opens the cover and shows me the water doesn't flow back into the pool (no need to fill it with water). I open the cover and all the water flows out (towards the filter).
Hi, thanks for video. I have check valve installed at the right position. However, when I take out the pump lid the water seems to drain to the other way which I can hear water flow through the pipe and the filter. Any idea why? When I start the pump, a lot of air bubble blows out from the return and sometimes some dirt/DE too, which is very annoying
The filter might have a bad air relief gauge - if it is a Hayward filter the top air relief manifold can go bad.
I have watched most of your videos and always wondered when you fill the pump after taking lid off why the water doesn't drain out like mine. And know I know because I don't have a check valve. And I'm always scared the pump is running dry at start up.
Yes, i would install one in fron of the pump - easy priming and easy pump basket cleaning.
Could I install a Flowvis and use it as a check valve and meter. And would that position be a good spot to read gpm being in front of pump or should it be after filter?
Jacob, same here. I usually have the hose in one hand and the lid in the other, and as soon as it's filled I throw the hose and slam the lid down and twist shut. Still is only half full. I always knew this seemed a bit ridiculous. :(
Excellent video !
I have what looks more like a "slip spring" inline 2" check valve on the suction side of my pool pump, which seems to be failing. I assume this would need cut out to be replaced as the valve is not accessible like the Jandy valve you show?
Yes, cut that out and replace it with a Jandy Valve as they are easier to work on going forward.
Hi there , my pool guy just relocated my pool equipment and replace the filter , check valve and a salt system , when the pumpis off i loose water from spa to pool. i believe is the chack valve ,he saids i need a new pump because i have a small leak on the pump seal ,but i had that leak bofore moving and replacing the equipment . could the leak on the pump cause to loose tha water ? thank you.
Sounds like a bad check valve.
@@SPL thank you
What about the same thing happening when my pump turns on? All the water in the filter then flushes out and it takes 2-3 manual 2min primes for it to refill enough to get going
It's an air leak of some type. I would check the pump lid oring.
How "stiff" is the check valve? I have a VS pump and during the winter I only run it at 1000 RPM just to move some water around, will a lower flow rate put too much strain on my pump with a check valve? Also, any issues with a check valve getting fouled up if I have a lot of debris in my pool while running vacuum? BTW... Great Content!
You should be fine with a check valve there. It doesn't take much water to open it. Thanks for the great feedback. 👍
My pool equipment is below the pool surface level. How do I keep the water from going everywhere when I replace/repair the check valve?
You have to plug the skimmer as well as all the return lines. If you have an attached spa with Jandy valves you can remove the nut, lift the handle slightly and turn it past the safety so that the "off" is facing the pump. This will dead head the pump.
Can you please create a video on how to shut off the valves from “below ground” level. ( for filter cleaning)
I was at a clients pool attempting to clean her cartridge filter. When I shut off
All the valves and remove the top of her filter lid,water was still coming out of the filter tank and it wouldn’t stop. Please help
Stick a tennis ball in the skimmer.
I just started learning about how to check chemicals in a pool this is a pool used by condos and guest some owners. Yesterday I checked it cleaned the filters did everything checked it my boss left a detailed list I been using it reading it 2 or more times well he is out of town and the pool does have a leak and it was supposedly fixed. They got a pool company to take over while he is away. They came in this morning water was low in the pool the leak is by the light in the deep end. They said it was something I did but all I did was turn off the pump and turn 2 knits 180 degrees and turned everything back on same way. I been checking could it cause a leak nobody said anything I called the pool company they didn't give me no information on why the pool leaked. It's aggravating me I know I did the list to a T and read it over and over. Qhat do you guys think?
When I open the old spa check valve to replace it, water gushes out of the housing. How do I install the new filter? Our spa is completely above the pool, so I imagine it will need to totally drain out before replacing, but how do I that without losing 200-300 gallons of water?
It will only drain until it gets below the return lines. So maybe 1 foot of water.
Lmao just do it fast....or you can just close the valves.
Is it bad to relocate pool pump/filter slightly below water level? The spot i want to move to has a slight down hill.
The pool company installed a ball valve, and I wanna swap it to a check valve. Should this be pvc cemented in or silicone?
PVC Cement.
When I open my filter canister to clean filters the dirty water drains into the spa. Do I need a new check valve?
Try simply removing the pump lid the next time you remove the filter lid. See if that helps.
Hi. Changing mine out this week. Do I need to close any valves or just turn filter off? Wondering about when I get those 8 screws off if it’ll cause a geyser when I pop the cover off!
Also, my pump is full and not needing priming. Water in spa empties to right above spa jets. Does that still sound like a possible check valve flapper?
Thanks
Sounds like a bad check valve. Unless your pool equipment is below the pool water level there is no danger of water coming out. Nor of it popping out on you.
@@SPL thanks so much for the quick response! I’m tackling it tomorrow and hope it’s the fix! Thanks
@@SPL I have to try something else. Replacement of check valve didn’t work. Also, or wasn’t a geyser, but the water poured out the entire time I was changing the cover out. Filter was off. Thanks
Hi. I have a question. I changed my check valve and diverter valve and still draining water when the pump is off. What else should I do?
Maybe there is a leak if you are losing water.
@@SPL but the water is only draining to the pool on the level where the pool water is.
Mine is doing the same thing. I have check valves for my solar but they are away from my pump and next to my Pentair filter. Could this still be my issue? Thanks for the informative video
It's possible. Check also the pump lid o-ring.
@@SPL ok thank you
Thank you
Mine seems to be leaking.... Any idea why?
There is an o-ring in there. I would remove the screws and check that.
@@SPL I just replaced the whole valve.... Because the flapper thing also has a o-ring type plastic rubber that had gone bad
We had a pool installed last year, they did a bad job placing the equipment - and didn't include a check valve so the water runs out. I will be adding one for sure! Is there any way I can send you some pictures to see what else you might recommend? (I also can't reach the 3 way valves)
Send photos to david@swimmingpoollearning.com
Isn't it true water drains down if and only If there is an air leak somewhere regardless of the state of the CV
If their is an air leak water will drain down. But an operating check valve should stop it.
What size in inches is the O ring that goes on with this valve? Thank you.
I don't know off hand but if you search Jandy Check Valve the o-ring will pop up on Google
My pool was installed 30 years ago and I am having the spa draining issue now and the previous owner thinks a check value was installed and should be located underground but I've dug around and can't find it. Any suggestions?
Should be right on the pipe. Usually in a location where you can see it. Maybe call a local pool company out to check it.
Thanks for all the great videos! I have this same scenario and priming issue. Also when my pump shuts off the debris comes back out the skimmer. Will this check valve help that as well?
Yes, It should help with that also.
Hello and really appreciate your videos. I need assistance. I’m new to all this pool stuff. I think what looks to be the check valve is causing the same issues. My check valve does not look nothing like the one in your video. Mines run vertically. If it’s ok with you, I would like to email the pictures of my pool pump set up. Let me know. Thx in advance.
Sure. email to david@swimmingpoollearning.com
@@SPL
Hey David, thanks for getting back to me. I actually came across another video of yours yesterday which really assisted me. I have the spring check valve. Thank you, Sir! 👍🏽
I have the opposite problem, the spa is draining when the pool pump is on. The pool and spa water levels are equal and the spillover actually drains pool water into the spa instead of the reverse. Should I block the spillover?
Do you have an automated system with valve actuators?
Dave,
my spill over hot tub was draining overnight (with the pump off) and would drain quickly when I put it in Spa mode. I replaced the check valve and it now holds water overnight (with the pump off). But it still drains when I have the pump in Spa mode. Within 2-3 hours the spa would drain completely. Have any suggestions?
Check to see when the pool is running if it is taking water from the skimmer. It sounds like it is in pool return and spa suction.
@@SPL When the Spa is on it does not pull from the skimmer. When in Pool mode it does pull from the skimmers. Before I replaced the check valve I tinkered with some of the manual valves trying to get the Spa to NOT drain back into the pool. Is it possible that is an issue? I can send pics of the valve positioning if you'd like. When in Spa mode the Spa suction and Spa return are in the full open position. They are run by actuators that are allowing the valves to be wide open. I am thinking maybe a valve compool (door) may may be leaking or I may have not adjusted a manual valve and that is the cause?
Any other ideas Dave on why the spa is draining into the pool when the pump is on?
Are you by any chance local? I’m in Orange CA
Mine drains when the pump is running, not when I turn it off. What could that be?
Air getting into the pump.
Water's actually draining (super slowly) from my pool now (closed for the winter). Yikes. Not looking forward to finding out what's causing it...$$$ Just had a new liner put in in the fall and the contractor said all the lines were good after pressure testing.
Not good news ... I have one with a leak at the skimmer.
Hmm. I'll have to have the crew check that too. Thanks & your channel is great. Helped me several times with issues.
Can't find my check valve
I once had a house call for a client who de-winterized his pool himself, and he couldn’t figure out why his pump wouldn’t prime. Turned out when he put his system back together he had installed the check valve going the wrong way, completely deadheading his pump.
Ha. Customer touching the pool equipment = disaster. 😜
Is it OK to put the valve right next to the pump inlet?
As long as it is less than 2.5" plumbing - then yes. Most pools are 1.5-2" plumbing.
No. Pump needs long length of straight pipe going into inlet. Minimum recommendation is a length of 5x the pipe diameter. Otherwise you will strain pump motor with turbulence and cavitation. It’s right in the owner’s installation manual!
Sorry I never seem to remember to look at the notifications I am going to get some I have to small leaks one by the filter and one by the pump I think I might have a hair line crack by the pump it’s 15+ yrs old time for a new one
Thanks for all the videos. Very helpful. Hope we all get to swim this year! Good luck.
Thanks for the video. How do you know which one you need and where can I order it.
There are two standard sizes. 2" and 1.5" depending on your plumbing. You can find this in your local pool store on online.
Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To - SPL so my pool drains water if pool pump is off several hours. I love this video but I’m seeing I do not have this check valve. We have a Hayward multiport valve. Could this part be the problem?
After changing my check valve and all my o rings on my auction and return lines ... my spa still drains down ..! Any tips ? It's a new jandy check valve
Do you have an automated system with valve actuators?
Does anyone know the reason why a pool pump won't fill up with water, I keep hose on for 10-15 min even more and water just keeps going in to pipe coming from pool skimmer, I usually keep the water level on skimmer at least half way so there is plenty of water in the pool. I don't think there is a pipe leak since the water level seems to be normal all the time, i can't figure this out and i have issues with pump priming, what should I do?
I have the same problem, did you solve this?
Thank you for the video, I sent this to my older brother in hopes that this might help him with his pool.
He’s got an in-ground pool that came with his house when they bought it, and whenever you turn the pump off even just for a split second, the water in the pump drains out to the skimmer quite quickly (and possibly his main drain too). This makes it very difficult to cycle the pump in backwash, waste, or any of the other valve settings because in order to do so you have to be very fast or you will be waiting for a long time for the pump to start priming again.. (we’ve even tried getting a bucket to fill the pump basket back up too but that usually ends up draining out as well).
He did originally have a couple of small leaks coming from his sand filter, and when we changed his sand out a couple of months ago we replaced the seals (and lubed them) hoping this might minimize the issue. Unfortunately, it only fixed the areas that were leaking… it did not fix the prime issue.
I do know for a fact his plumbing does not have a check valve on it, which I’m starting to think his might need one. His pump is a couple yards away from his skimmer basket, but it is also installed a little bit higher than the pool (it’s got a bit of an uphill climb, which may also be another factor). Aside from that the only other thing we can think of is that there is another leak somewhere else.
Is there anything that we may be missing aside from there being no check valve?
If he purchased it within a year and the home came with a Home Warranty he may be able to call them out to look at it for the $65.00 fee. If not a pool professional may be in order to isolate the issue.
He needs to get the air trapped in the filter. While the pump is primed switch to backwash or let the air valve in the filter open for a bit to let the air escape and allow the water to fill the void by pushing the air out.
Great info thank you
I have 6 jets into the jacuzzi but one of them blow air bubbles what gives?
My pool is several feet below the pump (some idiot built it years ago). How would I prime the duct between the skimmers and the check valve? Even worse, how do I prime the duct that goes to the drain in the bottom of the pool? Is there some way of connecting a garden hose before the check valve? And how do you burp the line? Thanks
You can try priming it from the skimmer with a drain bladder. Or if you have an attached spa, priming it from the spa is usually easy.
@@SPL
Ok, I have been able to prime the skimmer lines by closing the skimmers and flushing water down the lines by gravity. The pump is working but only if I keep the main drain valve closed, otherwise it sucks the water from the pump. My question is, how do I prime the main drain line? When I try to flushing it from the pump, it burps for a while, the pump basket fills up, then suddenly it siphons all the water down. I have no way of occluding the main drain, which is 8 feet under (green) water. I don't want to run the pump dry and burn it. If I install a check valve in the main drain line, and the line was full of water, that would work fine, but how do I flush the line with the check valve installed? Any ideas? Thanks for your help!
Man my pool has been driving me crazy I replace the pvc coming from pump to filter it would be good and then start leaking now I have the oool off and it was still leaking sooo I am going out the tomorrow first thing
It might be the threads going into the pump. Try a product called Joint Stik on the threaded pipe parts.
Awesome, thanks dude
What area u service?
Pasadena - but I have service guys all over that I can refer to you if needed.
Whittier area
I'll be getting a check valve!
Nice! 👍
What about the pump next to it?
That is a booster pump for the spa jets. Usually not an issue with draining back down since it is not attached to a filter.
love the videos David, I was wondering i saw the other pump next to the one you were working on did not have a check valve, if one needed a check valve won't they all need a check valve?
That is a dedicated booster pump for the attached spa, but yes, that would make sense.
Good
Help pls
hi I think you missed my comment on your previous video I need help with a pool build would appreciate if you could have a look thanks.its in comments under your last video on pool cleaners thanks
I saw your question, it is a bit outside of my field to answer for you. I don't know much about building a pool from scatch like that. 🙄
ok thankyou for having a look and the reply.
dave, you forgot your gloves!
LOL! It was 50 degrees at filming and I was wearing my Atlas 772 gloves at the time. 👍
You can just use a condom after you finish with it... it’s good for the environment
thank you