I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

On Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:05:46 -0700 (PDT), Lee wrote:

I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

Check the conditions of any O-rings on the pump/filter. If they are
flattened and not round, the system might be suctioning air and not
priming.

For checking the pipe: Can you run a wire snake (electrician's snake)
into the pipe?

Oh, your post is on topic.

"Lee" wrote in message
...
I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

Damn. Didn't you know if you own a pool you are supposed to be rich? g

Wish I knew the answer to your problem. I'll be watching this thread to see
if anyone has any good ideas.

I just bought one of those Pentair-WhisperFlo pumps from Leslie Pools. They
are supposed to install it this week. Did you have any other issues with
your pump and how many hp does yours have?

Jim

On Sun, 29 Aug 2010 14:05:46 -0700 (PDT), Lee wrote:

I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Do you have a break in the inlet pipe? If it's sucking air it may not prime.
If you can get it to prime, are there still bubbles on the inlet side?

I have a WhisperFlo. For other readers, this unit has a clear plastic lid
so you can see any cavitation.
A 1 inch inlet might be insufficient.
What hp is this pump? What was the original hp?
If you are now running too much pump, a solution might be to install a ball
valve on the outlet and dial it down a bit.


"Lee" wrote in message
...
I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

On Aug 29, 5:05*pm, Lee wrote:
I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. *It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). *It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. *We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. *Nothing has worked. *We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? *Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

As others have suggested run a snake down it. You do need to get all
the air out. If it is able to draw any water at all then it will pump
what it can. The fact that there is a partial restriction does not
prevent it from priming.

On Aug 30, 8:20*am, jamesgangnc wrote:
On Aug 29, 5:05*pm, Lee wrote:





I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. *It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). *It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. *We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. *Nothing has worked. *We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? *Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

As others have suggested run a snake down it. *You do need to get all
the air out. *If it is able to draw any water at all then it will pump
what it can. *The fact that there is a partial restriction does not
prevent it from priming.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -


Agree with John regarding the pipe size. I don't know how small a
pump Pentair makes in that line, but 1" line for a pool is unusual.
More typical is 2". Also agree with gfretw, regarding opening the
bleed air valve on the filter. I would think it could take a lot
longer without the bleed air valve open, but eventually it should
still get all the air out.

How many hp pump? How old? Was it working OK prior to the sudden
problem?

What happens if you set the valve to waste, so water is not returning
to the pool and just being pumped out the short waste hose? Will it
quickly prime and run OK then?

On Aug 30, 8:39*am, wrote:
On Aug 30, 8:20*am, jamesgangnc wrote:





On Aug 29, 5:05*pm, Lee wrote:

I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. *It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). *It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. *We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. *Nothing has worked. *We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? *Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

As others have suggested run a snake down it. *You do need to get all
the air out. *If it is able to draw any water at all then it will pump
what it can. *The fact that there is a partial restriction does not
prevent it from priming.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Agree with John regarding the pipe size. * I don't know how small a
pump Pentair makes in that line, but 1" line for a pool is unusual.
More typical is 2". * *Also agree with gfretw, regarding opening the
bleed air valve on the filter. *I would think it could take a lot
longer without the bleed air valve open, but eventually it should
still get all the air out.

How many hp pump? * How old? *Was it working OK prior to the sudden
problem?

What happens if you set the valve to waste, so water is not returning
to the pool and just being pumped out the short waste hose? * Will it
quickly prime and run OK then?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Also, check the o ring on the pump strainer basket. If it has any
cracks or looks worn out, replace it. And make sure to use some
teflon grease to lubricate it. Air leaks at this spot are very
common.

And for more help, you can't beat the pool and spa forum which you can
find on the internet

Have you checked to see if air might be coming from the skimmer? The
flapper on the skimmer can sometimes become partially obstructed, letting
the pump drain the skimmer cavity before it can refill. A second
possibility might be if you have a hot tub. A bad air valve might be
permitting air to enter the pump. I'd check, and if there's an electric
valve operator for a spa, make sure that the motor is set to totally close
off the valve and that it's not partially open.

Micajah

"Lee" wrote in message
...
I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

You know this may seem obvious, but what does it do if you run your
multivalve to waste? I was thinking you maybe looking at this from the wrong
end.

Also, if it's a in-ground pool, why isn't that a 2" pipe?

Jim

Thanks to all of you that have replied to my question. First, I have
to agree with JimT:

“Damn. Didn't you know if you own a pool you are supposed to be rich?
g”

As the old saying goes: “The only difference between men and boys is
the price of their toys.” and “The definition of a pool is: a hole in
the ground surrounded by concrete into which you endlessly pour
money.” [same applies to boats too]

In order to keep it short, I omitted some of the other things we've
done to try and correct this problem. Also, I incorrectly said the
inlet pipe was 1 inch PVC... It is 2 inch; typo on my part. The pump
is 2 HP, 240 volt. The pump is 4 years old and it was working fine
until a little over a week ago when I discovered the problem while
switching from our Pool-Vac to manual, to clean some bottom debris
from a wind storm we had a day earlier.

The O-rings are all good and we've cleaned and sealed them with
silicone lube to ensure a good seal.

We've tried to run a plumber's snake through the pipe from both ends
with limited success. There's a 90 degree elbow a couple of feet from
each end of the inlet pipe; our snake is fairly light duty and it
winds-up on itself as it goes through the elbow, so we’re not sure how
far beyond the elbow the snake actually proceeds. We’ve not noticed
much in terms of debris floating out as we withdraw the snake.

We've tried it with the bleed-air port both open and closed and the
skimmer basket has been cleaned and checked for correct operation of
the flapper valve. We’ve tried to get it to operate with the skimmer
basket removed too. We’ve also tried with the waste valve both open
and closed for about 5 minutes each with no positive result.

Given the clarification above, any other thoughts you may have would
certainly be appreciated. As trad suggested, we will search for the
“pool and spa forum” and post our situation there too.

Thanks again to all of you that took the time to respond to our
question.

Lee

On Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:39:26 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

Was it working OK prior to the sudden
problem?

OP said he changed the impeller. He should've also changed a seal at
the same time behind the impeller (iirc).

That seal will leak water and drip from the motor shaft. Perhaps
cavitation and no proper priming.

OP went missing...

On Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:31:36 -0500, "JimT" wrote:

Agree with John regarding the pipe size. I don't know how small a
pump Pentair makes in that line, but 1" line for a pool is unusual.
More typical is 2". snip

===

The lowest is a 1/2 hp and all Whisperflo pumps are for 2" pipes.

Jim


Is that Pentair a two spend motor?

Locally, the power co. gives a rebate for the two speed motors. Last I
looked they did anyway -- $200.00

Claims to be 40% more efficient.

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:31:36 -0500, "JimT" wrote:

Agree with John regarding the pipe size. I don't know how small a
pump Pentair makes in that line, but 1" line for a pool is unusual.
More typical is 2". snip

===

The lowest is a 1/2 hp and all Whisperflo pumps are for 2" pipes.

Jim


Is that Pentair a two spend motor?

Locally, the power co. gives a rebate for the two speed motors. Last I
looked they did anyway -- $200.00

Claims to be 40% more efficient.

http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-owne...e-pump-193.htm

They have both. I got the single speed but I dropped from a 1.65 (Hayward?)
to a 1 hp. They are supposed to have better flow rate and are considered to
be 40% more efficient. The pump I got isn't eligible for a rebate here. The
pumps that eligible here are all lower-flow and I don't want that. Besides,
the rebate is less than the price increase (here at least). That's the way
our local rebates work in general. Spend more, but the rebate doesn't come
close to paying the difference, and the city has to come out and inspect.
They even came out and inspected my HVAC replacement and I wasn't even
applying for the rebate. Great fu@king help they are. All they know how to
do is raise rates every time they need to hand out fu@king raises.

Jim

"Lee" wrote in message
...
Thanks to all of you that have replied to my question. First, I have
to agree with JimT:

“Damn. Didn't you know if you own a pool you are supposed to be rich?
g”

As the old saying goes: “The only difference between men and boys is
the price of their toys.” and “The definition of a pool is: a hole in
the ground surrounded by concrete into which you endlessly pour
money.” [same applies to boats too]

In order to keep it short, I omitted some of the other things we've
done to try and correct this problem. Also, I incorrectly said the
inlet pipe was 1 inch PVC... It is 2 inch; typo on my part. The pump
is 2 HP, 240 volt. The pump is 4 years old and it was working fine
until a little over a week ago when I discovered the problem while
switching from our Pool-Vac to manual, to clean some bottom debris
from a wind storm we had a day earlier.

The O-rings are all good and we've cleaned and sealed them with
silicone lube to ensure a good seal.

We've tried to run a plumber's snake through the pipe from both ends
with limited success. There's a 90 degree elbow a couple of feet from
each end of the inlet pipe; our snake is fairly light duty and it
winds-up on itself as it goes through the elbow, so we’re not sure how
far beyond the elbow the snake actually proceeds. We’ve not noticed
much in terms of debris floating out as we withdraw the snake.

We've tried it with the bleed-air port both open and closed and the
skimmer basket has been cleaned and checked for correct operation of
the flapper valve. We’ve tried to get it to operate with the skimmer
basket removed too. We’ve also tried with the waste valve both open
and closed for about 5 minutes each with no positive result.

Given the clarification above, any other thoughts you may have would
certainly be appreciated. As trad suggested, we will search for the
“pool and spa forum” and post our situation there too.

Thanks again to all of you that took the time to respond to our
question.

Lee

===

Please let us know how it turns out.

Jim

2 HP is probably oversized for a 2 inch pipe, but since this is a new
problem, that isn't the issue.

Since this happened when you switched the pool vac to manual, I'd think air
leak in that valve.

To check for obstructions, if you have some suction, I've tied a nut [any
small object which will negotiate the bends] on a strong [you probably don't
want this to break] nylon line and let the pump suck it from the skimmer. If
you get through, there is probably no obstruction; or you can tie a larger
nut on when it reaches the strainer and pull back through the skimmer.



"Lee" wrote in message
...
I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. Nothing has worked. We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee

On Aug 30, 6:24*pm, "John Keiser"
wrote:
2 HP is probably oversized for a 2 inch pipe, but since this is a new
problem, that isn't the issue.

Since this happened when you switched the pool vac to manual, I'd think air
leak in that valve.

Another possibility. The problem occured when trying to manually
vacuum the pool. There are a variety of ways to manually vacuum a
pool, but one of the most common is to attach the vacuum to one of the
skimmer suction lines. And to increase the vacuum, it's also common
to shut off some or all of the other suction lines. If this was done
and with a 2hp pump, it could create a lot of suction. The problem
could come if the pool was installed using flex PVC pipe as opposed to
rigid. Around here, NJ, it's common to use regular PVC at the pool
pad, then transition to the flex underground. Flex PVC has a much
lower rating for suction than it does for pressure. Meaning with too
much suction in can possibly collapse. Last year a friend had a
section of flex PVC that had collapsed and was leaking, but in that
case it appeared most likely it was due to being damaged when
backfilled. Still, it took 3 years to fail. We located it by using
an air compressor to pressurize the line and got lucky when water and
air started bubbling out of the ground at the leak. Got even luckier
when the bad section was not under the stamped concrete pool deck.

Also, now that I'm thinking about it, how is this thing plumbed? Is
there only one suction line at the pump? On my pool pad there are
three seperate lines appearing with valves, two for skimmers and one
for the bottom drain. Meaning at the eqpt pad I can select from the
various suction lines going to the pump, it's not just a single line.








To check for obstructions, if you have some suction, I've tied a nut [any
small object which will negotiate the bends] on a strong [you probably don't
want this to break] nylon line and let the pump suck it from the skimmer. If
you get through, there is probably no obstruction; or you can tie *a larger
nut on when it reaches the strainer and pull back through the skimmer.

"Lee" wrote in message

...



I realize this is not directly related to the purpose of this group,
so if you know of a better place for me to ask, please let me know.

We have a problem with our Pentair-WhisperFlo pool pump. *It is not
able to fully prime, even with addition of water into the pump body
directly (via the volute/strainer basket). *It seems able to draw
about 1/2 the amount it needs to fully prime and operate. *We have
replaced the pump impeller, and have tried to clear the inlet line (1
inch PVC pipe) through pressure from a garden-hose expansion nozzle
from both directions. *Nothing has worked. *We believe there is
probably a blockage/obstruction of some kind in the pipe between the
pool and the pump (perhaps a tree root that has gradually penetrated
the pipe).

Does anyone have any ideas of what else we can do to find out if there
is an obstruction in this inlet pipe? *Our resources are quite tight,
so hiring a plumber to come in with specialized/optical equipment
would be beyond our reach at this point.

Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Lee- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -