Drained pool, now pump won’t work

[houstontesting]

I recently drained my pool by about a third, and refilled it. Now I’m trying to restart the pool pump and having no luck. The skimmer basket won’t fill up. I’ve tried sealing it and adjusting the (one) valve but no luck. The simmer basket only fills up about two thirds after even a couple minutes with the hose. I’ve ensured it’s sealed, etc.

Any ideas of something I haven’t tried?

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!

When you say "skimmer basket," do you mean the skimmer near the pool, or the strainer volute with the cover in the pump?

Is your pool filled to the middle of the skimmer opening in the pool? Do you have a weir door on the skimmer in the pool? Does it move freely?

First line of defense is to lubricate the o-ring on the pump lid. Use a silicone based lubricant like Magic Lube II, then re-assemble.

 

[houstontesting]

Ugh, thank you. I meant the strainer thing with the cover in the pump. Will try that and report back.

 

[houstontesting]

And no weir door.

 

[PoolStored]

And no weir door.

You need a weir door for the skimmer to work properly. Remove the cover on the skimmer by the pool and look for a make/model on the underside of the skimmer cover.

 

[ajw22]

What do these two suction pipes lead to?

What is the water level in the skimmer? Show us pictures.