New to this pool maintenance and new to be a pool owner period. The pool is a Intex 16’x 4’ above ground pool. We have just recently converted the pump to a Intex Sand Filter pump about 4 weeks ago. Water has been clear and wonderful here in El Paso so far. Recently within the last day or so, the filter has began to literal pulsate with air. We have checked all connections and only notice that the skimmer basket attached to the pump itself is not filling with water. Does anyone have suggestions? I am afraid to turn the pump on and cause serious damage to the pump. At the same time I understand the need of the water moving “Moving water if happy water”.
Pulsating Intex Sand Filter
- Thread starter Karawilson07
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,659
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum!
Have you tried backwashing the filter? Also check the gasket for the pump basket. Be sure it is clean and lubricated with pool lube.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.
Have you tried backwashing the filter? Also check the gasket for the pump basket. Be sure it is clean and lubricated with pool lube.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.
You should be able to bleed the air out of the top of the pump basket with the knob/bleed valve in the cover.
Also, yes if you haven't backwashed the filter, do that right away. If you don't know how to do that, google it or check the manual that came with the filter. It's the same for any sand filter, regardless.
Also, yes if you haven't backwashed the filter, do that right away. If you don't know how to do that, google it or check the manual that came with the filter. It's the same for any sand filter, regardless.
Found it!!! Took the return apart and found a blockage (leaves/hair/you name it). Backwashed/ Rinsed and topped off the sand. Running perfect now. How often should we do this type of surgery? Again, we’re in El Paso and it is Aug so the pump is on for 5 hours in the am and 5 hours at night to help the water stay clear. Just worried we will have to do this more often than we expected.
Did you make sure to rinse the sand filter after backwashing?
Leaves and junk shouldn't make it to your return. Rinsing settles the sand back into filtering after backwashing. Leaves and junk that made it past the baskets (also shouldn't) should come out with backwashing, but should never pass through to the return.
Leaves and junk shouldn't make it to your return. Rinsing settles the sand back into filtering after backwashing. Leaves and junk that made it past the baskets (also shouldn't) should come out with backwashing, but should never pass through to the return.