We have a waterfall return and it always looks sooo pretty. Regardless of how high I had it on, it always flowed evenly all the way across. Now its ugly like it isnt pushing enough through or something. Its not a nice connected arch the water is cut at each section and drizzles down. Hard to describe. All the skimmers seem to be working, ive released the air in the pump, the vacuum is moving along normally, the water level is full, the pump is primed. I really cant find anything wrong with it, just the waterfall return isnt right. Even when I turn the feature full blast, all the way on, it still looks weird. Anyone know what could be causing this? Is there a way to post video? (we havent taken a sample to leslies in a few weeks for exact numbers, I use dip strips and all is well there)
Waterfall return is trickling weird rather than a nice flow
- Thread starter ehw37
- Start date
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What kind of filter to you have? Has the pressure on your filter gone up? When is the last time you cleaned it?
Are the valves properly set?
Has any scaling built up on the waterfall exit?
Thanks! 
I added a signature line, is it showing up? We last cleaned the filters about a month ago, the pressure is like 8, all the valves are where we normally have them. I dont see scaling. We also had some debris that just came out of the side return in the pool itself. So im not sure whats going on
I added a signature line, is it showing up? We last cleaned the filters about a month ago, the pressure is like 8, all the valves are where we normally have them. I dont see scaling. We also had some debris that just came out of the side return in the pool itself. So im not sure whats going on
Is that the normal filter pressure? I might clean it just to be sure the flow rate is not the problem.
FYI, we do not trust test strips or pool store testing. So, I would be concerned with your chemistry maintenance ability going forward ... until you invest in one of the Recommended Test Kits.
FYI, we do not trust test strips or pool store testing. So, I would be concerned with your chemistry maintenance ability going forward ... until you invest in one of the Recommended Test Kits.
Oh, I had no idea they were unreliable. We are new to this pool thing. During the winter it was easy to just keep it running, but our first summer figuring things out has been a huge learning curve. We plan on taking apart the filter tommorow and cleaning it. Last time we just took the cartridges out and washed them with the hose. Is there anything else we should be doing?
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Do you have a link to where to buy these tests? Is it on Amazon?
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Do you have a link to where to buy these tests? Is it on Amazon?
The TF-100 is the best value. Sold by tftestkits.net ... although for a bit more they offer it through Amazon as well. There is a link in my signature showing a comparison of the kits we recommend.
While we are talking chemistry ...
Have you discovered Pool School yet? Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
While we are talking chemistry ...
Have you discovered Pool School yet? Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool
Ok, we found a crack in the basket in the pump. Would the debris that passes through that crack get in the filter and cause this?
If too much debris is in the filter, then your flow would drop. I am not sure we have established that a lack of flow is even the issue ... I cannot see what you see
pool waterfall - YouTube Horrible quality, but you get the idea
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Here's what it used to look like. No gaps in the water, just a pretty arch all the way across
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Here's what it used to look like. No gaps in the water, just a pretty arch all the way across
Have you verified there is not little pieces of debris in the waterfall slit?
Although that really does not look like enough water flow.
Have you cleaned the filter or even just removed the cartridge?
Although that really does not look like enough water flow.
Have you cleaned the filter or even just removed the cartridge?
No scaling, nothing stuck in the actual waterfall exit area. We havent taken apart the filter yet. Its on the list first thing in the morning. Its getting dark here now and thats a big project. I hope cleaning it fixes the issue Ill come back and let you know what i find. Youve been so helpful thank you
Ill come back and let you know what i find. Youve been so helpful thank youYou say the pump basket was cracked, have you checked to see if there is debris in the impeller. This will also cause the flow to decrease
Well, we cleaned the filter cartridges. (they probably will need to be replaced soon) We tried to replace the cracked basket, but it has to be ordered online. The impeller is working great, no debris there. Its just so weird. All the skimmers and vacuum are pulling water like normal, the waterfall just isnt putting out water like it should. Im at a loss
no. just a slit inserted into stone. I might have to call a pool guy out. I was just trying to avoid that because of previous times. Paying $80 for a trip fee for them to tell us to clean the filters... once he just twisted the knob on the back and let some air out. The last time we freaked out and called someone because the pump shut off, it was because the water level was too low. So I wanted to exhaust all the possible easy stuff before having to do that again
You asked earlier about the filter pressure. What does it mean if it goes up or down?
No. A valve at the equipment to turn the waterfall on.
Higher pressure means the filter is dirty. Should clean when pressure rises 20-25% over the clean pressure.
Lower pressure means there is blockage in the suction side or between pump and filter.
Higher pressure means the filter is dirty. Should clean when pressure rises 20-25% over the clean pressure.
Lower pressure means there is blockage in the suction side or between pump and filter.