Pool Or Possibly Pump Troubles

[Rk805]

A bit of backstory before the problem:

My wife and I bought our house last year and a pool came with it. The gentleman that lived here prior to did not live in the house for two years before we bought the property. The pool was closed.in those two years collecting debris and leaves on top of the cover - which dry rotted. The leaves on the cover when we opened it up fell into the pool. Despite best efforts last year we were unable to clean the pool and closed it back up with a new cover. This year I resolved myself to draining the pool, dredging the leaves and start with fresh water.

The pool is refilled but still dirty. I hooked up the pump and filter and ran them for a few days seeing no change in pressure thought something was wrong. I wish I could post pictures of the various issues but I am posting from my phone so I can't. After realizing the filter cartridge was the wrong size, fixing a leak on the bottom of the filter canister I finally was able to vacuum.

Here's the pump/filter issue: I have a 2 speed pump 2HP and I keep losing head pressure. The pump keeps picking up air. There are no leaks - I fixed all of them I think. I am able to get head pressure when I open the canister up and clean the cartridge but only for an hour tops. There's particulate matter in the pool but I am not seeing a pressure change on the gauge to let me know that it needs cleaning. If I have time after work I will post pictures, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rk805]

Nip simple questions in the bud - the basket is not full. I am losing head pressure with the pump running and not vacuuming the pool bottom.

[Mandysmom]

Take a sample of your water to a reputable pool store, they will test it and tell you EXACTLY what you need to do and when. We've had this problem multiple times. It might take a week or so, but do what they tell you and you should be fine. Try to get the pool as clean as possible prior to treatment...meaning vacuum on waste any yuck at the bottom and make sure all the leaves are out that can clog your filter have been scooped out, don't try to vacuum those up. Good Luck!

[waterbear]

Take a sample of your water to a reputable pool store, they will test it and tell you EXACTLY what you need to do and when. We've had this problem multiple times. It might take a week or so, but do what they tell you and you should be fine. Try to get the pool as clean as possible prior to treatment...meaning vacuum on waste any yuck at the bottom and make sure all the leaves are out that can clog your filter have been scooped out, don't try to vacuum those up. Good Luck!

Problem with this advice is many pool stores do not know what to do about equipment problems. It sounds line you need someone who knows a bit more about pool plumbing than you do physically come out and look at your setup to see exactly what is wrong. From the descriptions I see several possible problems but would not venture to guess from the scanty info given other than to say two things:

1. if the pump is sucking air then you have a suction side leak somewhere or a damaged pump lid or pump lid gasket.

2. If the pressure gauge is not moving and you think it should be then change it out. They are really inexpensive and often fail. If the new gauge acts the same then the problem is somewhere else but I would rule out the gauge first.