Your swimming pool picks up a lot of debris throughout the year. Sometimes, debris can get together and clog one of your pool lines. A debris induced clog will regularly occur after a big storm and in between cleanings. A big enough clog can restrict the water flow and prevent your pump from priming. So, here are a few tips to preventing clogs and to getting rid of them.
In regards to prevention, it is advisable to take a look at your skimmer baskets at least twice per week. When emptying them, be sure to turn the system off first. Often times homeowners will empty the basket with the system still on, and a large amount of debris will fall into the system throughout the process. Here's a quick pool cleaning company hint: If you find that the baskets appear upside down when you check on them, place a rock or other weight in the basket in order to keep it in position. In some pools, baskets have a tendency to float up to the top of the skimmer and flip upside down while the system is off. Then the pump will kick on as scheduled and suck all sorts of debris into the lines.
Let’s say you have now developed a clog and your pump will not prime. The most basic way to remove a light clog is to turn the system on, and work the spa/pool or main drain/skimmer valves. This means GENTLY moving the handle setting from main to skimmer or from spa to pool in an effort to jar any of the buildup loose. You will know if you have succeeded if a large amount of water and debris suddenly rush into the pump.
If the clog is significant, simply working the valves may not be enough. You can purchase a blow-bag or bladder attachment for your garden hose that will help to add to more pressure. This attachment screws on the end of your garden hose and then fills up to about the size of balloon while shooting water out of the end tip. To start with, position the blow-bag in to the pipe that feeds the pump. So you'll open the pump basket, and insert the blow bag and hose in to the pipe that generally feeds the pump with water. Turn your hose on and then place your hand at the skimmer openings to fell if water is moving. You should begin to feel water coming out. If no water is coming out then you have identified the line with the clog.
You can then insert the blow-bag into the appropriate skimmer line and then back into the pump and work them until the debris is jarred free. This might take a little time. If this does not work, you can do the same process but with CO2. The compressed gas and hose can be rented through your local hardware store and you can shoot isolated bursts directly into the line. The attachments and nozzles will become very cold so be careful and wear glasses and gloves and avoid touching your skin with the machinery. If you are shooting the CO2 towards the pump, be sure that the pump basket lid is open.
Now, if working the valves, using the blow-bag, and CO2 bursts did not work, then be sure you check the pump to make sure the issue is not there. If you continue to have problems then get in touch with your local pool maintenance company.