Skimmer basket stuck

If your Sta-rite vertical mse-7 pump will not prime, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the water level: Make sure the water level in the pool or spa is high enough to reach the skimmer and the pump. Low water levels can cause the pump to lose prime.
2. Check the skimmer basket: Make sure the skimmer basket is clean and free of debris. A clogged skimmer basket can restrict water flow and prevent the pump from priming.
3. Check the pump lid O-ring: Make sure the pump lid O-ring is in good condition and properly seated. A damaged or misaligned O-ring can cause air leaks and prevent the pump from priming.
4. Check the suction plumbing: Check the suction plumbing for leaks, cracks, or other damage. Any air leaks on the suction side of the pump can cause loss of prime.
5. Check the impeller: If the impeller is damaged or clogged with debris, it can prevent the pump from priming. Remove the pump basket and inspect the impeller for damage or debris. Clean or replace the impeller as needed.
6. Check the pump seal: If the pump seal is damaged, it can allow air to enter the pump and prevent priming. Inspect the pump seal for damage and replace it if necessary.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, you may need to call a professional pool service technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Try dropping a Chlorine puck in the basket and see if it stops the rattling

There are a number of reasons. First of all you are sucking air somewhere if there is not water coming into the pump basket while
the pump is on. If water is not coming into the pump basket while the pump is running then it is not going through the filter and back out the returns. With that being said is it possible that there is a valve closed? Is the O Ring under the pump basket lid dry rotted or cracked? Is the impeller spinning? If the impeller is not spinning freely then there is something stuck in the impeller which can usually be cleaned out with a screwdriver or your fingers as you spin the impeller manually. There could also be something like a pine cone or any object bigger than the pipe you have which is probably 2" pipe stuck or lodged and not allowing the water to pass. This usually happens in the skimmer line. You can try closing your skimmer valve and just running the motor off of the main drain. If the pump works you know that is your problem. Swim Time

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/brandon_156682b88afabb53

you turn the basket one way you get flow from the skimmer and the main drain turn it and you get just skimmer turn it again you get just main drain note the bottom of the skimmer basket

if you are getting a suction noise at the skimmer then that means you need more water in the pool. Also if you have anything in the skimmer basket like tablets then take out the basket when you are using the vac. the only other thing I can think would be the problem would be the filter is clogged. I know you have back washed it but I would do it again to be sure it is not dirty. good luck

Check for water flow / water flow restrictions / and water flow blockages.

Many things create water flow reductions: Dirty filters, plugged impellers, packed with debris baskets - both skimmers and at pump, closed to partially closed valves, air suction leaks: worn shaft seal, worn orings at pump lid or pump volute body, low water level, stuck skimmer weir blade/gate in the up position & skimmer empties and air is sucked into the system which may cause the pump to lose prime. This a problem that goes un-noticed and is hard to detect even by some service technicians!

Suction loss is due to one or more of the following;

• Skimmer wier stuck in upright position
• Water level too low
• Clogged skimmer baskets
• Obstruction in suction line(s)
• Breech in suction line
• Missing/ cracked/ dried out pump lid o-ring
• Pump pot basket full of debris
• Clogged impeller
• Broken pump seal
  

These account for 99% of suction loss problems, it may require a bit of detective work to find the problem.

Depending on how much you vacuumed, your filter may just need to be cleaned. The filter on these units are not very big, so they can get dirty fast. Make sure it is cleaned out. Make sure skimmer basket is not clogged up, and make sure none of the flexible hoses are crimped. Also make sure there isn't anything stuck in the impeller. A stick, twig, or piece of toy, etc, can get stuck and cause low flow. Check for leaks between the suction side of the pump and the pool skimmer. One more think you might want to check is for leaks on the suction side while equipment is off. a leak here will let air into system and effect flow.

This could very well be low water, it should be half way up the tile or the skimmer throught. Also check your skimmer weir door. If it get's stuck in the up position it will do the same thing. To be sure start the pump then watch the water in the skimmer. If it sucks dry then it is one of these things.

First pull the unit from the water and use a long probe (screwdriver or the like) to be sure their is nothing stuck inside it. Then if you run it through your skimmer plug it straight into the suction pipe of your skimmer, or if you run it through a dedicated suction put all your suction to that. If this fixes it you need to adjust to the right setting. If not with the pump off pull the basket on your pump and reach into the impeller to see if something is plugging it. You can use a screwdriver or a long nose plier for this. And of cource check your baskets and filter before you do this to be sure they are clean. I hope this helps and good luck.