What side of the skimmer does Filter Media get placed? We placed in on the side with the pump and it is getting caught in the pump causing it not to run.

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

Try these things, but you need to be diligent in keeping up with cleaning, because the following fixes will work harder & better, therefore you will have more debris caught, that will need cleaning:

Put a "Leggs" style nylon stocking over the basket at the skimmer.
Also, put one at the basket in the Hair & Lint Pot at the pump.
Or you can put a plastic "Chore Boy" pot & pan scrubber in both the baskets.

These fixes, do work.

Good Luck

im gonna guess that you stored the filter improperly off season and now the sand charge is hard as cement inside not alowing water to get thru , left alone for a week or so it might loosen up , but the best thing is to dissasemble filter and remove all sand and ck "fingers" inside this is fastest way
i allways use RV antifreeze 30/1 to store any pumps or filters off season , RV type because its nontoxic

dry out try waterproof JB weld or plumbers putty on wires to hold in place

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.

Welcome to FixYa
Dear Sir/Madom,
If your skimmer is tied to your main drain, then both holes have to be uncovered for your skimmer to work.
If you have a separate line all the way back to your equipment from your main drain, then you may want to try to open both holes in the skimmers. Turn off your Unit to unscrew the retaining screw on the valve, and then slide the big end over.
If you've not had your pool run all winter, then you may have leaves/debris caught in the line.
If so-you can swing by a plumbing supply house and get a powerflush hose attachment.

• Make sure that none of the holes in any of your skimmers are covered by the oval tab in the skimmer.
• Then, if you have any valves on the inlet to pool pump, rotate them in such a manner to isolate the skimmer line that isn't working, making sure that it is open.
• Place the hose and powerflush device in the upper inlet port of the pool pump, with the pump lid/cover and basket removed. Then, pressurize the line back to the pool with tap water.
• If it doesn't release right away, then let it sit a little while, as you may have to "pulse" it as water pressure drops as water leaks around the clog.
• Pulsing it means to turn the water on for a few minutes, then turn it off. Then, turn it back on, and then turn it off again.

Look down into the bottom of the skimmer. It will have either one or two holes, depending on your model. These holes are where the pool plumbing attaches to the skimmer. Most skimmers have threads inside the holes, and a copper or PVC threaded fitting screws into these ports. Squirt food coloring just above the holes and see if any of it is pulled down into them. This indicates a leak which may be caused by a poor seal between the skimmer threads and the fitting. If you put your finger into the holes, you should be able to feel where the top of the fitting meets the skimmer threads.Repair any cracks or breaks in the skimmer walls with epoxy putty.Use the silicone sealer to repair areas where the skimmer has pulled away from the pool wall, where the corners are cracked, and in tile cracks. These leaks are the result of a cracked bond beam or shifting soil from water getting into the ground around the skimmer.
Also Check this Link
I hope you got an idea...thank for Using FixYa...

Ok... First check to make sure the skimmers are clear, the skimmer float valve is open, the valves by the pump are all open and check the pump strainer basket too. If you are able to, take the motor and seal plate off and check for debris in the impeller. Also there should be an o-ring on the diffuser (the cone shaped part that covers the impeller. Make sure it is there and not stretched or damaged.

MAKE SURE YOUR SUCTION HOSE IS GOING TO THE PUMP INLET ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE MOTOR ON THE PUMP. YOUR DISCHARGE SIDE WILL BE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE FILTER SIDE OF THE PUMP. IT SOUNDDS AS SIMPLE AS YOU MIGHT HAVE THE HOSES REVERSED.

You have got stuff in your impella.
Take pump away from pipes and 'elec' power lines - empty skimmer filter inside pump - turn over and remove all 'stuff' from inside skimmer filter section.

If you can - turn impella using knife or screwdriver see if it runs smooth and silent.

Is the obstruction on hte suction side or supply side of the pump?

Either way, you can disconnect the pump, and work from there. If the pump was installed correctly there shgould be unions ( fitting that can be reconnected on the pump suction and supply. If not, you can cut the pipes a few inches from the pump and then shorten the remainder to acomodate the length of the union. Glue these in place follow the instructions on the glue can.

Try using a water hose with the water on from the direction of the pump to the pool. see if this does the job. Leaves should be able to be pulled through by the oumop, I suspect somthing larger. Do you have a strainer on the suction line? Have you checked the pool filter?

I would check the filter first. Why do you think the problem is a clogged line? How do you know the pump is performing? Does it run a Spa, and nbot the pool?
\Good Luck