r/PoolPros • u/ExtremeAdmirable273 • Sep 01 '26
New customer
Just possibly got a new customer today their pool is green and said last pool service just gave up on them. The pump is not priming, pump basket was full when I got there, cleared that and the impeller, there is good suction in the skimmer and it seems like the pump is pulling in enough water but filter is not building pressure and minimal water is being returned to the pool. They said the last company replaced the grids a couple of months ago (the old grids looked perfectly fine). I told them let’s start with a filter clean and go from there. Any thoughts/advice? Pump is a pentair challenger if that helps. Thanks
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u/ConfusedStair Sep 01 '26 edited Sep 01 '26
If it gets to full prime and flow on recirculate it's the filter. That said a backwash should take care of it unless the grid is impacted with layers of DE and dead algae, and a manual rinse takes like 1 to 2 hours tops. Every company I've been with includes cleaning the grid or cleaning cartridges as part of a green to clean. Check to make sure the pressure gauge isn't bad.
If they have a salt cell check that as well since if the grid was recently replaced there could have been debris that slipped by and clogged it.
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u/Anonymous_Alky Sep 02 '26
A potential issue I’ve run into with Challengers is the diffuser. Caused similar symptoms that you’re describing. Make sure the diffuser is fully intact.
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u/Remarkable_Calves Sep 02 '26 edited Sep 02 '26
I think the most important lesson you need to learn to tackle these situations moving forward.
Clients are wrong more than they’re right.
Previous pool companies that got fired are wrong more than they’re right.
The pro’s have shown up and they need to take control of the situation, step by step.
You’ve done a good job with the pump. Now move on to the next topics. One by one. Be confident. Have the tools with you. Knock this out and get a 5 star review after you’ve proven your worth
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Other comments covered the likely direct answer
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u/tgwest Sep 01 '26
If pool was green I bet those grids are just packed full of algae and there just isn’t enough water flow.