Waterway Sand filter laterals

If your pool has Waterway Sand filter it goes without saying that the sand should stay in the filter. If you see it blowing out into the pool, something is broken. The most common problem is a cracked lateral, which is one of the perforated pipes at the bottom of the filter tank  that catches water that has circulated through the sand. Laterals are proprietary , meaning you will need the exact “brand” to replace. Laterals also come in different styles too. Some Waterway laterals are “thread in” and some are “twist lock” Most Waterway laterals changed to “twist lock” in 2004. We are describing the method in which they connect into the manifold at the bottom of the “stand pipe”

Waterway Carefree sand filters (16” and 19” diameter tanks) and all Waterway Clearwater tanks (16”, 19”, 22”, and 26”) use 505-1930 Thread style or 505-1950 twist lock. The color of the part is not important, just to make it more complicated both styles have the same part number engraved into it. It is very clear which one is needed when you remove the old one.

The complete assembly is also available at http://www.waterwayparts.com

Waterway pump troubleshooting

When your pool pump isn’t working right, everything comes to a halt. The pump is the pulse of a healthy pool, so it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible in order to keep the pool clean. Let’s take a look at some of the most common pool pump problems and their causes.

It Won’t Turn On

If there’s no noise when the pump turns on, immediately check your breaker box to make sure the power is on and flowing. If the breaker is still in the “on” position, you might have an electrical problem in your lines or in the motor. If your system runs on a time switch, you may need to check to make sure the gears are turning. Also double-check any GFCI outlets wired into the system to ensure the breaker button hasn’t been tripped. If the motor just makes a humming noise when trying to start, chances are good that the motor shaft could be locked up and unable to move.Try to manually move the shaft without electricity.

It Keeps Turning Off

If your pump keeps turning off after a few minutes, but turns on again 10-15 minutes later, the pump is more than likely overheating. Make sure the vents are free of debris, there’s adequate ventilation around the pump, and check to see if the pump is shaded during the hottest parts of the day. A pump with a bad run capacitor can also cause the pump to overheat. If the problem is not related to overheating, it could indicate loose wire connections or incorrect voltage to the pump or a bad extention cord (too light gauge)

It’s Noisy

No one likes a noisy pool pump, and there are several reasons a pump could be making loud, strange noises. If the pump is screeching and squalling, chances are pretty good you’re dealing with bad motor bearings.
Another common complaint is when a pump sounds like it has small rocks stuck inside, and it’s making a loud, rattling noise. If you’ve ruled out vibration noises (solved by placing a rubber mat where the pump sits on the pad), it might be that your pump isn’t getting enough water, also known as cavitation. If not addressed promptly, cavitation can cause your impeller to wear out, the shaft seal or pump fittings to fail, or any number of other serious problems with the pump. After making sure there’s enough water in the pool, check for closed off lines or a clog in the lines, then clean the skimmer basket, pump basket, impeller and possibly even the filter. It could also be that the pump is just too big and powerful for the pool’s size, and you’ll need to purchase a properly sized pump.

The Pump Isn’t Pulling Water

The first thing to rule out in this case is a blockage. Make sure the skimmer, pump basket and impeller are clear of debris. If the water is flowing slower than normal, this most likely  indicates  that your filter needs to be cleaned. Inability to pull water through the lines could also be caused by an air leak on the suction side (before the impeller), which can prevent your pump from priming properly.

The Pump Is Pulling Air

You shouldn’t be able to see any air in the pump basket, but it’s not uncommon to see a bubble or two from time to time. However, a pump that’s not airtight and pulls a lot of air will start to cause big problems for your system. Common reasons for pulling air include loose or cracked pump lids, bad o-rings or gaskets .  To locate the air leak quickly, there are a couple things you can do. Either pressurize the suction side of the line and look for a water leak, or apply shaving cream to the suspected areas and watch for a “dimple” as the suction pressure draws the shaving cream into the lines. Replace or repair damaged parts as needed.

It Won’t Prime

This ties in closely with the previous two sections, because the most common reason a pump won’t prime is due to an air leak on the suction side. Other reasons for this could be that the water level in the pool is too low, or the pump basket or impeller might be clogged.

It’s Leaking Water

This problem is relatively easy to diagnose and fix. Bad seals, o-rings and loose connections can all cause leaks. If replacing seals and o-rings, you can either purchase the individual parts or an all-in-one “Go Kit” for your pump model, which has all the seals and o-rings you’ll need.

No matter what the problem might be with your pool pump, Waterwayparts.com  has you covered! From o-rings and impellers to  brand new pumps, we have everything you need to get your pool circulating again. Search parts for your pump on http://www.waterwayparts.com

Waterway Pump Trap Lid

Waterway pumps often have a “leaf trap” in front of the “pump”. Homeowners describe this as a “pre filter”, “basket”, or just plain “pump”. The see-through lid has been re designed, however, they are interchangeable.

There is a small decal on the center of the lid. It may have a “W” on it, or it may be an American flag. Both have part numbers on them, however, the numbers are for the decal itself not the lid.

808-3150.1008 and 808-3150.0413 are part numbers for decals.

Since 2014 the  replacement lid part number is 319-4100

http://waterwayparts.com/WATERWAY-TRAP-LID-319-4100/

The “new ” lid is two pieces and easier to remove. Again, they are interchangeable and both require the exact same o-ring  805-0436

http://waterwayparts.com/O-RING-6%22-TRAP-LID-805-0436/

What price to repair Waterway Valve?

There are a few different methods to repair your Waterway multi-port 7 position valve.

Of course the least expensive way is also the most labor intensive. You can purchase the “spider gasket” only , Part 711-1910B, for about $15. However, you will need to remove the valve internals, clean off the diverter, and the difficult part is attaching the new gasket to the old diverter. Waterway suggests this method for seasoned pool professionals only. You may also purchase the “plug” , which is the spider gasket attached to the diverter from the factory , this costs $36 (Part 600-9500b). The easiest and most successful method is to replace the “key cover” (Part 600-9600b). You simply remove the bolts from the top of the valve and pull out the old internals and install the new ones. A notch in the cover prevents you from installing it in the wrong position. The key cover will get you a new spring, handle, lid o-ring, spider gasket, and washers. Cost  600-9600B is $85. Although the entire new valve is $110,  you will need to disconnect all the hoses on the filter and risk breaking the tank internal laterals to replace entire valve.  If your leak is  a cracked valve body (from over tightened fittings or freeze damage) you may not have a choice. All these parts are available at http://www.waterwayparts.com

 

CLOSE DOESN’T COUNT

Although these wet ends look similar, they are not interchangeable. The height of the intake port, the size and type of threads, and placement of the discharge port can make a huge difference. It is always better to replace your pump with the same style “wet end”. The existing plumbing in your system will line up perfectly and make the installation of the new pump much easier. If you need help identifying the exact replacement you need take a detailed look at the images on our website. If you still have questions, send us some pics of your existing set-up. Make sure we can see the entire pump in your pics.

Send your inquiries to sales@waterwayparts.com

WATERWAY and AQUASTAR SAND FILTER DRAIN CAPS

Notice the rounded threads ( approx 4 threads) . This is what makes this cap easy to identify once you have lost it. This cap part number at http://www.waterwayparts.com is 602-5321. It will also require an o-ring (805-0224) Below are images of the same model sand filter tank drain (pre 2011) that requires a different drain cap. Notice the threads are not as rounded and there are approx. 8 threads. This cap part number at http://www.waterwayparts.com is 602-5301.This cap also requires the same       o-ring (805-0224).

Waterway Sand Filter Caps

Yes, both caps are approximately 2 3/8″ inside thread diameter. They are NOT interchangeable. Look closely at the threads. 602-5321(middle photo) has a rounded thread. This is the current style. The older cap(bottom) 602-5301 has a much sharper angled  thread. The change occurred in about 2010. If you can not remember what shape the old drain cap was round or hexagon you will need to examine the threads on the sand tank. Both caps require the same o ring (805-0224). All these parts are available at http://www.waterwayparts.com

IN 2021 BOTH REPLACEMENT CAPS WERE PRODUCED IN THE HEXAGON SHAPE . THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THE TYPE OF THREAD. AGAIN THEY ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE.

Weir? Skimmer door?

Most pool skimmers have a flapping baffle, called a wier, that helps to keep any floating matter trapped inside it, as well as regulate the amount of water that it processes at any given time. In the well of the skimmer, you’ll find a basket, where leaves, bugs, and other debris can collect. The baskets can easily be removed from outside of the pool and its contents dumped out. Doing this regularly will ensure consistent water flow to your filter system. This Waterway skimmer door has  part number 519-3060 written on it. The part number with the foam insert is 542-3060 (white). These skimmer doors are proprietary, they only work on the manufactures models. (not interchangeable)

Pump lid, leaf trap, pump basket……………

This pump part has several different names. It can be damaged by freeze or just plain abuse. Waterway traps normally have a sticker on the center of the lid with a “W” . Waterwayparts.com  always has this item in stock. Our part number is 310-6500, this will include the trap body, the basket, lid, o-ring for the lid, and the basket drain plug. The inside diameter of the union nut is approximately 3″. Anyone of these parts can be purchased separately .

Waterway Union Split Nuts

Waterway has re-designed the 2″ split nut.The “newer” version(left) is 100% compatible with the “older” version(right). These split nuts are very common on the Baquapure pumps. They are used to connect the trap to the pump face. The new part number is 400-5161. The old part number was 415-5201