Waterway Flow Instability / Intermittent Suction

Waterway pool pump runs but water in the pump basket appears to surge or oscillate, causing inconsistent flow.

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Possible Causes

Partially blocked skimmer or main drain, Air entering from loose fittings, Variable water level at skimmer, Suction side vacuum cleaner restricting flow

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety: Turn off the pump before clearing obstructions.

  • Clean all suction points: Remove and clean skimmer and pump baskets. Check the main drain cover for blockage.
  • Check water level: Maintain pool water level at mid‑skimmer to prevent air ingestion.
  • Inspect vacuum equipment: If using a suction cleaner, remove it and plug the vacuum port. Run the pump to see if surging stops. Clean or adjust the cleaner if it is restricting flow.
  • Seal air leaks: Address any suction‑side air leaks as described in the suction air leak section.
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Repair Difficulty

Easy 2/5

Required Part

Suction Plumbing (External)
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