No Flow / Pump Not Engaging – Air Lock Troubleshooting

Use the following procedure when a commercial unit has no water flow after purging air from the filter housing.

1. All in Commercial Tub

Before attempting to clear an air lock:

• Confirm all ball valves are fully open.
• Verify the water level is above the fill line on the skimmer.
• Perform the standard air purge from the filter housing.
• Attempt to engage the water pump.

If the pump still does not engage, there may be an air lock at the hair catch.

All-In Tubs – Hair Catch Air Lock

Step 1: Pause the Tub

Pause the unit to stop the pump.

Step 2: Open the Hair Catch Cap

Slowly open the hair catch cap to release any trapped air.

• Allow some water to flow out of the hair catch.
• This also helps verify that there is not a blockage or clog preventing water from reaching the pump.

Step 3: Reinstall the Cap

Once the trapped air has been released:

• Tighten the hair catch cap securely.
• Unpause the tub to allow the pump to attempt to engage.

Step 4: If the Pump Still Does Not Engage

If the pump does not start:

• Open the hair catch cap one more time while the pump is attempting to engage.
• Once the pump starts and water begins flowing, immediately tighten the hair catch cap securely.

Verify that the pump is running normally and that water flow has been restored.

V1 Commercial Units – Hair Catch Air Lock

Step 1: Power Off the Unit

Power the unit off completely before opening the hair catch.

Step 2: Open the Hair Catch Cap

Open the hair catch cap to release trapped air.

Allow some water to escape to help confirm that water is reaching the hair catch and that there is no clog.

Step 3: Reinstall the Cap

Tighten the hair catch cap securely, then power the unit back on and attempt to engage the pump.

Step 4: If the Pump Still Does Not Engage

If the pump does not engage after the initial air purge:

• Attempt the air purge with the pump powered on and attempting to engage.
• Once the pump starts and water flow is established, tighten the hair catch cap securely.

Final Verification

After the pump engages:

• Confirm consistent water flow.
• Verify there are no leaks around the hair catch cap.
• Confirm the pump remains running without repeatedly losing prime.
• If the pump still will not engage after completing these steps, escalate for further troubleshooting.