Filter swallowed flocculant gel

[davidafonso]

Hi guys. After a SLAM procedure, I applied a flocculant gel for 24h. As the pool seemed cleaned already, I proceeded on making a backwash. I was dumb enough to not removing the skimmer tray. When the 2 minutes of backwash ended the flocculant gel was gone and so was the sucking ability of the pump. I am so worried. What should I do to take the gel out?

I have turned off the pump, but am very worried if I keep it that way the damn algae might come back.

Thanks in advance.

[Denniswiseman]

I suspect that the gel was sucked into the pump and blocked the impeller
Try running the pump for a while to try and move it as it is soft and dissolvable
Failing that open the pump and clear it

[davidafonso]

Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your input. When you say try to move it, should I shake the tubes while setting the filter to drain?
If this doesn't work I should really rely on a professional to open the pump right? Or could I be able to not ruin it?

[Denniswiseman]

Have you tried running it for a while to see if it clears
There is normally 4 screws / bolts holding it together and it should just pull apart
This YouTube video can give an idea how to get to the impellor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ger6FpZHZKE
Don't continue any futher than opening it up
Be careful of the seal

[davidafonso]

Hi Dennis.
Solved the problem by setting the pump to wast and by inserting a hoe through the skimmer hole.
Filter and pump are back to the usual sucking capabilities.
Thanks again for all the help.

[Denniswiseman]

I thought that might happen as the gel is soft and breaks down in water