Excess air in pool pump and filter is more than just an annoyance; it may be a sign of a problem – one that may or may not require a small or major solution. However, if left untreated, it will inevitably lead to other issues, which might have a minor or major impact on your pool maintenance.
This article dives into what causes air bubbles and how to prevent them in a swimming pool.
Understanding the Pool Pump Ecosystem
Your pool’s cleanliness and overall health depend on several components working in harmony. Let’s break down the intricacies of these parts and their role in preventing air bubbles.
1. The Protective Role of the Pump Lid & O-ring
- Securing the Pump Lid: After filling the pump basket, attention should shift to the pump lid. Ensure that it sits correctly, forming a perfect seal. This seal is crucial as any misalignment can allow air to enter the system.
- Importance of the O-ring: Often understated, the O-ring, or the pump cover gasket, forms the primary barrier against external elements. Regularly inspect it for any wear and tear. Replace if necessary to maintain an airtight environment.
2. Combatting Air Leaks
- Detecting Leaks: While air leaks in your pool pump can be subtle, their impact isn’t. Regularly inspect the system for cracks or any loose compartments. An undetected leak is a doorway for debris, affecting the pool pump’s efficiency.
- The Consequences: Undetected air leaks don’t just let in air; they can let in foreign particles, which can eventually make their way into your pool, compromising water quality.
3. The Significance of Skimmer and Pump Baskets
- The Skimmer Basket’s Role: The water level in your pool shouldn’t fall below the skimmer basket. If it does, your pump is more likely to ingest air. Regularly checking the water level ensures your skimmer basket functions optimally.
- Pump Basket Positioning: It’s not just about having a pump basket but also about its positioning. Ensure that it’s correctly positioned and devoid of any cracks that might welcome unwanted air.
4. The Sentinel: Your Pool Filter
- Identifying Filter Issues: If your filter keeps getting filled with air, it’s an unmistakable sign of a problem. The culprit could be a line break, filter crack, or an impeller malfunction.
- Replacing Filters: Always exercise caution when shopping for a new filter. An incorrect choice can lead to more harm than good, causing severe damage to your filter system. Do your research and choose wisely.
5. The Underestimated Hero: The Drain Plug
- Proper Sealing: Post-draining, it’s essential to ensure that the drain plug is tightly sealed. A small oversight here can lead to significant air leakages, disrupting the entire pool circulation system.
- Location Matters: Know where your drain plug is situated, usually behind the pool pump or filter. Regularly check it for any signs of wear or potential leak points.
What Can Be the Source of Bubbles? Why Not Consider Air in Pool Pump
Remember that even when a pool’s filtration system is operating well, it will occasionally produce a few bubbles from the return jet, particularly during the initial start-up of the pump. Air bubbles are not a cause for alarm if they only occur shortly after starting the pump and vanish after a minute or two.
Moreover, nine out of ten times, air bubbles in the pool are not an underground pool issue. More often than not, it is faulty aboveground equipment that causes it.
Here are some of the major problems why you experience air bubbles in the pool:
- The pool’s water level is too low.
- The strainer pot lid is not securely fastened, or the O-ring is missing or loose.
- The pump and valves are not tight enough.
The good news is that changing an O-ring is a simple do-it-yourself project that costs less than 50USD!
Is Your Pool Water Level in the Optimal Range?
One of the most common causes of air bubbles in the pool is that the water level is too low.
If the water in your pool is below the optimal range, the skimmer may suck in air and blow it through the pump/filter system.
If this is indeed your case, it’s necessary to add water. We recommend that the water level in the skimmer be maintained halfway to three-quarters way up the skimmer.
Tip: Never drain a fiberglass pool unless necessary. You risk voiding your warranty and perhaps causing harm to the pool.
Is Your Strainer Lid Tightly Sealed?
The strainer pot lid is there to keep all the debris in its right place, not to mention that it also keeps water from leaking when you are not using your pool. The lid has a rubber O-ring seal on top of the handle to ensure water does not leak out when draining the pool.
A damaged O-ring will cause your pool to lose water and air bubbles to occur. If you suspect this is your problem, replace it with a new one that came with your pump equipment or buy one online or at your local hardware store.
Here’s how to check the O-ring beneath the lid:
- Turn off the pool pump
- Take off the lid
- Inspect the O-ring
- Make sure it’s in good condition and tightly secured
- Remove any grit or debris that may obstruct the lid from being tightly secured.
Is there anything missing or loose? Check for any loose pieces on the pool’s equipment. Replace any missing O-Ring if necessary.
Is Your Pump/Valve Securely Tightened?
You should make sure to tightly secure the fitting(union) between the pool pump and valves.
If there’s an o-ring in the strainer pot lid, surprise! There’s also an O-ring here too.
Here’s how you can check the O-ring between the pool pump and valves:
- Turn off the pool pump
- Remove the nut in the union
- Check to see that the O-ring is there and in excellent condition.
- Examine the union to ensure no grit or dirt is preventing it from tightly closing.
Often, when you’re putting back the pump/filter together, the O-ring fittings can slide or fall out, which leads to bad things – like letting air in. Ugh. Don’t let that happen to you!
If You Still Have Bubbles in the Pool, Consider Adding Air to the Pool Pump
If you check all three of these items and still have air bubbles, you may have a more serious issue—such as a suction-side leak in your plumbing, which would come in either your main drain or your skimmer line.
That’s a lot for most pool owners to manage on their own, so contact your friendly local pool pros. They’ll be delighted to help!
How to Prevent Future Air Bubbles in the Pool
It’s always better to prevent than cure. So here are some reasonable tips to help you avoid air bubbles in the pool:
1. Know the Warning Signs
Knowing the warning signs is the best way to tell if there’s a problem with your pool’s above-ground equipment. If you’re noticing air bubbles in your pool, it’s time to act.
2. Check Pool Equipment Regularly
Make sure all the pool equipment is in good working condition. Here are some signs that your pumps and filters may need immediate repair or replacement:
- The pool pump and filter stopped working.
- The pool pump and filter cycle on and off frequently, but your pool’s water level is not increasing.
- The main drain is clogged.
- The skimmer return line has an obstruction such as a tree limb or rotted surface material.
3. Clean Filter Regularly
Make sure to clean the filter media regularly, at least once every month or two weeks during the swimming season.
4. Check Air Bubbles in the Pool
If you notice frequent air bubbles in the pool, you should also consider testing your water for pool chemicals, pH level, and total alkalinity.
Water chemistry issues can prevent the filter from removing those tiny particles that make up those pesky air bubbles. So monitor those levels and test them regularly to ensure your pool is as clean and clear as you want it to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do I see air bubbles in my pool pump system?
Air bubbles in your pool pump system can indicate issues such as a leak, air suction, or improper priming.
What causes air to be sucked into the pool pump system?
Common causes include leaks in the suction lines, loose fittings, clogged skimmer baskets, and inadequate water levels.
How can I prevent air from entering the pool pump system?
Ensure a proper water level, check for leaks in the suction lines, inspect seals and gaskets, and maintain skimmer baskets.
How often should I check for air in my pool pump system?
Regularly inspect the system, especially when you notice reduced water flow or hear unusual sounds.
How can I prime my pool pump to prevent air bubbles?
Ensure the pump is full of water before starting it. You may need to add water manually through the pump’s lid or a priming port.
Conclusion
When it comes to pool pumps and filters, the air in the system is not a good thing. Excess air in pool pump and filter is more than just an annoyance; it may be a sign of a problem – one that may or may not require a small or major solution.
However, if left untreated, it will inevitably lead to other issues, which might have a minor or major impact on your pool maintenance.
Check out our website for great pool articles. Maintaining your swimming pool is easier than you might think. Below are a few helpful pool guides.
