I have air bubbles coming out of one of the three jets. The power of the jet is still strong but is pushing air out every few seconds creating bubbles. I am researching and finding that he pump basket has bubbles as well in it (thru the clear plastic where the basket is to collect large debri before entering filter). I tried to take that off but I can't without tools. Can that be where the issue is coming from!?
Air bubbles out of one jet
- Thread starter Ms506s
- Start date
Hi and welcome to TFP
bubbles in the pump basket means there is an air leak somewhere, and air is being sucked in.
The most usual cause of this, is the rubber O ring on the pump basket lid. Usually, applying some slicone based lubricant to the O ring will remedy that problem because it helps the O ring seal off better. Aladdins Magic Lube or some similar lubricant is available at hardware stores, pool stores and big box stores.
Only use silicone or water based lubricant on plumbing O rings. Petroleum ones such as vaseline will make the O ring swell up and not seal off properly.
A rubber mallet is helpful in removing the pump lid if your has ears on it.
or a short 2 x 4. Just tap gently on the ears of the lid and it will unscrew.
Or if you have the big thumb screws on the lid instead of ears, well.. yeah, you might need some pliers to get them loose.
It might also be possible that there is a small leak in one of the plumbing connections on the suction side that causes the bubbles. You can find the leak by spraying some foam shaving cream on the couplings. If there is any small air leak, the foam shaving cream will be sucked in.
If you dont have any shaving cream, you can use a water hose and gently run the water over the connections. WHen you run the water over the air leak, the bubbles in the pump basket will disappear.
Another thing that can cause bubbles is low water level. If you look in the skimmer and see a vortex, then the water level is too low and the vortex is sucking in air.
Hope this helps you in finding the cause of the bubbles
bubbles in the pump basket means there is an air leak somewhere, and air is being sucked in.
The most usual cause of this, is the rubber O ring on the pump basket lid. Usually, applying some slicone based lubricant to the O ring will remedy that problem because it helps the O ring seal off better. Aladdins Magic Lube or some similar lubricant is available at hardware stores, pool stores and big box stores.
Only use silicone or water based lubricant on plumbing O rings. Petroleum ones such as vaseline will make the O ring swell up and not seal off properly.
A rubber mallet is helpful in removing the pump lid if your has ears on it.
or a short 2 x 4. Just tap gently on the ears of the lid and it will unscrew. Or if you have the big thumb screws on the lid instead of ears, well.. yeah, you might need some pliers to get them loose.
It might also be possible that there is a small leak in one of the plumbing connections on the suction side that causes the bubbles. You can find the leak by spraying some foam shaving cream on the couplings. If there is any small air leak, the foam shaving cream will be sucked in.
If you dont have any shaving cream, you can use a water hose and gently run the water over the connections. WHen you run the water over the air leak, the bubbles in the pump basket will disappear.
Another thing that can cause bubbles is low water level. If you look in the skimmer and see a vortex, then the water level is too low and the vortex is sucking in air.
Hope this helps you in finding the cause of the bubbles
A vortex is what you see when water drains out of a sink, kind of an upside down tornado, but in the water. There shouldn't actually be a vortex, but if the water level gets too low one can folder in the skimmer, and if it does it can suck air down into the plumbing.
Yes, look inside the skimmer while the pump is running and see if a vortex is forming (a problem) or not (good).
Propbndr
LifeTime Supporter
Check your pool level. There should be a level indicator arrow on the face of your skimmer. It the water is too low a vortex can form and give you the air issue. Putting in a ball may break it up but, it will not fix the level problem.
3-way valves over 5 years old are very common suction side air leakers as well. If none of the above tips provide results, move to the suction side 3-ways next. Remove the valve handle, cover screws, cover, valve stem/gate, etc...clean the parts and replace all O-rings with part# O-515kit-9 (should be 3 o-rings on most valves- Hayward, Compool, Jandy, etc..) use magic lube and reassemble. Also, most pump pots have 3/8" threaded thumb screw plugs on them, usually at the bottom front or side, for vac gauges, ozonators, flow gauges, so on...if the o-ring is failing there.....you guessed it...suction air leak. Good luck!