Pool Pump Strainer Lid O-ring: A single gasket seals the pump strainer lid, which, once it loses pliability, can provide a direct route to foul your prime. Typical signs of wear are cracking in the rubber, warping or stretching, and the obvious missing bits.
Check the rubber gasket for cracks, pinching it into a smaller loop. Cracks will look like striations across the length of the gasket.
Warped or stretched gaskets are evident when the o-ring sits in the groove o-ring, spilling over. The warping of an o-ring can lead to it being pinched, creating a gap through which air can enter the plumbing.
If necessary, replace with the new gasket after cleaning the O-ring’s groove of gunk and leftover lube. Apply a new coat of lube, as well.
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Rick Posted: 6/27/2022
First, let me say thanks. This is perhaps the most useful site I've found for newbies. Here's our issue: Finally had an opportunity to open the pool this season this past week. New pump installed. So, we did all the chemical stuff and started her up. Worked like a champ. Great pressure from the jets -- we think the best we've ever had -- and a full to the top of the glass pump...went to bed and woke up and the pump's water level was down maybe two inches. Jets were still working, but not as robustly. So, we backwashed just because -- no other reason other than we remember last year that backwashing always brought the water level in the pump back to it very top. Same scenario: Running like a champ, great power out of the jets, pool well along in the cleaning process, the pump was filled 100 percent when we went to bed. This time woke up to a pump that had lost maybe only an inch of water. By the way, all the other things were fine: Weir working fine, skimmer basket clear, water level steady just above the midway point arrow. Thoughts?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/30/2022
When the pump is turned off, does it lose prime? If it does, there could be an air leak; but you didn't mention if air bubbles were flowing from the return. Do you have a sand filter? If so, how old is the sand? Filter sand usually lasts 3-5 years before it requires changing. Eventually, the sand will get so dirty that backwashing will only solve flow rate issues for as little as a few minutes before the pressure begins to spike and the flow rate dips. And if you are losing 2 inches of water in a night, are you seeing any water pouring from the valve's waste line when it is set for normal filtering?Reply
John Posted: 6/23/2022
I have air bubbles coming from a return (deep end is more visible than at the stairs) when pump is set to skimmer. When it’s set to drain there are no bubbles. I replaced the o-ring at the union for the return from the skimmer. Are the cemented connections next? Also, what product is best to seal from the outdide?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/27/2022
Is the water level at least halfway up the skimmer's face? If the water is just a tad too low, the skimmer can gulp air with the ebb and flow of water through the weir. If you haven't found the leak, you'll need to run through all the plumbing elements; the glued PVC joints would be an excellent choice to check next.Reply
John Posted: 6/27/2022
Thank you. There’s plenty of water so I’ll check those connections. I’m surprised water doesn’t leak out of a connector but that might be a matter of physics.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/29/2022
Okie Doke. If you find a resolution to your problem, please give us an update.Reply
Marc Posted: 6/20/2022
Hi… We have a combination of two problems and I think they may be related. Anyway We lose significant levels of water [2 to 3 inches a day] up until just below the skimmer intake where the leak stops… therefore in my mind eliminating the chance this is a leak from the liner. Along with this we noticed significant amount of bubbles in the pool return. I therefore assume there must be a break on the suction side of the system [allowing the air to come in and cause the bubbles and water to escape to cause the leak] Debating if I need an ultrasound to find a source of a leak or if a pressure test is enough. Also can I conclude that the leak is in the plumbing above ground ( skimmers and initial part of plumbing) given the significant bubbling?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/27/2022
If the water level stops at the same level every time, X marks the spot. It sounds like a leak in the liner, skimmer face plate, or housing has been compromised. The air leak is likely above ground; the water leak is either in the pool basin or the underground plumbing; if you can't see an obvious leak above ground. Follow the steps in this guide to find the air leak. For the water leak, the following guides can be used: Swimming Pool Leak Detection Tips, My Pool Is Only Losing Water When My Pump Is RunningReply
Eric Posted: 6/20/2022
Hi! I have a sand filter. My pool pump likely started sucking in air bc the water got too low. Filled the pool up and started up pump. Still have air bubbles from returns and sounds like there’s air inside the filter. When I turn it off the water sends back down the piping to almost empty my pool pump.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/30/2022
Does your filter have an air relief valve on top of the tank?Reply
Kate Posted: 5/2/2022
Hi. I have air bubbles coming from around the returning water into my in ground salt water pool. My pool guy seems clueless. He “thinks” could be this. Could be that. Could be my heater??! Really? Don’t think so.. I see some bubbles thru the suction lid so it’s getting air someplace somehow! I’m concerned for the filter burning out. He says oh no that can’t happen? Really?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 5/11/2022
It sounds like the only way to find out is to do the troubleshooting yourself. Follow the steps, go through the elimination process, checking off things it's not so you can narrow it down to what it could be.Reply
David Posted: 4/20/2022
I have air coming from the return, it's a wc112-147 valve on a t-240bp-1 sand filter. No air in the pump strainer so unless it's the pump it seems to be the valve. When I turn off the pump the strainer starts filling with air and I hear air around the valve. Should I just replace the whole valve? Thanks.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/21/2022
I don't believe the air leak is coming from the filter valve. The filter and the valve are on the pressure side of the pump. If there is a hole there, water would be leaking out, not air going in. We mention quite a few things to check in the guide; I'd go through them before replacing a valve that's not the cause. Do you have a salt system? If so, does the air bubble problem only happen when it is on? The air bubbles could be a byproduct of the cell's normal operation; it wouldn't be a cause for concern.Reply
JT Posted: 1/24/2022
I have an in-ground pool, a brand new pentair cartridge filter with a pentair VS pump. I recently had an issue where both of my skimmer baskets floated due to an over abundance of pear tree leaves where my line was fully clogged (For the record - I hate pear trees!). I managed to unclog the line to where water is flowing again, but every time I turn the pump off water rushes out of the pump and the line loses pressure, causing me to have to prime the pump every time before I turn it on. If I don’t do this it will run dry. I have checked for air leaks in the lines above ground and am not finding anything. I also replaced my old check valve for good measure. Both skimmers are also sucking in water just fine, but I am getting a massive amount of bubbles in only one of my return jets, which is the one closest to the pump. All other jets are operating and moving water just fine. I also have a lot of air suddenly in my pool sweeper line. I’m thinking I either have an air leak underground or a clog somewhere in the line. I question if it’s an underground leak though as I didn’t have this issue until the leaves clogged the line. Is there anything I’m not thinking of or a way to further troubleshoot/blow out the line should it be a clog or anything else I am not thinking of?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 1/25/2022
An air leak caused by an underground pipe is possible but a rare occurrence. Therefore, I would put that possibility on the backburner for now.What have you done with the pump since the peach tree issues? Have you changed or inspected the pump lid gasket? if the gasket was pinched or knocked out of line while you were servicing the clogged plumbing or priming, it could cause an air leak. The air leak might not be big enough to prevent it from priming completely. But the leak could be big enough to cause a water purge once the pump shuts off. Another option, test the leak after you shut off the pump instead of when the pump is running. So, you would prime the pump, let it run, stage your bubbles or smoke implement, then turn off the pump. If the air leak is strong enough to purge your system, it should make a noticeable divot in the foam or pull in the smoke.Reply
Jimmy Posted: 8/29/2021
I only have bubbles upon starting up the pump. I get a large burst of bubbles out of one jet only, once that's done there are no more bubbles. Not sure whats happening?Reply
Anonymous Posted: 4/25/2022
Wouldn't an underground leak pull some muddy water into th system?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 4/26/2022
The water pressure would prevent the mud from leaking into the pipe. If any dirt seeps into the system, the filter will prevent most of it from returning to the pool.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 9/1/2021
You are essentially describing an air leak or, at the very least, an issue with priming. Have you done any of the troubleshooting mentioned in the guide?Unfortunately, I can't tell you what is exactly wrong with the system based on the description. But the troubleshooting and list of things to check should narrow the field of possibilities or pinpoint the issue.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 8/6/2021
I narrowed the air leak to to one strainer , water level is good when i shut down that valve bubbles go away could it be small debris in the line ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/6/2021
Which strainer is it? Is this a pump or skimmer strainer? Debris does not cause an air leak; it would cause a pressure drop, however. If air bubbles stop after closing a specific valve, I would start by investigating the valve first, then working your way back to the pool, checking any seams and joints for cracks.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/19/2021
I have a pool that is less than a year old. When the pool was brand new we set the pump to around 2,300 rep and the return water filter and jets had good pressure. However recently I have noticed that at 2,300 the return output has decreased substantially such that instead of a decent waterfall it turns into a trickle. The PSI is around 10 to 12 PSI so not that high but higher than when the pool was new. Also when the pump turns on , it operates normally with a decent return and over time it degrades to a trickle? What could the problem be? I have checks the leaf basket as well as the basket in the pump. no issue there.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/20/2021
This doesn't sound like an air leak problem. You either need to clean your filter, your baskets, or the impeller if it is clogged. More info - How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool SystemReply
Robbie Posted: 5/22/2021
I have air bubbles coming from two of the return jets whenever my variable speed pump is set to less than 67%. None when its higher. When its at 55% and lower it gets more and more air the lower I set the pump rate. Does this mean there is still an air leak? Or is this a normal side effect of setting pump rate low??Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/4/2021
At the lower speeds, there may be air bubbles that exit the jets. Do you happen to use a salt chlorine generator on your system?Reply
Raffi Posted: 5/22/2021
I tried for hours chasing down what i thought was a suction side leak, tore apart valves, pump inlet and cover, it would work fine for like 2 minutes and then the bubbles would return... strange thing was it got better at higher pump speeds... it finally clicked for me and I remembered that my salt water chlorine generator creates chlorine and hydrogen in gas form and that was the bubbles I was seeing! turned off the chlorine generator and wouldn't you know about 30 seconds later I had zero bubbles!Reply
Pavel Posted: 8/5/2021
Had same issue! Turned off salt cell and boom! Bubbles goneReply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/6/2021
Awesome!Reply
Anonymous Posted: 7/30/2021
Oh my gosh! Just tried turning off my salt water generator to see if the bubbles stopped and success!! Thank you so much for posting this!Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/3/2021
I love when one flick of a switch gives you a little peace of mind.Reply
Richard Posted: 7/24/2021
Thank you. You saved me a lot of time.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/4/2021
Oh jeez, that is relieving and frustrating all at the same time. Good job, ferreting out the problem.Reply
Paul L Posted: 1/31/2022
Thanks so much for this tip. I turned off my salt generator and the bubbles disappeared soon after that. I would have never thought of that so thanks for this brilliant tip.Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 2/1/2022
Awesome! And, thank you for reading.Reply
James Posted: 5/20/2021
I keep getting high pressure on the filter/low flow return, the de cartridges look ok every time I open up the tank and they are only a year old. When I run the pool on RECIRCULATION the pool flow does not slow down, if I had air leak on suction side, wouldn't the flow also get worse while on RECIRC., or is this due to the air being trapped in the tank only ?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 5/21/2021
This is not an air leak you are describing; you have dirty grids or charge the grids with too much DE causing a blockage. If there was trapped air in the tank, you would have been able to release it by opening the air relief valve.Reply
Anonymous Posted: 5/24/2021
How do you clear the grids if there is too much DE powder?Reply
InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/4/2021
The filter should be backwashed to clear the grids of DE powder. For an example, look at this guide, How To Backwash a Hayward DE Filter.Reply
Kirk Benson Posted: 3/8/2021
We have an in-ground Chlorine pool (8’ x 25’). For the past five plus years we have run the pump/filter system from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, and from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM we run the system with the Polaris vacuum. Last Wednesday morning around 3:30 AM, I woke up and heard a strange noise. I looked outside and the pool was half full. I went outside, turned off the pumps, and noticed the drain plug on the filter assembly had blown out, obviously lowering the pool water level. The preceding Saturday I had cleaned the filter cartridges. Cartridges were purchased in May 2020. I clean them every three months. Air was bled out after cleaning. Normal System pressure: 20 PSI After investigation, the threads were stripped, on the filter assembly, where the drain plug fits. On Saturday, I replaced the bottom portion of the filter assembly and also installed a new gasket between the top and bottom of the assembly. I ran the system, with the Polaris, for about four hours on Saturday, and ran the pump/filter system all night through Sunday at 4:00 PM, with no obvious problems. During the time the Polaris was running, I noticed it was much slower than normal and the Polaris pump was leaking quite a bit. This morning (Monday), around 3:30 AM, my wife woke up to hear an unusual noise again. Once again, the pool level was down, below the skimmer. I ran outside and it appears the gasket between the top and bottom filter assembly failed, as water was spraying out. It appears that something is over pressurizing the system, causing two failures within four days of each other (drain plug and gasket). I have no idea what it could be. Does it have something to do with the Polaris, or is the leaky Polaris the result of the higher system pressure? Looking for ideas on areas to investigate. Thank you.Reply