Bubbles in return jet

[horseradish1]

Hello - I noticed a lot of bubbles in my pump and return jet when the skimmer line is open. I have one skimmer and one main drain. When just the main drain is open there are no bubbles. I think it is my skimmer line. Any other possible reasons that could cause this?

I had my pool guy check it out and he thinks its the line. He quoted me $500 to fix, there is about 12-15ft to the pool pump. The area is generally clear, so he can dig it right up. Does that sounds reasonable to you


Thanks for everyone's input on this.

 

[Texas Splash]

If those bubbles are isolated to the skimmer only, it does sound like that could be the culprit. Sometimes, the SWG can generate a few tiny bubbles to the jets, but if your water level is good, the fact it only happens with the skimmer is being used and is also in the pump basket leads to the skimmer line. $500? Well, that's not a long distance, and depends on how accessible the line is (deep). The parts should be under $100, but of course the labor is what always gets us. Depending on his experience and equipment being used to dig, perhaps a 2-3 hour job - give or take a few. Might be just as well to let him do it if you have any reservations as a DIY project. Perhaps ask if he provides a warranty for his work for some length of time?

Now if you are a DIY'er and the line is not too deep, then you might get by with the PVC, a few new fittings, and some glue. Of course aspirin at the end of the days as well.

If you have any doubts before confirming the job, make sure to review the Pool School - Suction Side Air Leaks page.

 

[horseradish1]

Pat - thanks for this response. I am typically a DIY'er but I have a deck that I am in the process of fixing. I pulled the deck in that area so once I put back together in the next few weekends I wont want to revisit that fix if I mess something up!

He mentioned using a flexible pipe as opposed to rigid, do you have any thoughts on that?

 

[Texas Splash]

There really are many pros & cons for each type depending upon the application, location, etc. Here are a couple good discussions that may help you relate to what you're going through:
Why not Flexpipe? Why 2 rigid?
2 flex pipe between equipment?

 

[horseradish1]

Thanks again, this is good stuff. Will be buried in clay soil. However it wont be buried in concrete and I do have a chipmunk problem, but not near skimmer or shed where water pump goes. Sounds like flex makes sense in this application?