Venturi air not working on pool sit-n-spa step

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chuck1971

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Jul 10, 2007
47
Ohio
OK, I am one of the lucky people that chose a builder that goes under within 7 months of your pool being built, so TFP is now my ONLY source of information... Albeit, it has alway been much better information!

So, My builder installed my sit-n-spa step, with 3 jets last fall. All was well. They helped me close the pool this winter. We didn't do anything special with the actual venturi system, just blew out the spa step lines and sealed for the winter.

So, since I opened the pool this spring, I can pump water to my seat, but when I open the twist valve that "activates" the Venturi system, I get no air. Actually, when I turn it on it has water flowing out of the venturi spin cap.

Any suggestions?

Thanks ahead of time, Chuck
 
Chuck, my first thought is an obstruction in one or more of the returns the venturi feeds. I know you said water is flowing into the swim-out, but I've seen it on spillover spas when some of the returns are closed, or a rock was in the line and is blocking the return (the ones we use have the water feed tube that can be removed (from the pool side) with a 9/16" socket) If you didn't seal the return port after winterizing, some rodent may have made it home for the winter and brought a supply of acorns :eek: . what I'd do first is to poke a screwdriver into the returns and se if you feel an obstruction (with the filter on and the returns on).

Please try this and get back :thumleft:
 
I have attached two photos of the twist valve to allow air in. I sealed the return line in the winter, and I am getting good water flow from the pump, so there is no obstruction.

What i did do over the weekend was to take my air compressor and blow air down into this opening. I had someone help, and we could put our hands over the 3 jets in the steps one at a time and force the air from the compressor to each one. Of course, the air "action" was great at that point! After I stopped, it would continue to "add air" for 3-5 seconds. then I would hear a gurgling as it sounds like the Venturi valve thing was fillling up with water, and the bubble/air action would stop.

--Chuck
 

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Waste,

I'm sorry, I should have stated that. When attempting to get this going, I do shut of the main return lines so ALL flow is going to the step, and the pump is on high. It puts through a ton of pressure. I have deck jets also and when I have them open, I can shoot water 20 feet in the air from both of them!
 
So, in going with the o-ring theory. I took out all 3 jets, and took a picture for reference. I used the winterizing winter caps and sealed 2 of the 3 openings off. Then I tried each jet in the fitting left open. None of the jets worked. Did this with the pump on high and low, and with my other return lines open and closed (attempting to see if various pressures would cause it to work). No luck with anything. Actually, water would most often come up out of the Venturi air cap when I opened it. Do notice in the jet on the left in the picture, there is NOT an o-ring, but it has a different type of locking ring. The inside end of that jet appears different to me, and it looks to make sense that it does not have an o-ring????

I can reach my fingers back in the step jet fitting, and feel the dime-nickel sized how at the top of the fitting where the AIR is supposed to enter. I know that is the air fitting, as I can Blow into the Venturi opening on the deck and feel the air coming out of that hole.

So, still I have NOTHING and kinda clueless on what else to try.

--Chuck
 

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