Air Bubbles in Pump Filter & Gurgling Returns

gregfl2001 · Jan 20, 2022

Hi all!

I've got some bubbles coming primarily out of one pool return, and noticed some air inside the pump filter basket area. I recently repaired a leak with the main pump seal and changed out all of the gaskets, but this issue was occurring prior to that change. I can't find any leaks in any of the equipment, but I do notice a gurgling noise coming from the top of the Pentair Clean & Clear filter housing. I can hear it well where the release valve is on top of the unit. Could air be sucking in there causing my issue, or is it more likely that it's coming from/before the pump and getting pushed into the filter housing?

My equipment is about 1.5 years old (newer pool) and I'm running the Pentair Intelliflo VSF and Clean & Clear 520.

Thanks!
Greg

gregfl2001 · Jan 20, 2022

Forgot to mention - pool water level is correct and I replaced the o-ring on the pump basket cover.

wireform · Jan 20, 2022

If the pump basket is full and primed when running your problem is elsewhere.

gregfl2001 · Jan 21, 2022

Pump is primed and running well, but basket contains a lot of bubbles. I'm going to do some air leak tests tomorrow and change out the o-ring on the union ahead of the pump to see if that resolves things.

wireform · Jan 21, 2022

When you say ahead of the pump which side are you referring to, the suction or the pressure side. Bubbles area suction side problem.

gregfl2001 · Jan 21, 2022

wireform said:
When you say ahead of the pump which side are you referring to, the suction or the pressure side. Bubbles area suction side problem.

Sorry, suction side.

Homebrewale · Jan 21, 2022

Take a hose and put water on each joint on the suction side to see if you can find where air is leaking into the system. I used this technique to find leaks in my shutoff valves before my pump. I had all of them replaced which solved my problem.

YippeeSkippy · Jan 21, 2022

Check the seal on your skimmer basket. If not sealed up good, hand tightened bolts, it can grab air.

You can proove this by using a hose with running water and take it up squirting the pump from ground up. Once you get it on the pump seal and the bubbles in the basket -stop it shows that you're getting water into the skimmer.

Maddie :flower:

gregfl2001 · Jan 21, 2022

Thanks, all. Found the union on suction side was a bit loose. Tightened it up and all is well!