Simple, Easy and Inexpensive Aerator Using a Venturi

[impswelcome]

Here is an aerator/bubbler that will run off your water return. Parts are cheap and ubiquitous. A plethora off bubbles!



Exploded view of parts



Parts List
NIBCO® 1-1/2" MIP x Socket PVC Adapter
NIBCO® 1-1/2" Spigot x 3/4" Socket PVC Reducer Bushing
1/2" pvc pipe (Length depends on depth of water return)
3/4" pvc pipe (Only 2" needed)
NIBCO® 3/4" x 3/4" x 1/2" Socket PVC Reducer Tee
PVC Primer and Glue

You will have to bore out the stop in the 1/2" opening in the tee so the 1/2" PVC used for air intake slides all the way through to the bottom of the tee. I used a rotary rasp similar to the image below. The 45 degree bevel cut on the 1/2" pipe is very important and must face out towards the pool (see exploded view). Don't glue the air 1/2" intake pipe into the tee, you may need to adjust it depending on your water pressure. I wouldn't glue the 3/4" pipe to the reducer bushing either (but glue the venturi side). That way you can use the assembly as a jet by pulling out the venturi portion.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Looks good. Are you aerating for a specific purpose? If it is just for looks, keep an eye on your pH as the aeration will make it rise quicker than normal.

 

[duraleigh]

I like it. Perhaps a screw on/off cap on the air intake would make it even more versatile.

 

[impswelcome]

Looks good. Are you aerating for a specific purpose? If it is just for looks, keep an eye on your pH as the aeration will make it rise quicker than normal.

Thanks! I'm using it to raise pH. I have a Coverstar pool cover and I have to keep an eye on the pH. It tends to drop all summer and is low in the spring when I open it. I live in Minnesota. I don't want to keep using chemicals and I'm trying to do it organically.

 

[JJ_Tex]

I'm using it to raise pH. I have a coverstar pool cover and I have to keep an eye on the pH. It tends to drop all summer and is low in the spring when I open it. I live in Minnesota. I don't want to keep using chemicals and I'm trying to do it organically.

Awesome job then!

 

[impswelcome]

I like it. Perhaps a screw on/off cap on the air intake would make it even more versatile.

Thanks! The way I put it together you can actually pull off the Venturi section and just use it as a jet.

 

[PoolStored]

That is a cool rig!

 

[impswelcome]

Thanks!!

 

[Newdude]

 

[kawisser]

Thanks! I'm using it to raise pH. I have a Coverstar pool cover and I have to keep an eye on the pH. It tends to drop all summer and is low in the spring when I open it. I live in Minnesota. I don't want to keep using chemicals and I'm trying to do it organically.

Does a pool cover cause ph to drop? I'm trying to get my ph up through aeration and I have a coverstar pool cover as well.

 

[mknauss]

Does a pool cover cause ph to drop?

It can. You are restricting the off gas of CO2.