I'm reticent to post this as I know it's a common issue, but I feel I've about exhausted all tests and need someone else to take an unbiased look.
History: Pool in service and under TFP care since 2014. My chemistry is always spot on. Solaxx SWG, Hayward Multispeed pump (circular pump basket), Hayward Sand Filter and Multiport Valve.
Symptom: Pump basket develops large air bubble.
Setup: Two separate input streams from two main drains (ball valve) and one skimmer (ball valve). Three return options (two returns, ribbon jets, fountains). I keep my pool open year around, and the water is always crystal clear. I probably run my pump more than most as the wife doesn't like any surface debris, so pretty much skimming 24/7.
Attempted Fixes:
Brand new pump basket seal and lubricant
Have run both water and soap test on all inlet plumbing, no change
I can isolate either main drains or skimmer basket, and turning either off doesn't rid the bubble, so don't believe there is any underground leak.
No water loss
Have checked impeller for any debris
Pump basket always clean
Skimmer basket always clean, and water level, 3/4 way up on skimmer
Not directly related to this, but when doing a deep sand clean, one of the fingers broke, so I have completely replaced the sand filter distributor as well as put in all new sand....this process made no change in the bubble.
What WILL temporarily seem to fix the issue is turning the multiport valve to recirculate. The basket will then eventually fill and stay that way, even going back normal operation....for awhile. Eventually, the air pocket returns.
Other things I've noticed: The SWG on the outlet of the Sand Filter seems to cavitate a bit. I don't recall in years past this shaking at all.
My TFT pressure gauge on the sand filter also quit working...it's pegged past 30 PSI, so I can't immediately check pressure but have another one on order. But that I just put new sand and new finger assembly in, I can't imagine this is the issue. But the recirculate mode clearing it up, makes it suspicious. I have two separate returns, jets and fountains, and opening them all doesn't change anything (less restrictive path).
Is it possible since I run my pump more often that the impeller needs to be changed? Pool is always crystal clear and free of debris, so the impeller has never been subjected to trash, but is it possible it's just worn from use? The only other oddity is the return ball valve for skimmer is very difficult to turn, so was wondering if it's broken or always partially blocked. But I am able to starve the pump by closing it all the way, so it's at least partially working and I'm getting good swirl in the skimmer basket.
Please Help!
History: Pool in service and under TFP care since 2014. My chemistry is always spot on. Solaxx SWG, Hayward Multispeed pump (circular pump basket), Hayward Sand Filter and Multiport Valve.
Symptom: Pump basket develops large air bubble.
Setup: Two separate input streams from two main drains (ball valve) and one skimmer (ball valve). Three return options (two returns, ribbon jets, fountains). I keep my pool open year around, and the water is always crystal clear. I probably run my pump more than most as the wife doesn't like any surface debris, so pretty much skimming 24/7.
Attempted Fixes:
Brand new pump basket seal and lubricant
Have run both water and soap test on all inlet plumbing, no change
I can isolate either main drains or skimmer basket, and turning either off doesn't rid the bubble, so don't believe there is any underground leak.
No water loss
Have checked impeller for any debris
Pump basket always clean
Skimmer basket always clean, and water level, 3/4 way up on skimmer
Not directly related to this, but when doing a deep sand clean, one of the fingers broke, so I have completely replaced the sand filter distributor as well as put in all new sand....this process made no change in the bubble.
What WILL temporarily seem to fix the issue is turning the multiport valve to recirculate. The basket will then eventually fill and stay that way, even going back normal operation....for awhile. Eventually, the air pocket returns.
Other things I've noticed: The SWG on the outlet of the Sand Filter seems to cavitate a bit. I don't recall in years past this shaking at all.
My TFT pressure gauge on the sand filter also quit working...it's pegged past 30 PSI, so I can't immediately check pressure but have another one on order. But that I just put new sand and new finger assembly in, I can't imagine this is the issue. But the recirculate mode clearing it up, makes it suspicious. I have two separate returns, jets and fountains, and opening them all doesn't change anything (less restrictive path).
Is it possible since I run my pump more often that the impeller needs to be changed? Pool is always crystal clear and free of debris, so the impeller has never been subjected to trash, but is it possible it's just worn from use? The only other oddity is the return ball valve for skimmer is very difficult to turn, so was wondering if it's broken or always partially blocked. But I am able to starve the pump by closing it all the way, so it's at least partially working and I'm getting good swirl in the skimmer basket.
Please Help!
