I'm getting a lot of air bubbling in one of my return lines. I recently upgraded my pump motor to a EVQ 225 VS motor. When I run the motor full speed, I don't have any air in the system. When I lower the RPMs below 2750, it pulls air in the system. I've checked for leaks multiple times using the incense method. I've verified all of the mounting bolt are snugged to the suggested torque settings. I added Magic Lube II to the pump basket lid. It still leaks. Could there be something other than a suction side leak causing the issue? Also, the bubbling only happens in one of the four return lines. I've attached a video where you can see the difference between the speeds. Let me know if you have any insights. Thanks
Can't Figure Out Air/bubbling in system
- Thread starter sugast
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,440
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
I just replaced a valve that had an almost microscopic hairline crack today. It behaved the same - air at lower speeds, nothing at higher. No water leaks. Pouring water from a hose on the joints/connections can sometimes stop the air for a bit, so you can identify where it is getting in.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,094
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I couldn't see all the equipment but it looks like you have unions on the pump. Those have o-rings and can leak. Can you post a picture of all the equipment?
That could due to the location of the return and the way the plumbing is layed out.
Also, leaking on lower RPM vs higher is not uncommon. Higher RPM has higher pump basket suction which can pull the lid down tighter making for a better seal. Another factor is that at higher RPM, the water is moving faster so air leaks are less likely to be noticed and/or collect in the pump basket.
But just to confirm, the video shows the lower RPM first, then the higher RPM. If you first prime the pump at the higher RPM and THEN lower the RPM, does the air show up again?
Attachments
Great question. I'll go figure out which line goes to that spot. It's not the spa line or the water jets. It has to be the "return" of the "water fountain" line. I'm not sure what the water fountain is. The only water feature I have is the deck jets.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,094
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Reverse the order and see if anything changes.
Also, any valve and any union has o-rings which can leak.
It's definitely the line labeled "Return". When I close that valve, the bubbles stop coming through the return line and start coming through the spa return line. Also, wouldb't the air enter the suction side as opposed to the return side? I though a return side leak would be a water leak not air intake?
I still don't know what the spa fountain line is. See the picture below. I think that's a normal return line on the tanning deck (upper right corner of pic)? That's not a "fountain". It also stops when I close the "return" valve. It also has a check valve on the line just like the "spa return" line?
I still don't know what the spa fountain line is. See the picture below. I think that's a normal return line on the tanning deck (upper right corner of pic)? That's not a "fountain". It also stops when I close the "return" valve. It also has a check valve on the line just like the "spa return" line?
Attachments
- May 3, 2007
- 18,094
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Yes, that is correct and why I said it really isn't a significant indicator. It is not uncommon for air to come out only one of many returns depending on how the system is plumbed.
it looks more like a bubbler but will only work well when you restrict flow to other returns.
I still haven't found the leak but I did figure out the spa return lines. The line labeled "spa fountain" is the main return line in the bottom middle of the spa. The line labeled "Spa Return" feeds the spa jets along the sides.
Notice the valve in Img307 above. I assume it remains partially open to keep some flow to the jets during pool operation so the pipes, feeding the jets, remain clean during normal pool operation?
Notice the valve in Img307 above. I assume it remains partially open to keep some flow to the jets during pool operation so the pipes, feeding the jets, remain clean during normal pool operation?