Loose Filter Pump Coupling Every 5-6 months - Air bubbles returns

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J

JMPool99

Bronze Supporter
Jul 31, 2021
120
So Cal
Pool Size
22000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Every 5-6 months like clockwork, seems I have to tighten the coupling for inlet to my main filter pump (Pentair Intelliflow VSP). I only know because there are bubbles coming out of the returns. The first time it happened we had cold weather (for So Cal) so temps in the high 30's -- I figured the o-ring or rubber inside may have contracted. Here I am again in May and it's 80-90F and happened again. Is this a normal thing just due to vibration? I marked the coupler with a sharpie marker this time so I can see if it moves the next few months!

Curious if this is a "normal" sort of thing or if I've got a bigger problem or if there's a perm fix.
 
No, not normal.

Post pics of the pump and the unions you have.
 
Here’s a photo of the Union I have to tighten every 6 months or so. It’s on a concrete pad. All equipment bolted down (of course)
 

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Just to be clear... the union is not backing out of the pump, you are just having to tighten the union's coupling that you marked with a sharpie.. Is that the case?

Not at all normal from my experience and I have no idea why that would happen. Does the pump vibrate when running?

Not sure why but there appears to be silicone at the point where the union screws into the pump??

Are you using pool lube on the internal O-ring under the coupling?

Sorry, but I have never seen a pump union come loose.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Our equipment all had to be bolted down to pass inspection. I recall the plumber didn’t have it bolted down and the inspector called him out (I was standing there).

I think the comments on transferring vibrations is probably spot on. No leaks ever just every few months have to re tighten. Erg.

I’m not sure about silicon lube on the o ring. That was done by plumber so … maybe yes, maybe no. I need to check that or lube or prob!
 
Take the nuts off the lag bolts holding down the pump.

There is no need for it. Silly earthquake reg. The pump is not going to fall over.
 
mknauss said:
Take the nuts off the lag bolts holding down the pump.

There is no need for it. Silly earthquake reg. The pump is not going to fall over.
Click to expand...
Yeah you’re right. Gotta be something silly for safety. Thanks for the input. Think I’ll try removing and see what happens!
 

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