Had all equipment replaced (per signature below) beginning of March 2022. Love the system and we are not in a constant algae control mode. But, we seem to have to fill our pool to support the pump intake at the skimmer every couple of days. Yes, Dallas has been hot and dry with temps over 100 and some wind. But this seems to be too frequent. Started a bucket test to verify today, but meanwhile I have a question. When the VS pump is in low mode, 500 watts or so, we see a pretty steady stream of bubbles coming into into the attached spa. There are just one or two bubbles when it is in cleaning mode. Is this normal? Does it mean I have a leak in the plumbing? Granted I may have leaks elsewhere. We did putty up a crack in the skimmer basket, but that is higher than the water level. I'd try letting it just keep going to see if it stopped somewhere soon below the skimmer, but not sure with all this new equipment how to turn my pump to draw only from the bottom of the pool and spa. (Guess I should call the installer and get educated on that.)
My imagination or does my pool have a leak?
- Thread starter Hairyet
- Start date
jark87
Silver Supporter
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,180
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
I’m also in the Dallas area and have had to add water at least 2x per week over the past few weeks, but I’m running a chiller which works off of evaporation, so I expect frequent fills when we are this hot and dry. Humidity last night was something like 25%.
So maybe not unusual for this time of year? I calculated time it took to fill up a 6 gal bucket with my hose and calculated how much we put in the pool yesterday - 252 gallons. I think I am going to measure the height of water loss and get a rough estimate of the surface area of the pool and see if the evaporation rate makes sense. I tried to put a bucket in to measure, set up was fine until we got in and then it fell off the shelf with bricks in tow, lol! We don't go a day without 2 swims, so my bucket test is probably not happening.
I will call my pool equipment installer and see if the bubbles are normal. (I am guessing they will say it is normal.) But if anyone has experience with how the variable speed pumps behave when on low speed in terms of bubbles, that would ease my mind.
I will call my pool equipment installer and see if the bubbles are normal. (I am guessing they will say it is normal.) But if anyone has experience with how the variable speed pumps behave when on low speed in terms of bubbles, that would ease my mind.
So just an update. Pool equipment installer says this is the number one question he is getting in the DFW area this time of year. He said he doesn't have a real solid answer about how much to expect for evap because it depends on the surface area, the pool temp, the humidity, wind, how much you are using the pool, etc. I did read that evaporation rates in the summer can be around 600 gallons/week, and with our pool at 91-96 degrees, a good amount of surface area and lots sun and wind - maybe we are in the ball park. Since we didn't appear to have a leak when it was cool out, maybe that is the answer - it is evaporation.
As for the bubbles coming in at the pool when the pump is on, he said that is a different problem and should not be happening. He explained that the seals may be compromised on the pump since letting the pump run when it is surging water can break the seals very quickly. Since we weren't on top of the water level a couple of times, I am guessing this is our problem. Hoping this isn't too expensive a fix. I'm guessing we will have to take the pump in for service. Glad I have quick disconnects!
He also recommended an inexpensive water leveler that runs off the garden hose. Especially for this time of year. I think that might be an excellent tool to keep us out of trouble.
As for the bubbles coming in at the pool when the pump is on, he said that is a different problem and should not be happening. He explained that the seals may be compromised on the pump since letting the pump run when it is surging water can break the seals very quickly. Since we weren't on top of the water level a couple of times, I am guessing this is our problem. Hoping this isn't too expensive a fix. I'm guessing we will have to take the pump in for service. Glad I have quick disconnects!
He also recommended an inexpensive water leveler that runs off the garden hose. Especially for this time of year. I think that might be an excellent tool to keep us out of trouble.
jark87
Silver Supporter
- Jun 5, 2011
- 1,180
- Pool Size
- 25500
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Jandy Aquapure 1400
Ouch! We had the same issue most summers. I finally solved that problem with a chiller. My pool temp is currently 80°. If you’re ever in the market, I can attest that it works.
You really don’t even need a leveler, as they are susceptible to issues like the float sticking. You can hook a garden hose up to a timer and just fill for 10-15 minutes (or however long you need) once or twice a week. Our builder used a sprinkler station and plumbed in a fill line. I just set that station to fill as described above when we’ve having long dry spells or when we’re out of town during the summer.