Leak from pump lid and air in returns

Sidemoves

Gold Supporter
Bronze Supporter
Jul 26, 2022
247
Fairfax, VA
Pool Size
37500
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Hey all- I am getting water leaking out from my pump basket lid and am also getting an unusual amount of air in my returns (there’s also a good amount of air bubbles in all returns on start up). I replaced the lid with all new parts including o-ring and silicone lube but that did not fix it. Any ideas what could be causing it and how to fix? Not sure if the pump lid and air bubbles are related bc I am also seeing some air in the suction side check valve just before the pump.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2121.jpeg
    IMG_2121.jpeg
    551 KB · Views: 29
  • IMG_2122.jpeg
    IMG_2122.jpeg
    351.4 KB · Views: 28
Side,

I assume you see water leaking out from under your pump lid when you shut the pump off..

If so, this is due to your pump sucking in a ton of air and sticking it in the filter. The air compresses and when you turn the pump off, the air pressure forces the water backwards though the pump and out of the lid.

You need to be looking for a suction side air leak.

What is in front of your pump?

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Here is a pic of the plumbing. The water seems to be seeping out from under the lid even during normal operation not just when it’s turned off.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2084.jpeg
    IMG_2084.jpeg
    702.9 KB · Views: 25
In spa mode the spa returns have a lot more air bubbles (see pic). But will have to wait and see if the pump kit still leaks. How urgently do I need to address something like this?

Also I noticed in spa mode, the water in the spa gets very low and the spillover actually goes in reverse. Is that normal? See pic.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2123.jpeg
    IMG_2123.jpeg
    697.7 KB · Views: 7
  • IMG_2124.jpeg
    IMG_2124.jpeg
    749 KB · Views: 7
Last edited:
In spa mode the spa returns have a lot more air bubbles (see pic). But will have to wait and see if the pump kit still leaks. How urgently do I need to address something like this?

Also I noticed in spa mode, the water in the spa gets very low and the spillover actually goes in reverse. Is that normal? See pic.
Never mind. I realize why the spa water is getting so low and know how to fix it.

My question is really how urgent is it that I fix the air leak? And if it is one of the Jandy valves— how easy is it to replace the gaskets inside?
 
Last edited:
noticed the pool wasn’t running about 90min after scheduled time to turn on. Went down and the pump sounded like it was having trouble getting primed. When I opened the lid, there was smoking coming out but water was in there. Any idea what could be causing this? Is it a blown pump?
 
I will give that a try, but this sounded more like it was running but wasnt able to flow water through, almost like it was clogged or something. The smoke was coming out from under the lid and the smoke only came out when the lid was removed. Still think its a capacitor?

IF i need to replace the pump...which one is recommended? Pentair variable speed?
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Maybe a suction leak.
Interesting bc I have been getting air in the returns. And upon start up, an unusual amount of air would come out of the returns before it fully got up and running. Seems like i should be looking for a bigger leak somewhere if thats the case. Any ideas where I should be looking?

Also, i added this to my last post but may have been missed so adding here...IF i need to replace the pump...which one is recommended? Pentair variable speed?
 
upon start up, an unusual amount of air would come out of the returns before it fully got up and running.
Sounds like your plumbing is draining when the pump is off. I've had luck turning off the pump and listening closely for the sound of air being sucked into the plumbing. Listen closely around air bleeder valve on the filter. This is a common culprit.
 
Check the mating surfaces of the pump and lid ring for cracks. Check the clear lid for cracks as well.
i just replaced the whole lid assembly including o-ring bc there was a slow water leak from underneath the lid. however, that actually did not fix it. I had started a thread on this (but looks liek they just got merged, thank you to the mod who did that), but i am now thinking this might be a bigger issue?
 
Sounds like your plumbing is draining when the pump is off. I've had luck turning off the pump and listening closely for the sound of air being sucked into the plumbing. Listen closely around air bleeder valve on the filter. This is a common culprit.
Can try that, but not sure ill even get the chance now bc it wont pump.
 
Also just tried to flip it to spa mode to see if perhaps there’s a clog in the main pool drain or skimmers causing the issue. But same problem occurred. It’s almost like it can’t get primed enough to run
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.