2 valves or 1...

[SJPoe]

Simple setup - picture attached.

Pool has a skimmer (right) and a vacuum port (left). Two pipes come up by the filter, each with a crappy Home-Depot plastic PVC ball valve, then into a Y adapter and then a union into the pump.
Been getting a LOT of air into the pump, and despite pouring water, taping, flex sealing, don't seem to be able to find WHERE.
Its would seem to be either one of the valves, or the union/pump fitting at this point. As the air gets worse if I close either valve...I'm pretty sure the issue is on the pump side of the valves.

Question : Should I get 2 x 2-way Jandy Neverlubes, and do one per pipe, or use a single 3-way and combine the inlets and then a single line to the pump.

Not really bothered about the cost difference, and I'm probably going to redo all the PVC from the pump outward to eliminate any chance it's the union anyway, so figured I'd ask what the 'best' way to do it is first !

p.s. I've already replaced all the seals on the pump, which WAS leaking, now isn't, but still getting bunches of air in the pump basket.
p.p.s. yes, the ground is wet - it POURED last night, and this is under our deck, so it hasn't dried out yet, but no, no signs of additional leaks.

 

[Jimrahbe]

SJ,

Two 2-way Jandy valves gives you better control than one 3-way valve. Costs more, but it is what I would do.

I say this because my pool builder used all 3-way valves and I cuss every time I have to adjust something.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Foxer]

Hard to tell for sure, but it looks like those fittings are DWV, not pressure rated. I'd go with 2-way valves, and make sure you replace those with pressure rated sch 40 pvc.

 

[Darin]

This is vacuum service not pressure, no worry about collapsing with little pool pump. Usually sch 40 DWV is rated for 10 foot hydostatic which is 4.3 psi. (Charlotte Pipe website). I have used a double wye just after my valves on my suction side for years. Easy to install and maintain with minimal joints.

 

[SJPoe]

Thanks all. I have a couple 2-ports on order, hopefully this will finally solve my bubbly dilemma !

 

[SJPoe]

Happy to report that I am now 100% bubble free.

First time since we've owned the pool that we don't see a trail of bubbles at each return location. I can look in the Pump Filter Basket when the pump is running, and actually see the basket !