Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN??

[r8chel]

16,000 gallon 14x28 IG Indoor Fiberglass pool with sand filter and pentair superflo pump.

After releasing the air from the filter, it takes about 15 minutes for the jets to start spewing (small) air bubbles. If I close the main drain valve about half way and leave the skimmer valve wide open, the bubbles almost immediately STOP.

I've removed the pump cap and checked to be sure the gasket was intact and everything looked good there.

What is going on?

THANK YOU!

~Rachel

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

If I close the main drain valve about half way and leave the skimmer valve wide open, the bubbles almost immediately STOP.

Puzzling.....and about opposite what I would expect.

So what happens if you then re-open the main drain valve? Immediate bubbles again?

 

[r8chel]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

So what happens if you then re-open the main drain valve? Immediate bubbles again?

It takes about 15 minutes for the bubbles to re-appear from the jets after the main drain valve is COMPLETELY open.

 

[duraleigh]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

Well, I am out of ideas then. The air has to be coming from the suction side of the main drain line but their appearance should be immediate. I have no clue why you are getting a delay. I would position the main drain valve in the 1/2 way position until a solution is found.

 

[hoosierrun]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

Could this possibly be an air leak in the main drain valve? (i.e. the suction side drawing in air through packing or a seal in the valve when it is in a certain position). I've had that happen on old valves.

 

[r8chel]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

Could this possibly be an air leak in the main drain valve? (i.e. the suction side drawing in air through packing or a seal in the valve when it is in a certain position). I've had that happen on old valves.

I don't know. How would I find this out? What would I need to do?

Everything is only 7 years old.

 

[Richard320]

Re: Air Bubbles from Jets only when Main Drain Valve is OPEN

Could this possibly be an air leak in the main drain valve? (i.e. the suction side drawing in air through packing or a seal in the valve when it is in a certain position). I've had that happen on old valves.

I don't know. How would I find this out? What would I need to do?

Everything is only 7 years old.

It could easily be a misshapen O-ring or a scratch in the shaft, possibly even an out-of-round shaft and a brittle O-ring. Spray shaving cream all around the questionable valve and its connections. If the bubbles stop and/or you see the foam getting sucked in somewhere, you've found your leak. Jandy valves can be rebuilt, just google Jandy overhaul kit.