Air bubbles in return and pump basket

[HackerPool]

I have bubbles in one of my returns and would like some help determining the source. I recently replaced my pump and added the iAqualink. The bubbles were there before and I was hoping the new pump and plumbing would resolve it.

• When I run in spa mode, there are no bubbles at the spa returns.
• In pool mode, one return has bubbles (a few small ones per second - like carbonated water). Plugging that return sends the bubbles to the next return.
• With booster pump on, the air in the booster output is more than in the pool return (and there are no bubbles in the pool return).
• Air pockets never clear from the pump basket regardless of how long it runs. I can see 1 or 2 large ones in the clear top, plus small ones coming up periodically.
• The pump has no problem priming and does not drain when off.
• There are no visible leaks anywhere.
• There is no air accumulation in the filter.

Things I've tried with no effect:

• I replaced o-rings on 5 of 6 valves (3 suction plus actuator, 1 return plus actuator, the other return valve was recently replaced after freeze damage).
• I've taken the booster pump out of line and plugged the connection points (I had just replaced the hoses and connectors).
• Tightened the pump connections, drain plugs and all other fittings.
• Re-lubed the pump basket o-ring (it's brand new).
• Closed suction valves (2 skimmers, 1 drain) 1 at a time.
• Turned off SWG

Water level is fine, no air is being pulled in from skimmers.

Any ideas welcome. Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

Do the bubbles coincide with the SWCG generating chlorine? Those would be hydrogen bubbles.
It might take a period of time for the bubbles to clear once the SWCG is off.

 

[HackerPool]

@mknauss I tried that today for about 2 hours and the bubbles did decrease (not quite gone, but mostly). They came back about 10-15 minutes after I turned the SWCG back on. It's way more than I've seen in the past, but I'll keep an eye on it and try this again to verify. Thanks!