Air bubbles in return jet

[ronaldray]

I have a 36,000 gallon rectangular shaped pool with two horsepower pump. I've always had air bubbles from one of the return Jets. And I suspect that the air is being sucked in through the filter canister lid right next to the pump and motor. It seems like the amount of bubbles can be affected by how tight the lid is, and how new the lid o-ring is. But even with a new o-ring, it's still blows bubbles out of the jet in the pool. I rarely get debris in that filter basket because I have a filter basket in the vacuum hose in the swimming pool that catches most of the debris. So I am thinking about just putting in a new o-ring, and adding silicone around the O-ring and the groove and the lid, and giving it a day or two to set up just to see if that makes a difference. I know that I could have a real problem getting the lid off if I add the silicone, but at least I would know where the air is coming from. Maybe just put silicone around the outside of the lid after the lid is on? Suggestions?

 

[TinFoilHat]

Don't do that. The o-ring should be in a clean groove and then lubricated lightly around it with non-silicone pool lube. It's possible that there is a hairline crack in the lid or a pipe connection. You can try shaving cream where you think the leak is or wrap joints in Saran wrap to see if one makes a difference. I would start with a good layer of shaving creak across the lid.

 

[PoolStored]

non-silicone pool lube

We do recommend silicone lubricant like Magic Lube II. We don't recommend Teflon/PTFE lube.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Sorry, I forgot that silicone is okay but not teflon/ptfe.

 

[ronaldray]

Thanks for the great advice. I do have Magic Lube, but I never thought to code the O-ring with that. I'll give it a try. How often should those O-rings be replaced anyway?

 

[ronaldray]

Correction, coat the O-ring

 

[PoolStored]

Use Magic Lube II. (silicone lubricant).
I replace them annually.

 

[mknauss]

I replace them annually.

Yikes. My pump is over 10 years old and has the original oring for the pump basket -------------

 

[PoolStored]

Yikes. My pump is over 10 years old and has the original oring for the pump basket -------------

I had one fail (early TFP before I understood anything), and it trashed the shaft seal, luckily it did not warp the wet end or do any other damage. I got a deal on 10 for $20. Now they are $4. I've just been using a new one on spring opening. I also replace the o-rings on the MPV drain, pump drains, and heater drain. I'm glad I do that too, the o-ring on MPV drain I replaced last year failed on me upon opening, and I had one on hand. Being out in the boonies, without a pool store with parts, anything I don't have is just a delay. I'd rather have a set on hand so I can replace one anytime I need. But as you and @Newdude know, I'm "Extra." LOL.

 

[Newdude]

I'd rather have a set on hand so I can replace one anytime I need.

I hack Murphys this way. If I can easily fix it, it lasts forever.

 

[PoolStored]

Yup!

 

[ronaldray]

Thanks for that great advice people. One side question is I wonder if all those air bubbles are putting more oxygen in the water and creating a better growing environment for the algae?

 

[PoolStored]

Thanks for that great advice people. One side question is I wonder if all those air bubbles are putting more oxygen in the water and creating a better growing environment for the algae?

No.

Algae occurs because you don't follow this...Link-->FC/CYA Levels