Air bubbles

[Zamsaf]

Are air bubbles in a pool normal? My pool builder says they are depending on the speed of the variable speed pump especially when I turn it on I get large air bubbles. These go away after a few minutes but then sometimes smaller ones remain

 

[Texas Splash]

To be clear, are you referring to bubbles in the pool from the return jets, or bubbles at the pump under the clear lid?

 

[Zamsaf]

Bubbles in the pool from return jets.

 

[Texas Splash]

Bubbles in the pool from return jets.

Two scenarios - suction side air leak allowing air into the system or typical champagne sized bubbles from your SWG. When the SWG cycles on, you'll see the bubbles easily. But then they stop when the SWG is in it's off mode. If the bubbles are continuous, you'll want to look at things on the suction side. But VSPs are known to gather air bubbles under the lid when on a low rpm for a while, so they get bumped-up in rpms once or twice a day to purge the air out.

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Zamsaf]

Thanks I think it’s due to the low rpm. Nothing to be worried about I’m assuming?

 

[Zamsaf]

I ran it on high speed yesterday for about 2 hours and had bubbles from all jets.

 

[Texas Splash]

I ran it on high speed yesterday for about 2 hours and had bubbles from all jets.

That's not normal. With the exception of tiny bubbles from the SWG during cycling, it sounds like you have a suction side air leak. Is the pump basket always full of water with no air under the clear lid? Did someone lube the o-ring under that clear lid with pool silicone?

 

[Zamsaf]

Yes it’s full with water with no bubbles. No one added lube to my knowledge. It’s a brand new pump installed about a month ago.

 

[Texas Splash]

No one added lube to my knowledge. It’s a brand new pump installed about a month ago.

Definitely start there then. A nice amount of pool silicone lube around that o-ring. Check the lower part of the pump as well. Drain plugs have an o-ring and can let air get sucked "in" to the system causing air bubbles, so lube those too. Also make sure the pool water level is adequate at the skimmer(s) - should be at least halfway up the opening, and that the weir door is moving freely and not getting stuck.

 

[Zamsaf]

These bubbles appear to be coming from my SWG. I turned it off and they stop. I turn it back on and they’re back. Is this normal? Anything I can do to prevent it?

 

[mknauss]

It is part of the process to create chlorine. The SWCG generates chlorine and hydrogen gas. The chlorine gas dissolves into the water before it gets to the pool. The hydrogen does not. So you are seeing hydrogen bubbles.

 

[Zamsaf]

Thank you. This goes on for hours is that normal?

 

[mknauss]

As long as the SWCG is generating chlorine.