Air coming through one of the jets

[poweranimal]

So I’ve noticed there’s always a bit of air gurgling in the pump window, and I just replaced that seal, and used the foaming dish soap on all the suction side pipe fittings available above ground.
No leaks.
Not sure what/how to check anything else. Is it common for underground pvc to crack after 20 years?

It does this equally with the valve turned either on skimmer or the suction side cleaner if that says anything.

Thank you for any help for this pool newbie!

 

[HermanTX]

Is this a new issue or has the basket always had some bubbles?
What type of pump do you have? VS or single speed?
Did you test the drain plugs for the pump? There are 2 - 1 below the basket and 1 below the impeller. You can remove them, lubricate the seal and replace the plug.
Did you test around the stem and cover seal of the 3 way valve before the pump?

Some systems have small leaks that create some bubbles in the top. So long as it is not creating the pump basket area to be half full, it may be fine.

 

[poweranimal]

Is this a new issue or has the basket always had some bubbles?
What type of pump do you have? VS or single speed?
Did you test the drain plugs for the pump? There are 2 - 1 below the basket and 1 below the impeller. You can remove them, lubricate the seal and replace the plug.
Did you test around the stem and cover seal of the 3 way valve before the pump?

Some systems have small leaks that create some bubbles in the top. So long as it is not creating the pump basket area to be half full, it may be fine.

There’s drain plugs for the pump?
It’s a 1hp VS pump. Yes, I tested around the 3-way valve the most, nothing. I’ve only had the house for a couple months, been doing it the whole time.
I’ve looked at a few of the neighbors that have the same set-up, and their pumps run without a single air bubble.

I’m sure it’s not a reason of concern, it’s just really annoying, especially if I don’t know why.

 

[HermanTX]

There’s drain plugs for the pump?

Yes. As explained in earlier post. It is good to check that. Although living in AZ you or the previous owner may have no reason to drain the pump.

If it is a minor air bubble it may not be worth the effort to find it if it is not obvious on the suction side of the pipework above ground. If it was causing the basket to be only half full then I would do more investigation as it could also be a blockage in one of the suction lines or the weir doors on the skimmers are being held up and not allowing water to flow into the skimmer.

If you have a VS pump - does the bubbles clear when the pump is running at high RPM and only see some bubbles when running at low RPM?

 

[generessler]

One thing to try is replacing the o-ring seals inside the valve. It's hard to reach them with a hose unless maybe if you remove the valve handle. It's best for them to be replaced every several years anyway. A cheap and simple bit of maintenance.

 

[1poolman1]

So I’ve noticed there’s always a bit of air gurgling in the pump window, and I just replaced that seal, and used the foaming dish soap on all the suction side pipe fittings available above ground.
No leaks.
Not sure what/how to check anything else. Is it common for underground pvc to crack after 20 years?

It does this equally with the valve turned either on skimmer or the suction side cleaner if that says anything.

Thank you for any help for this pool newbie!

That's a very old 3-way Compool/Pentair valve in front of the pump. It could use new O rings, both 2-stem and 1-lid should be replaced. Also, with a valve that old I like to lube the stem, put the O rings on, lube the O rings, wrap 2 layers of Teflon tape, lube the tape, and then re-install. It will be tight, but that is OK.
DO NOT use a power screwdriver to re-install the 8 screws into the valve. It is too easy to crack the body. Then it is new valve time, as no repair will work, or work for long.

 

[poweranimal]

That's a very old 3-way Compool/Pentair valve in front of the pump. It could use new O rings, both 2-stem and 1-lid should be replaced. Also, with a valve that old I like to lube the stem, put the O rings on, lube the O rings, wrap 2 layers of Teflon tape, lube the tape, and then re-install. It will be tight, but that is OK.
DO NOT use a power screwdriver to re-install the 8 screws into the valve. It is too easy to crack the body. Then it is new valve time, as no repair will work, or work for long.

Thank you for the advice. I will do that.