- Sep 24, 2014
- 154
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Noticed my pool started blowing bubbles through the returns. I check the pump, and it's pulling in a fair amount of air, but not enough to lose prime. This at least tells me it's a suction side issue, not a return. This is an old 3/4 hp pump, unknown make, with a motor I replaced ~2 years ago. My first thought was maybe the seal on the pump lid was leaking, so I cleaned the gasket, lubed it, and reinstalled. Didn't help. The lid does spit a little water when the pump shuts off, so I don't know how much I trust it.
So I started messing with the valves to see if I could isolate which line has the leak. I have a main drain, the skimmer box, and a suction cleaner, all coming individually to the pad. The main drain is on its own valve, the skimmer and suction lines go through a multi port valve. I turned off each in turn, and while I seemed to get less air on some, nothing completely eliminated the air. Not sure what conclusion to draw from that. I think it seemed worse when pulling from the suction cleaner. I also checked the hose on my suction cleaner to make sure it wasn't drawing in air at a joint - it seems fine. Seems unlikely that all three would start leaking at once, which makes me wonder about a common air entry point - the multiport valve? The lid on the pump itself? Should I try a new gasket before going any further?
I'm concerned. I have horrific images in my head of digging up the backyard, or worse yet, breaking up the pool deck to find a leak in the PVC. Any tips for how to figure this out?
So I started messing with the valves to see if I could isolate which line has the leak. I have a main drain, the skimmer box, and a suction cleaner, all coming individually to the pad. The main drain is on its own valve, the skimmer and suction lines go through a multi port valve. I turned off each in turn, and while I seemed to get less air on some, nothing completely eliminated the air. Not sure what conclusion to draw from that. I think it seemed worse when pulling from the suction cleaner. I also checked the hose on my suction cleaner to make sure it wasn't drawing in air at a joint - it seems fine. Seems unlikely that all three would start leaking at once, which makes me wonder about a common air entry point - the multiport valve? The lid on the pump itself? Should I try a new gasket before going any further?
I'm concerned. I have horrific images in my head of digging up the backyard, or worse yet, breaking up the pool deck to find a leak in the PVC. Any tips for how to figure this out?