Air in lines, cannot get out...

[jwhop3]

I'm pretty sure I have a suction side leak, as I'm not losing water other than to evaporation. I have a suction-side vacuum, when I run it, the chamber in the pump gets down to half-full and the return pressure is low. The vacuum clean still operates and cleans the pool, but doesn't move like I prefer. When I remove the vacuum and resume normal skimmer operation, the chamber fills to about 98%, leaving a small area of air trapped under the lid. Return line pressure rises, but not as high as it was last year. I have no water leaking from the diverter valve, nor the pump. I do have a small steady drip from the line where it feeds into the cartridge filter, which would be a pressure-side leak. When I close both lines on the diverter and open the pump cover water runs back down toward and through the filter, chlorinator and the returns. I have tried the trick feeding a hose into the skimmer line from the pump basket toward the pool skimmer and sealing with a rag, it blows water back out the skimmer with fair pressure, so I don't believe there is any blockage between the skimmer and the pump. Switch from drain to skimmer doesn't seem to help remove the last bit of air in the pump in normal operation. I do wonder if my filter cartridge may be past it's service life. I have a new one that I haven't put in yet, have been using the two from last year. Any advice, or am I on the right track?

 

[Kaylee34]

Have you checked the pump O rings at the lid and drain plugs? Lubed with silicone lubricant?
Same with the suction side diverter valves and unions?
Shaving cream or water run slowly over any suspect areas can help find a suction side leak. I've had better luck with water.

When is the last time you cleaned your filter cartridges?

Check for any cracks or loose connections with your suction cleaner hose.

It would help if you could post some pics of your equipment pad.

 

[pktaske]

My pump basket gasket had the smallest of crimps. Wouldnt even prime. New well lubed gasket fixed it.

Point is the smallest air leak can have huge effects. Inspect, replace, relube everything feeding in.

 

[jwhop3]

Have you checked the pump O rings at the lid and drain plugs? Lubed with silicone lubricant?
Same with the suction side diverter valves and unions?
Shaving cream or water run slowly over any suspect areas can help find a suction side leak. I've had better luck with water.

When is the last time you cleaned your filter cartridges?

Check for any cracks or loose connections with your suction cleaner hose.

It would help if you could post some pics of your equipment pad.

Thanks, Kaylee. Yes, I did clean my filter cartridges, and they did have some trash and dirt in them, and that did help raise the pressure somewhat. I still have a little air in the pump lid. The pump is only a year old, but I'm replacing all the o-rings south of that point and lubing.