Air in suction side

[mr.aqua]

Hello TFP,

I noticed that my pool pump is pulling in a fair amount of air which shows up in my return lines. I did check the o-rings and they look OK and relubed them.

If I close the divertor valve coming from my skimmer and main drain, and use only the spa, The air bubbles in the pump basket are mostly gone. Would this mean I have a suction side leak between the skimmer and the divertor valve?

 

[mr.aqua]

As troubleshooting step I flooded the open hole where the valve to control if the water is pulled from the skimmer or spa. The bubbles pretty much stopped as well as the sound of rushing water. Do the 2 or 3 valves ever let in air? This one is a very old ortega valve.. perhaps there is an o ring that needs to be replaced?

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum.

The valve likely needs rebuilding.

Here is the Wiki on Valves. But not sure we reviewed Ortega valves. They are not common. Check with InyoPools for rebuild kits.

Valves - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com