Air leak in pump

[dtrebus]

Hi all,
Pool opened about 2 weeks now. About 3 days ago, I noticed bubbles coming up through strainer pot. After running pump for 10 min, I would open air relief valve on filter and it would take 7 seconds before water came out!
I rechecked threading from skimmer, checked an d lubed all the o-rings from skimmer to the plate thats over the impeller.
Put everything back, and looked like no bubbles. But an hour later, there is a steady stream of bigger bubbles, like its gotten worse.
I have read a lot of posts here about suction side leaks. Don't have incense and it's pretty windy to use that test, tried shaving cream but can't see anything.

Might just be time for a new pump, but this is only the 3rd season I've had it.
Any thoughts or help would be appreciated.... And Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there
Dan

 

[Texas Splash]

Might help to see a pic or two of your equipment pad.

 

[dtrebus]

pretty basic lol

 

[Texas Splash]

Unfortunately I can't zoom-in on that pic, but yes, a straight-forward simple set up. Looks like you are using flexible (or spa) hoses. Even though the water falls "down" via gravity to the pump, it still requires an airtight seal. I can't help but wonder if you have a bad connection or the tiniest of cracks/holes in that suction line. 3 years is still a bit young for a pump, so I would check that hose and connection area really well.

 

[dtrebus]

I used shaving cream, and could not see any "dimples" and did smoke test and didn't see any intake at any connection. The basket always primes, and last 2 times I started it, there were no bubbles in pot, but after about 2 hours or so, there was a steady stream of bigger bubbles and the air built up in the filter.
I also started out with a new cartridge this year (it fits snug) but my filter pressure has been ready 5, when last 2 seasons it was always about 9-10.

 

[dtrebus]

I retightened all the unions and lubed o-rings again. Been running all morning, and just a few bubbles in pot. but no accumulation of air in filter. Hopefully that solved it? Will check later when I get off work.

 

[dtrebus]

Still just a few bubbles but when I turn pressure relief valve on filter, less than a 1/2 second of air comes out before water.
The company I bought the pool from said they could send a guy out, but its a $129 service call!
I just hope the problem is corrected.

BTW, should I be concerned that my filter pressure is around 5PSI with new filter this season, and was around 9-10PSI first 2 seasons?
Thanks, Dan

 

[1poolman1]

If the pump isn't clogged and the water is clear, low pressure is good. It means the pump is moving more water than last year. Why? Because its a pool. They are designed to make us all a bit crazy. New cartridge or whole filter? Every filter has different flow characteristics and pressures. New cartridge could have a different core design.

 

[dtrebus]

LOL. well it is making me a bit crazy. that heavy bubbling was happening this morning, with lots of air to bleed from filter. since about 1 till now it hasn't developed any air in filter or show bubbles in basket.