Air sucking through my vacuum breaker relief valve into the pool. VRV

AGP noob

Well-known member
Apr 8, 2021
76
dublin,ca
I have a new solar set up and theres Lots of Air leaking/sucking through my vacuum relief valve. The valve is "chattering" where I see the water trying to push the valve closed but then it quickly opens sucking in air. Its an open/close/open/close chatter. Air going through my return lines into the pool.
Is this normal or even a problem? I wonder if going from a 3/4 inch to a 1/2 inch valve would help it

I can post a pic if it helps but the VRV is installed at the highest corner on the roof solar.
Im getting 10 PSI on my filter using a 1.5HP pump.
 
So i think the problem is not enough pressure from the pump. Filter shows 10 PSI. pump and filter (120 sqft cartridge) are brand new.

The pump i have is 1.5HP 5000GPH 36ft head. The flow seems great out of the return line but Im suprised with such good flow that the pressure is not good enough for the VRV to close.
Its pumping up to the top of a 1 story house (~17 feet up using 2 inch pipe).

My thoughts
1) return this pump and get one with better max head pumping
2) do nothing if its not a big deal (however i think it does make the pump work harder due to loss of siphon effect to pull more water into the pool since its pulling some air as well???) Is there a disadvantage to doing nothing? pump works harder?
3) move the VRV to a lower point before it enters the solar collectors. Im reading this may be the solution however possible theoretical risks of more negative pressure in the top of the panels.


my pump....
 
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I vote for #1. I have a 3 HP Intelliflo variable speed pump, and I have to increase its speed to 2500 RPM to close my 2 VRVs. Automation makes this, well, automatic. I'm surprised you were able to buy and install a single speed pump in California.
 
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