Best online store and leak question?

[MJuric]

First question is rather easy. Can you give me some ideas for good, reputable, decent priced online pool stores. I've had about a 25% bad experience ordering things thru Amazon.

Second question. I've got a problem somewhere and I'm assuming it's a leak. Air builds up in my Sand filter. When I turn the pump off the air rushes back and I loose pump prime. I'm assuming what is happening is that I have a small leak somewhere and filter is not passing gas...see what I did there Is this a typical problem and is there a specific place I should look for leaks? If not what's the easiest way to locate leaks? With a leak out it's pretty easy, I always use a spray bottle with soap and water to find car tire leaks. Not sure how you find a vacuum leak though.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Newdude]

inyopools is the go-to online store. I have seen many many posts from members (actual people here) about their service and overall competitive prices. The icing on the cake is if you need a specialty or wierd part, they will somehow find it.

 

[mknauss]

Not sure how you find a vacuum leak though.

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

Have a read through that. Most of the time it is the pump basket lid gasket. Be sure it is clean, not damaged, and well lubricated with pool lube.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you have a suction leak before the pump, you'll see bubbles in the pump basket. After checking and lubing the pump lid o-ring, you can run hose water along the suction side pipes and fittings and around the pump lid. You should see a reduction in air bubbles as the hose water finds the leak.

 

[MJuric]

Suction Side Air Leaks

If you see air bubbles coming out of the return lines in your pool, you likely have a leak. Some signs that a suction side plumbing leak has occurred include: Read more

www.troublefreepool.com

Have a read through that. Most of the time it is the pump basket lid gasket. Be sure it is clean, not damaged, and well lubricated with pool lube.

I definitely have a pump basket lid gasket leak. I need to order a new seal and some lube. Do the lids ever were/Warp etc? I was just looking at it and it's hard to tell just by looking at it.

I need to order a seal, Lube for the basket, maybe a lid. I also need to get a new skimmer flapper thing. Any suggestions on where to order this stuff?

 

[MJuric]

If you have a suction leak before the pump, you'll see bubbles in the pump basket. After checking and lubing the pump lid o-ring, you can run hose water along the suction side pipes and fittings and around the pump lid. You should see a reduction in air bubbles as the hose water finds the leak.

Hose idea is a great idea. I'm 100% sure after messing with it a bit more I have at least a Lid Oring seal leak. Just need to find out what size I need and a good place to get it.

Any idea what pump this might be?

 

[markayash]

Inyo is good for parts if you need a gasket..They helped me find a light gasket with no model number or sticker.

I have also found if you know a part number sometimes you can find it on amazon from a 3rd party seller..Good part is amazon will make them behave if needed.

 

[MJuric]

Ok, so I replaced the Lid seal and the lid just to be safe. I'm 90% sure I no longer have a lid leak....still have all sorts of bubbles coming in though.

I'm about 80% sure I have a leak at the inlet to the pump. Using the afore mentioned hose test over half of the bubbles disappear while immersing the front connection under water, but not all.

I could not find any other place that lessened the amount of bubbles.

I essentially have to disassemble the plumbing in the pump area to fix the front connection as there is no union there. Should I install a union? Also the distance from the pump inlet to the "T" that goes to the skimmer inlet and pool bottom inlet is rather short 6" maybe, will making that an inch or two longer cause any issues?

Most importantly are there places that are "Hidden" that may have leaks, seals in the pump? I may as well deal with it when I have it all apart.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[mknauss]

Should I install a union?

Yes. Get pump unions. You must order those online. Big Box stores do not carry them. No issue on the distance before the pump.
Check the pump drain plugs. Lubricate the orings.

 

[MJuric]

Yes. Get pump unions. You must order those online. Big Box stores do not carry them. No issue on the distance before the pump.
Check the pump drain plugs. Lubricate the orings.

What's the difference between the typicial PVC pipe unions and a "Pump" unions? Is it just that one end screws into the Pump? Would installing the union further out and having a connector, pipe, union be an issue? I'm only asking because I think I might have a regular 2" union already.

 

[MJuric]

I wanted to thank everyone for the help.

I got all the parts I needed from InyoPools. I replaced the Lid and the Lid seal. Figured out I had a pretty significant leak at the inlet as well. There was no union so I had to cut the pipes off after the shut offs to the skimmer and pool drain and rebuild everything after that. I rebuilt the top end, let it sit over night and turned it on this AM. Looks like all the leaks are gone.

Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

Sorry I did not get back to you on the pump unions. The reason for using them is they have an Oring on the sealing face that goes to the pump and thus will not leak.

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