Bubbles out of return jets

[Korvik]

Moved from HERE

@RickRude, did you notice that you lost flow with this problem? We have the same pump and have bubbles coming out of the jets and gurgling. We keep losing flow and are wondering if we should try what was suggested to you.

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

If you want advice from others then post pics of your pump and equipment pad…

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

 

[RickRude]

@RickRude, did you notice that you lost flow with this problem? We have the same pump and have bubbles coming out of the jets and gurgling. We keep losing flow and are wondering if we should try what was suggested to you.

Hey! Apologies for not checking in sooner. My apparent suction side leak disappeared - I no longer have bubbles coming out of my returns. I can't fully explain how/why but I will give you the story and my best guess:

I had a leak detection company come out. He did the standard air pressure test of the skimmer and main drain. Something else he did was open the filter's bleeder valve, and as a result some water flowed backwards out of the filter and back into the pump - I could see white cloudy water (DE, that is) in my pump basket.

Though he never detected a leak, the bubbles stopped after his visit. The other change that occurred after his visit is that my operational pressure increased from about 8 psi to 15 psi, and flow from the returns was stronger. The increase in pressure and flow rate strongly suggest that I had a clogged impeller, and the little bit of backflow unclogged it. I have no idea how a clogged impeller can cause bubbles to shoot out of the returns.

My bubbles were fine - like champagne bubbles. Nothing I would have described as gurgling.

And while my apparent suction-side leak is gone, I still have leak somewhere that's causing me to lose water. Not yet solved.