Do I have a suction side air leak?

[Ben502]

I recently replaced my old single speed pump with a new Intelliflo VS (011028). I also rebuilt my manifold, adding in 3 Jandy Neverlubes to replace the existing ball valves. The pump seems to prime ok and I am getting good flow (~20gpm at 1800 rpm or ~60gpm at 2800 via flowviz), but I have some bubbles in the top of the pump (see below). All plumbing is 1.5", with a 2" input to pump (11" run) and 2" output that reduces back to 1.5" before the sand filter. The bubbles don't seem to grow over time.
Should I be concerned or is this normal?





Here is the manifold...


I appreciate the assistance.

 

[mknauss]

Are the bubble size increasing? Is there air coming out of the returns?

My VS looks about the same. There is always a bit of a bubble. My VS runs at 1400-1600 rpm most of the time.

 

[Ben502]

Thanks for the feedback. The bubble size doesn’t seem to be increasing and I have not noticed any bubbles coming from the returns.

 

[Pool_Medic]

Always a bubble unless running at high speed for an extended time.

 

[jimmythegreek]

The way you check a VS is stop it overnight take a pic of the bubble left after it sits still for a few min or measure across the lid and check 12 to 24 hrs later with pimp off the whole time. If its same no issue. When it primes first run of the day it should clear out and bubbles will grow with the longer it runs. I get a half dollar after a full days run at 1200rpms on mine

 

[Ben502]

jimmythegreek - I'll give that test a try and report back.

 

[sktn77a]

If there are no bubbles coming from the returns, you're fine.

 

[Ben502]

Bad news....I noticed some very small bubbles at the return. Looks like I am going to be doing some suction side air leak detection.

 

[jimmythegreek]

Do you have a SWG?

 

[Ben502]

I do not have a SWG. Started the process to rebuild the manifold. Got some heavy rain (much needed) that cut the work short. Hope to finish up tonight.