First jet in series of returns bubbling.

Lbray812

Well-known member
May 20, 2023
45
New jersey
Pool Size
37000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Hi all
Not sure if what I say can give a clue to where the issue is or if this is normal.

My filter basket has very small bubbles in It. Mostly water See photo.

My returns go in two directions. One series to the shallow end of the pool and the other to the deep end. They split off.

When I look in the pool though, despite only small bubbles in the filter basket window, there are bubbles coming out of the first of those series of return jets. The other ones are just water coming out. Not to mention the pressure is less than ideal but I feel like the pressure is a symptom of whatever is causing the bubbles.

I have no water dripping anywhere. Any ideas?

Are these bubbles in the filter window acceptable or are ANY bubbles a no no

Thanks again.
 

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Those small bubbles in the pump are not an issue.
The bubbles from the return are likely the SWG.
The lack of flow is likely a dirty filter. When did you last clean them?
Can you post a full set of water test results?
 
Those small bubbles in the pump are not an issue.
The bubbles from the return are likely the SWG.
The lack of flow is likely a dirty filter. When did you last clean them?
Can you post a full set of water test results?
Three or so months since I cleaned the filter. I cleaned the swg with acid last week. If there was air coming in after the pump would I see water leaking?
 
I diverted away from the SWG and turned It to 0 and I still have bubbles coming from the first return jets. I diverted away from the heater and I still have bubbles. But I guess that makes sense since air can’t get in on pressure side.

My pump window has even more air in It now. Is there a way to see if the air is coming from my check valve, actuator, or pump lid?
 
Run water from a hose over each...see if the bubble go away.
You can also cover with shaving cream (will get sucked in), or Saran wrap (less reliable).
 
Just out of curiosity, at what speed are you running your pump?

The Pentair VS will usually have some air bubbles at lower speeds which is not an issue.

I’m running mine at 1800RPM and it looks the exact same. I also have tiny bubbles coming out of my first jet which I attribute to the SWG.

When you say the pressure is less than ideal, are you talking about the flow coming out of the returns?

If the RPMs are low, that would explain both the air bubbles and the low pressure. It’s not really an issue for either though.
 
Just out of curiosity, at what speed are you running your pump?

The Pentair VS will usually have some air bubbles at lower speeds which is not an issue.

I’m running mine at 1800RPM and it looks the exact same. I also have tiny bubbles coming out of my first jet which I attribute to the SWG.

When you say the pressure is less than ideal, are you talking about the flow coming out of the returns?

If the RPMs are low, that would explain both the air bubbles and the low pressure. It’s not really an issue for either though.
I have two setups.
2600 rpm for 10 hours a day and 3200 for 2 hours. My pool is very large and I have 2.5 inch pipes

I made some adjustments and relubed my o ring on pump and my air pocket is gone.
 
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