How much air bubble in the return jet is acceptable?

[Jay_8848]

How much air bubble in the return jet is acceptable? Running SWG @ 60% output and variable speed pump (1.5 HP) running @1500 RPM.

I have 3 return jets, with the above settings I see a marble-sized (maybe slightly smaller) air bubble per second coming out of just one return jet.

I have changed the pump strainer lid and suction side union o-rings with OEM parts, still seeing bubbles.

Thank you in advance.

 

[dleonard1122]

Can you turn off that return? That would help you isolate if it's truly a leak on that line or if the bubbles are from the SWG and just taking that path.

 

[mas985]

I have 3 return jets, with the above settings I see a marble-sized (maybe slightly smaller) air bubble per second coming out of just one return jet.

More than likely that is the SWG. Mine does the same thing at low RPM. Turn off the SWG and see if it goes away.

When operating at low RPM, any suction leak is more likely to accumulate in the pump basket than it is to go out of the returns. Flow rate is usually too low to push the air from the pump basket to the returns.

 

[duraleigh]

Are you seeing air bubbles in the pump basket lid?

 

[Jay_8848]

Can you turn off that return? That would help you isolate if it's truly a leak on that line or if the bubbles are from the SWG and just taking that path.

Unfortunately, I do not know how to turn off that one return. There is just one pipe that goes into the ground after it passes the SWG, somewhere underground it gets divided into 3 return jets.

 

[Jay_8848]

More than likely that is the SWG. Mine does the same thing at low RPM. Turn off the SWG and see if it goes away.

When operating at low RPM, any suction leak is more likely to accumulate in the pump basket than it is to go out of the returns. Flow rate is usually too low to push the air from the pump basket to the returns.

Is lowering the SWG output to 0% the same as turning it off?

I do not see any air pockets in the pump basket lid.

 

[Jay_8848]

Are you seeing air bubbles in the pump basket lid?

Hi, I do not see any air pockets in the pump basket lid.

 

[mknauss]

Is lowering the SWG output to 0% the same as turning it off?

yes

 

[duraleigh]

I do not see any air pockets in the pump basket lid.

That certainly points to your SWG.........quite normal.