Possible leak? One jet blowing bubbles when pump is on

[RickAstley]

I've performed the bucket test, both with the pump running constantly and with the pump completely off. In both instances, the pool water dropped drastically (~1" in 24 hours) while the bucket water barely moved. When I was cleaning the pool this evening (while the pump was on), I noticed that one of my jets is blowing bubbles out while the other two are operating normally. What should my next step be? Is the jet the problem or is there something else I need to look for?

My home inspection report from a year ago indicated a possible leak at the pool pump, but I replaced that this summer and I don't notice any water on the equipment pad. Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[Catanzaro]

Can you please add your signature. Also, how many returns, skimmers, main drains do you have? It appears that you have air in your system. Check your pump basket for air/bubbles? Also, try closing one return where the bubbles/air is showing and see if air is in the other lines. Air is entering from the suction side and being pushed out on the return side. Also, check the gasket on the pump, which could be an issue.

 

[ctrav]

I'm having an issue with air in one of my returns...I will check as directed Catanzaro. How do you close the return?

I have 6 returns, 2 skimmers and 2 main drains...

Thanks

Can you please add your signature. Also, how many returns, skimmers, main drains do you have? It appears that you have air in your system. Check your pump basket for air/bubbles? Also, try closing one return where the bubbles/air is showing and see if air is in the other lines. Air is entering from the suction side and being pushed out on the return side. Also, check the gasket on the pump, which could be an issue.

 

[RickAstley]

Can you please add your signature. Also, how many returns, skimmers, main drains do you have? It appears that you have air in your system. Check your pump basket for air/bubbles? Also, try closing one return where the bubbles/air is showing and see if air is in the other lines. Air is entering from the suction side and being pushed out on the return side. Also, check the gasket on the pump, which could be an issue.

Apologies on the sig. Should be updated now. I have 3 returns in the pool (2 deep, 1 shallow -- pump/equipment near shallow) probably 4 returns in the hottub, 1 skimmer and 2 mains in the pool with a 3rd in the hottub which is usually flipped closed.

There is an air bubble in the pump basket, but that's always been there. I didn't think that would be an issue since the other returns weren't putting bubbles out, just the one in the shallow end near the equipment. I replaced the pump this summer, and replaced all the gaskets with it. I can check that again to see if that's an issue. Is there any tell tale sign if the gasket is bad? Thanks for the comments so far. Appreciate the help in where to look.

 

[Catanzaro]

Based on replies, it appears that there is air in the system. Check the gasket on the pump lid and also any other joints, fittings, etc. that are part of the system where air can enter. The skimmers also have to have at least water to the 50% level. Isolating returns in the pool by closing them is to determine if the other returns will create the same systems. Winter plugs, whether threaded or expandable are needed to close a returns temporarily.

Here is an interesting video. If you try out, make sure that there is no heat towards the plumbing where you can melt something, but should be safe.

air in my pool plumbing how to fix - Bing video

 

[duraleigh]

Rick,

If you have continual air coming out of your returns, then, the source is continual air getting sucked into the system......in other words, a suction side air leak. Read the article in Pool School for more help in finding that leak.