Suction side leak i think

swipter2

Member
Jun 2, 2018
17
phoenix/az
I know I have a leak on my backwash valve cap, which I'm fixing tomorrow. I get a larger bubble in the strainer basket as the pool runs. It runs 12 hours at different speeds and seems to get worse at the lower speed.

How do I know if my hayward diverter valves are leaking? There is no water leaking from them. The pool and valves are ten years old. I went out tonight, after it shut off, and only heard air coming from my bad cap and not the valves.

I can see tiny bubbles coming in the strainer basket. Is my union gasket next? Is there a gasket on the union on top of the pool pump?

Thanks.
 
Start with the easy stuff first. The pump lid o-ring gasket. If it's old replace it. Make sure it has a good amount of pool silicone lube. As for any valves before the pump, they should have screws you can remove to open the top. There is usually a handle lid o-ring and also a handle stem o-ring. Inspect or replace them all and lube those as well. Those are good places to start. Relatively cheap and DIY.
 
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More info in case you need it.

 
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I know I have a leak on my backwash valve cap, which I'm fixing tomorrow. I get a larger bubble in the strainer basket as the pool runs. It runs 12 hours at different speeds and seems to get worse at the lower speed.

How do I know if my hayward diverter valves are leaking? There is no water leaking from them. The pool and valves are ten years old. I went out tonight, after it shut off, and only heard air coming from my bad cap and not the valves.

I can see tiny bubbles coming in the strainer basket. Is my union gasket next? Is there a gasket on the union on top of the pool pump?

Thanks.
When variable speed pumps run at lower speeds theres almost always an air bubble in the basket, so that could be very normal. Check your orings (including those on the pump drain plugs). You can also try slowly pouring a bucket of water over the connection where the pump meets the plumbing. Not a foolproof test, but the air bubble should get smaller as the potential leak pulls in water instead of air.

Link deleted by Jim R.
 
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When variable speed pumps run at lower speeds theres almost always an air bubble in the basket, so that could be very normal. Check your orings (including those on the pump drain plugs). You can also try slowly pouring a bucket of water over the connection where the pump meets the plumbing. Not a foolproof test, but the air bubble should get smaller as the potential leak pulls in water instead of air.

Link deleted by Jim R.
I had no idea the pump drain plugs had o rings. Thanks.
 
I replaced the cap and fixed that side. Pool working well. I have to do a calcium removal and water replacement. I plan on taking the DE apart and cleaning that at the same time. I have the rest of the o rings and will probably lube and replace those at the same time.
 
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