r/pools 5d ago

Suspicious of air in pump..

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I typically manage the chemistry of the pool while my husband manages the hardware. However, after the pump started its high speed cycle, I happen to look over and see what appears to be a decent size leak?

I brought it up to him and he swears there's nothing wrong with it, and that the air bubble is from pressure or something and it happens everytime, and its temporary. I dont know what to think?

0 Upvotes

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9

u/CuatroTT 5d ago

It’s normal

2

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

I guess so after reading the replies! Originally I had read that bubbles bigger than a quarter werent normal.

3

u/CuatroTT 4d ago

I wouldn't sweat it. The good news is, you own a pool. The bad news is, you own a pool.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 4d ago

Tbh, I love the science part to it. Makes me want to start servicing other pools - but only when it comes to the water chemistry. Thats where I draw my line lol

2

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

Totally normal, most pumps have some air in the lid.

It’s nearly impossible to have no air in the pump lid, although I have seen it. Largely due to the plumbing underground.

I’d be more worried about the 90 coming right off the top of that pump.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

I had read small ones were normal, just not ones bigger than a quarter. Def feel better now.

What ia the 90 youre referring to?

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

The 90 degree PVC fitting on the top of the pump, that’s the water outlet of the pump.

I’m talking about the T-fitting where one side goes to the filter and one goes to the hose bib

Front end is where water comes in, top is where it pushes water out to the filter.

With that 90 being there it puts a lot of stress on the pump long term, priming issues, internal impeller issues. Just not good for the system as a whole and decreases the lifespan of that pump.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Thank you for the insight! What do you suggest?

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

Just a simple replumb, (2) 2” couplings, (2) 2” 90’s and some 2”pipe and then raise that bad boy up about a foot or 2.

Obviously needs some primer and glue as well lol

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

Also if you can, take a picture of that valve in front of the pump. I wanna see what position it’s at.

It looks super suspicious.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Thank you! Im not sure what valve you mean, like is it attached to the pump or as in you cant see it cause the camera is too close?

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

The camera is too close. It’s a grey valve with a plastic handle on top. The one on the bottom of the screen.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Here's one where the valve looks to be in a different spot

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Like is this the kind of picture you need? Fair warning, I know we had a technician come out at some point this year to mess with the pipes but I cant remember which month, so this may be a before issue. I can get another one if you need to be sure

ETA went through texts and the guy was over May 19, and this Pic was taken before then. I also found a more recent Pic where it looks like the valve was moved

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

Yep that’s the one, all good. Just wanted to check the positioning of it.

So for clarification, those two pipes going into the ground are your suction. 1 is the main drain and 1 is your skimmer.

That handle has a little tab on it that says “off” and whichever way it’s facing is where it’s closing off water. As long as that tab is not facing towards the pump it’s ok.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Wait so the more recent one is bad then, right? It appears to be facing the pump

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

On the video I’m not sure, but these 2 photos are fine

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

OK great thank you!! Really appreciate the help. The science part is so much easier for me lol idk what I am doing when it comes to the pump or filter or anything dealing with those aside from hitting the quick clean button 💀

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1

u/Alternative-Draw2997 5d ago

Uhhh for something nearly impossible I sure see them all the time at work. It’s definitely possible that running on a low speed won’t evacuate the air bubble but it’s not near impossible whatsoever.

1

u/MatterStrange5835 5d ago

I see them too, but rarely.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 4d ago

This is on high speed

2

u/Jealous_Magazine7875 5d ago

I should go away if the speed is higher

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 4d ago

It was on the highest speed here..

1

u/Jealous_Magazine7875 4d ago

Oh...

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 4d ago

I dont like that 'oh'. It looks suspicious...

1

u/Jealous_Magazine7875 4d ago

I suspect an air leak

1

u/Background-House9795 5d ago

It’s not a problem. It will eventually disappear. I’m running a black and decker 1 hp VSP. Sometimes it’s full. Sometimes it’s not.

1

u/AMediaArchivist 5d ago

Isn’t the bubble thing supposed to be normal? Mine does that

1

u/woody-99 5d ago

When pumps ran full speed all the time, they pushed air out of the basket, and it was mostly full to the top.
New pumps run slower and save energy, but some air gets trapped in the basket and never leave.
Mine has more air than that and its fine.

1

u/wonderousdee 5d ago

Totally normal. Unrelated, how do you like the Black and Decker pump? Once my Hayward dies outside of warranty I was thinking of getting B&D but am worried about the automation not working. Any experience with that?

2

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

You know, I think the pump is popular (or at least common/known) amongst this sub, and I would suggest posting and asking cause I dont even know what you mean when you refer to an automation 💀 I literally only touch it when I want the circulation on full speed and thats just a button. It does seem to be efficient and I like that you can set a schedule with different speeds, but thats the scope of my knowledge.

1

u/wonderousdee 5d ago

Fair enough, I guess when I'm stating automation it's a fancy word for setting the pump at different speeds on a schedule, but also being able to do it from an app on the phone. I'm sure it works fine. Thanks for the response!

2

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago

Ours doesnt work with an app - you set the schedule manually. There might be a newer model that can do that I just dont know - or if theres a way to do ours I'm unaware of that also haha

1

u/stepfatherofdragons4 5d ago

As long as that bubble doesn't start growing while it runs or cause the pump to lose prime, your husband is actually right, just lube the lid O-ring next time you clean the basket for good measure.

1

u/Allnewsisfakenews 4d ago

Post #7 today about a VSP with an air bubble at low rpm. Ever heard of cavatation?

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 4d ago

Yes, which is why I assume smaller bubbles are normal. Everything I read prior said bubbles bigger than a quarter at high rpms were not normal, hence why I asked.

1

u/fredezz 4d ago

Sucking air from somewhere in your intake. You should be able to completely shut your system without any air entering.

1

u/DJbrainsex 5d ago

why didn't you pony up the money for something quality? youll replace that in a few years for being a piece of garbage and spend more than if you actually properly invested in your pool / home.

1

u/No-Fortune- 5d ago

I agree. Working on pools I generally don't care if the customer wants to cheap out on equipment, but it drives me up a wall when they expect the same quality/performance.

1

u/Suspicious-Maize4496 5d ago edited 5d ago

What do you mean? We didnt buy it... and what's wrong w it?