Air test leek

I am attempting to replace my in ground pool plumbing and having a hard time getting a good seal at the threaded fittings on the pool equipment the return jets and the bottom of the skimmer. I am using a threaded male to barbed fitting and I’ve tried teflon tape and pipe sealant first just hand tight then wrenched down. When I air test I still get a small leak at the threaded fitting.