PUMP ISSUES

I have an inground pool (regular cartridge filter) When pump starts it takes a while for water to start coming out of waterfall & return jets. There are air bubbles in the beginning but they do go away & pressures are fine. Any ideas???

I had a similar issue. At the time I had the liquidator chlorine injection. Which required to drill a hole in the pump suction and discharge piping. After I removed them I plug the drilled holes and the problem went away. You have a air leak somewhere in the piping. It the clamp on the filter isn’t all the way tight.

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It does sound like a leak somewhere in the system. The leak is causing the system to lose prime when the pump shuts off.

These are common sources of suction side air leaks.

Pump lid O-rings are a habitual offender of air leaks. The O-ring can expand or deteriorate over time and allow air to enter the pump. You can try applying a silicone or Teflon lubricant to see if it helps, but often times it needs to be replaced.

Plumbing fittings will also draw air. A popular technician trick is to use burning incense. While the pump is running, wave the burning incense near suspected areas. The smoke will be drawn in, if there is a leak. Check the fitting on the pump intake, the couplings and elbows. Cut out and replace any fittings that have an air leak.

Valves can be inspected like the plumbing fittings. Diverter valves will usually have internal O-rings. These O-rings can easily be replaced to fix an air leak. Simple ball valves are not usually repairable and need to be replaced, if there is a leak.

Drain plugs are found on most pumps. These plugs are usually used to drain the pump when a pool is winterized. They should be tightened firmly into the pump. Inspect the drain plug and drain plug O-ring. Replace them if they look decrepit.

If it is on the pressure side, you’ll normally see water dripping when the pump is running. The pressure side is everything after the pump.

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Great info. Was looking for water leaking but never thought I wouldn’t see it on suction side. Really helps thanks so much.