How to Troubleshoot Air in a Pool Pump System

The pool pump is the engine to your swimming pool system. It pulls water from the pool, moves it through the filter, and then returns it back to the pool clean and crystal clear. But if air is allowed to enter the pool system, the pump won't move the water efficiently and it won't be long before you'll be wondering why the pool isn't looking so good. If you suspect this is the case with your swimming pool, start troubleshooting the problem right away to avoid permanent damage to the pump motor and many other avoidable pool problems.

Most typical symptoms of air entering the pool system.

Unusual Pool Water Clarity Problems - if your pool is unusually cloudy or starting to show signs of an algae problem, water circulation could be the problem.

Pump Pot Fills With Air - there is a problem if the pump pot does not completely fill with water when operating or air enters the pump pot when it is turned off.

Filter Pressure Lower Than Normal - it's always a good idea to keep good records of the main pool filter pressure valve readings throughout the year. If the pool filter pressure gauge is lower than normal, it could mean insufficient water being available for the pump to operate properly.

Bubbles Returning to the Pool - if bubbles are noticed constantly entering the pool through the return lines, air is entering somewhere in the system.

Noisy Pool Pump - a noisy pool pump often means the pool pump is starving of water and the pump is running low on water or completely dry. If this is the case, the pool water is not being circulated efficiently and the pump motor is at risk of burning out.

Troubleshooting tips to help identify the majority of pool pump problems that involve air entering the pool system.

Water Level - always monitor and maintain the water level at least half way up the skimmer intake. If the water level gets too low, the pump will start drawing air exposing the pool to many different problems.

Clogged Skimmer - perhaps the most common reason for a pool pump running dry is a neglected skimmer basket. If it gets clogged, water could be blocked from entering the pump and it will run dry.

Jammed Skimmer Weir - less common and an easy problem to overlook is a skimmer weir that is jammed in the closed position. A damaged skimmer or debris jammed in the door, when a pool skimmer weir gets jammed in the closed position water flow will be restricted.

Pump Lid O-Ring - check the pump lid o-ring for dryness or cracks and replace if necessary.

Pump Lid Crack - this one can be hard to catch, but sometimes the pump lid will develop a hairline crack that allows air in the system. If you've tested everything else, and you still suspect air entering the system at the pump, replace the pool pump lid to eliminate that as the issue.

Air entering a swimming pool pump circulation system can be the source of many different pool problems and some very costly pool repairs. A good pool maintenance routine should include keeping a close eye open for the above symptoms of a pump circulation problem. Also treat the troubleshooting tips above as weekly preventative maintenance tasks. It will only add a few minutes to the routine and can be a big long-term money and headache saver.

 

 

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