On my inground pool when the pump is on I lose water more than I should, bubbles coming out of return lines. But when I turn the pump off, the water never moves will stay at that level forever. Help me figure out where I should start looking or what to check
Leak in pool
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- Last Post 31 October 2018
Sarceneaux
posted this
31 October 2018
InyoRob
posted this
31 October 2018
This is from Part 1 of the article.
Air Is the Enemy
The most common reason for weak jets is an air leak. An air leak would come from the suction side of the system. This would be the area between the skimmer and the pump. One way to determine if you have an air leak is by looking for air bubbles coming out of the return jets. Another sign is air in the pump strainer. The pump strainer, in most cases, should be full of water and have no visible air.
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.
Sarceneaux
posted this
31 October 2018
okay thats what im trying to figure out where to start looking in the pipes, the pump or where
InyoRob
posted this
31 October 2018
You could still have an air leak if the PSI is 12 and if water is halfway up the skimmer. The leak may open up while the system is running because of the pressure created by the pump.
Sarceneaux
posted this
31 October 2018
my psi stays at 12 and the water level is half way up the skimmer my main proplem is why when the pump is on do i loose water but when the pump is off i loose no water
InyoRob
posted this
31 October 2018
Thank you for contacting Inyo. The most likely cause of the air bubbles is an air leak. Correct the air bubble issue first. Check out Part 1 of our article titled "Why Are My Pool Jets Not Working". The article will advise you where to check for common air leaks.
