Bubbles in Your Pool? Discover the Possible Reasons
It's that time of the year again. You've completed pool cleaning, and you are ready to dive headlong into it. Only there is a problem – air bubbles bursting into the water from the return jets. A few bubbles are a regular occurrence, but bursts of bubbles coming out of the pool walls indicate that something is wrong with the filtration system.
How does a pool filtration system work?
To locate the root of the problem, let's look at how the pool filtration system works.
Pool water goes into the skimmers and the main drain.
The pump sucks the water through the skimmer and drain valves.
The water goes into the strainer pot, the filter, then through the heater, and finally through the salt chlorine generator.
The cleaned water flows to the return jets and into the pool.
Why do you see air bubbles?
The problem lies in the suction line of the water pathway. The pump pulls in an excessive amount of air, which can happen for multiple reasons.
Low water level
The most common reason why bubbles blow through the return jets is that the water level is too low. The skimmers suck extra air, which enters the whole filtration system and bursts out through the return jets. To remedy the problem, try raising the water level above the midpoint of the skimmer.
Clogged skimmer weirs
Pool props can often get stuck in the skimmer weirs. Check if any objects prevent proper water drainage. Branches, leaves, or debris can also clog a skimmer weir, so thoroughly inspect each one.
Loose strainer pot lid or gritty O-ring
If the strainer lid isn't sealed tight, it will let the air flow directly into the pump. Perhaps the O-ring is damaged and needs replacement. Here's how you can fix this:
Turn off the pump.
Remove the lid and inspect the O-ring. Does it have any cracks, debris, or dust? Is the O-ring appropriately seated? Clean it and apply some petroleum jelly.
Return the O-ring to its groove and tighten the strainer lid.
If the O-ring is too damaged, replace it with a new one.
A loose union between the valves and the pump
A union is where the main drain and skimmer valves connect with the pool pump. The air may leak into the filtration system as a result of a loose union. To fix this, do the following:
Turn off the pump.
Remove the nut from the union.
Check the O-ring for any damages. Again, apply some petroleum jelly or replace the O-ring if needed.
Put the O-ring back into its groove.
Return the nut and tighten the union.
Contact an expert
If none of the solutions helped fix the issue with air bubbles, then the problem lies elsewhere. Perhaps the skimmer or main drain valves are damaged under the ground. In this case, the best option is to have a local pool service check the pool. After all, they are experts in this field and will fix the problem in no time.
If you have a pool need, whether it’s service, renovation, repair, lighting, or something else, call Magic Matt’s Pools at 623-255-2239 today!
