Air in Filter System
Eliminate air bubbles and suction leaks
Air Problem Symptoms
🫧 Visual Signs
- • Bubbles in pump basket
- • Air from return jets
- • Cloudy pump lid
- • Gurgling sounds
⚠️ System Effects
- • Poor filtration
- • Pump loses prime
- • Reduced water flow
- • Filter pressure drops
Quick Answer
Air in the pool system indicates a suction leak between the pool and pump. First check water level - low water causes skimmer to suck air. Next inspect the pump lid o-ring, the most common leak point. Look for air bubbles in the pump basket while running. Other causes include cracked pipes, loose fittings, or bad valve o-rings on the suction side. Air reduces filtration efficiency and can damage the pump. Use shaving cream on suspected areas - it will be sucked in at leak points.
Understanding Pool System Air
Where Air Enters
- • Above Ground: Any leak above water line
- • Pump Lid: Most common entry point
- • Suction Fittings: Unions, valves, connections
- • Skimmer: Low water or stuck weir
- • Underground: Cracked pipes (less common)
Why Air is Problematic
- • Pump Damage: Cavitation wears impeller
- • Lost Prime: Pump stops moving water
- • Poor Filtration: Air pockets in filter
- • Heating Issues: Heaters need solid water flow
- • Chemical Problems: Poor circulation
Key Concept:
Air only enters on the suction side (before the pump). After the pump, water is under pressure and leaks show as water sprays, not air entry.
Finding Air Leaks
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Check Water Level
Ensure pool water is at proper level - mid-skimmer minimum.
⚠️ Warning: Low water is the #1 cause of air in system
Inspect Pump Lid
Look for air bubbles in pump basket area while running.
Check Pump Lid O-ring
Turn off pump, inspect lid o-ring for damage or debris.
Test Skimmer Operation
Check skimmer weir door and basket for proper function.
⚠️ Warning: Stuck weir doors cause vortex and air suction
Inspect Suction Plumbing
Look for wet spots around pipes indicating air leaks.
Isolate Leak Location
Use shaving cream test on suspected leak areas.
Common Air Leak Points
Pump Lid & O-ring
Signs:
- • Bubbles under lid
- • Lid hard to remove
- • Visible o-ring damage
Causes:
- • Dried out o-ring
- • Debris on seal surface
- • Overtightened lid
Fix:
- • Clean and lubricate
- • Replace if damaged
- • Hand-tighten only
Skimmer Issues
Signs:
- • Vortex in skimmer
- • Gurgling sounds
- • Air when water drops
Causes:
- • Low water level
- • Stuck weir door
- • Cracked skimmer
Fix:
- • Maintain water level
- • Free weir movement
- • Repair cracks
Suction Fittings
Signs:
- • Air increases over time
- • Wet areas near pipes
- • Loose connections
Locations:
- • Pump unions
- • Valve connections
- • Threaded fittings
Fix:
- • Tighten connections
- • Replace o-rings
- • Re-seal threads
Underground Pipes
Signs:
- • Persistent air
- • Gets worse daily
- • No visible leaks
Testing:
- • Pressure test lines
- • Dye testing
- • Professional detection
Fix:
- • Locate break
- • Excavate and repair
- • May need reroute
Air Leak Detection Methods
DIY Detection Techniques
Shaving Cream Test
Most effective for finding small leaks:
- Apply shaving cream to suspected areas
- Run pump and watch for cream being sucked in
- Works on pump lid, unions, and valves
Isolation Method
Systematically eliminate leak sources:
- Close main drain, run on skimmer only
- If air stops, leak is in main drain line
- Reverse process to verify
Smoke Test
For hard-to-find leaks:
- Use incense stick near fittings
- Smoke will be drawn to leak
- Works well in pump room
Pressure Testing
For underground leaks:
- Plug lines and add air pressure
- Monitor pressure gauge for drops
- Requires special equipment
Quick Air Leak Fixes
Pump Lid Fix
- 1. Turn off pump and remove lid
- 2. Clean o-ring and groove thoroughly
- 3. Apply pool lubricant to o-ring
- 4. Check for nicks or flat spots
- 5. Replace lid, hand-tighten only
- 6. Fill pump with water before starting
Skimmer Fix
- 1. Add water to proper level
- 2. Check weir door movement
- 3. Clean skimmer basket
- 4. Inspect for cracks
- 5. Adjust diverter valve if present
- 6. Consider foam rope for gaps
Air Leak Repair Costs
Suction Leak Repair Costs
🔧 DIY Attempt
⚠️ Risks:
- • Missing actual leak location
- • Temporary fixes that fail
- • Damaging fittings during repair
- • Creating new leaks
- • Underground leaks need professional help
👷 Professional Service
✅ Includes:
- • Complete leak detection
- • O-ring replacement
- • Fitting repairs
- • Pressure testing
- • Underground leak location
- • Permanent solutions
💰 Value Tip: CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our worker-owned model means fair prices and invested service.
Prevent Air Leaks
Prevention Tips
Maintain Proper Water Level
Keep water at mid-skimmer height to prevent air suction
Lubricate O-rings Regularly
Apply pool lubricant to pump lid o-ring monthly
Clean Skimmer Weir
Ensure weir door moves freely to prevent vortexing
Inspect Fittings Annually
Check all suction side connections for looseness
Replace O-rings Preventively
Change pump lid o-ring every 2-3 years
🏊 Pro Tip: Regular professional maintenance prevents 90% of pool problems.Get your maintenance quote today
Need Professional Help?
Can't find that pesky air leak? Our technicians are experts at tracking down and fixing suction side air leaks. We use professional leak detection equipment to quickly locate problems, from simple o-ring replacements to underground pipe repairs. Stop the bubbles and restore proper filtration - call for expert leak detection today!
Mention "air in filter system" when calling for faster service
Related Pool Problems
Related Pool Problems
Pump Not Priming
Often RelatedAir prevents proper priming
Low Filter Pressure
Often RelatedAir reduces system pressure
Pump Cavitation
Sometimes RelatedAir causes pump cavitation
💡 Did You Know? Pool problems often occur together.Air in Filter System can lead to or be caused by these related issues. Understanding the connections helps prevent future problems.