💨

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

1

Check Water Level

Ensure pool water is at proper level - mid-skimmer minimum.

⚠️ Warning: Low water is the #1 cause of air in system

2

Inspect Pump Lid

Look for air bubbles in pump basket area while running.

3

Check Pump Lid O-ring

Turn off pump, inspect lid o-ring for damage or debris.

4

Test Skimmer Operation

Check skimmer weir door and basket for proper function.

⚠️ Warning: Stuck weir doors cause vortex and air suction

5

Inspect Suction Plumbing

Look for wet spots around pipes indicating air leaks.

6

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:

  1. Apply shaving cream to suspected areas
  2. Run pump and watch for cream being sucked in
  3. Works on pump lid, unions, and valves

Isolation Method

Systematically eliminate leak sources:

  1. Close main drain, run on skimmer only
  2. If air stops, leak is in main drain line
  3. Reverse process to verify

Smoke Test

For hard-to-find leaks:

  1. Use incense stick near fittings
  2. Smoke will be drawn to leak
  3. Works well in pump room

Pressure Testing

For underground leaks:

  1. Plug lines and add air pressure
  2. Monitor pressure gauge for drops
  3. Requires special equipment

Quick Air Leak Fixes

Pump Lid Fix

  1. 1. Turn off pump and remove lid
  2. 2. Clean o-ring and groove thoroughly
  3. 3. Apply pool lubricant to o-ring
  4. 4. Check for nicks or flat spots
  5. 5. Replace lid, hand-tighten only
  6. 6. Fill pump with water before starting

Skimmer Fix

  1. 1. Add water to proper level
  2. 2. Check weir door movement
  3. 3. Clean skimmer basket
  4. 4. Inspect for cracks
  5. 5. Adjust diverter valve if present
  6. 6. Consider foam rope for gaps

Air Leak Repair Costs

Suction Leak Repair Costs

🔧 DIY Attempt

Estimated Cost:$10-100
Time Required:30 min - 2 hours
Difficulty:Moderate

⚠️ Risks:

  • Missing actual leak location
  • Temporary fixes that fail
  • Damaging fittings during repair
  • Creating new leaks
  • Underground leaks need professional help

👷 Professional Service

Service Cost:$150-500
Completion Time:1-3 hours

✅ 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

1

Maintain Proper Water Level

Keep water at mid-skimmer height to prevent air suction

Homeowner Friendly
2

Lubricate O-rings Regularly

Apply pool lubricant to pump lid o-ring monthly

Homeowner Friendly
3

Clean Skimmer Weir

Ensure weir door moves freely to prevent vortexing

Homeowner Friendly
4

Inspect Fittings Annually

Check all suction side connections for looseness

Some Experience Needed
5

Replace O-rings Preventively

Change pump lid o-ring every 2-3 years

Homeowner Friendly

🏊 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

24/7
Emergency Service
$160+
Monthly Service
15+
Cities Served

Related Pool Problems

Related Pool Problems

💡 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.