Air in the System
Air…can’t live with it, can’t live without it

Air can be troubling. It doesn’t usually cause any real damage but it just shouldn’t be there. It causes problems in our filtration and makes it impossible for us to manually vacuum sufficiently. There are several places where air can be getting in. Remember that air leaks are found somewhere between the skimmer and the pump. Try checking these areas:

• Make sure that your skimmer weir is not stuck shut. Sounds simple but it happens.
• Make sure your water level is high enough. We suggest that you keep the water level just above halfway on the skimmer opening, usually to the second screw down from the top.
• Check for any visible leaks on the pump housing or any connections going into the pump and reseal if necessary. Check the drain plugs to make sure they have either o-rings or new Teflon tape on them. If your pump housing appears cracked, either bring it into Dave to inspect or call him to consult. Please see the numbers below.
• Check for any leaks underneath the pump and motor where they meet. If it is leaking from this area, you may need a new water seal. If you bring your motor into our Parts Dept. then Dave can change it for you or feel free to tackle the job yourself. Bring Dave the proper make and model of your pump so he can provide you with the right seal. If neither option works for you, make arrangements with Will at the number below.
• Check the gasket on your pump cover. This is a very common cause of air leaks. Make sure this gasket is properly seated and not worn. Use some o-ring lube if necessary on the o-ring. Never, never, never use Vaseline or any petroleum based products on your o-rings.
• Check any valves you have going into the pump. This is also a common cause. Valves used for main drain or alternate suction lines often wear allowing air to get into the system. Pull the valve apart and see if there are any o-rings or parts that could wear out or require resealing or sealant. Family Pools recommends Jandy valves if you do require a new valve. These valves are a better quality and tend to last longer without any problems.

Those are the main areas of concern. If it is anything other than the obvious listed above, please contact our service department to schedule a technician to troubleshoot the problem for you.

 Good Luck!