My Pump Has Air In It

It is not uncommon to experience air in your pump at some point. Obviously there is going to be air in the pump when you open your pump to service your system or when you first open the swimming pool and are purging the lines from winterization. Excluding air from those events, air entering your pump is related to some sort of air leak or a low water level. Here are some things you can check to eliminate an air leak.

1. Pump lid Seal - Inspect the pump lid seal. Make sure that it is in the correct place, has no nicks or cuts, and is free from sand or other debris. A very small piece of debris can allow a lot of air to enter the pump and affect performance. Be sure there is an adequate amount of silicon grease on the pump lid seal.
2. Male Adapter - Be sure the male adapter on the front of your pump is screwed all the way in and is not loose. It should have visible Teflon tape and silicone on it to insure a secure fit. Be sure that it not only has sealant but is also tightened all the way in.
3. Pump Union - Insure the pump union located between the pump and diverter valve has an O ring that is in good condition and has silicone grease. Ensure the union is aligned with itself and is tight.
4. Unionized Valve – The valves on both the lower drain and skimmer are rebuild-able and have removable tops. Similar to a union these valves tops must be periodically lubricated and must be tight. Make sure both of these valves are lubricated and are tight.
5. Skimmer Plug - If you have a winter cover your swimming pool skimmer is equipped with a removable plug in the bottom of the skimmer. Inspect the plug to insure it has Teflon tape, a coat of silicone grease, and is screwed in all the way. If this plug is loose it can cause air to enter the system. Particularly during vacuuming.
6. Water Level – Be sure your water level is mid-skimmer or better. If the water level gets too low the pump and draw more water from the skimmer then can reenter the skimmer. This air then is sucked into the pump in a large gulp and will cause the pump to lose prime.

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