My Swimming Pool Pump Blows Air Bubbles

Water Level

• One of the more common problems that cause air bubbles to appear from the filter return jet is the water level. Filters are designed to operate with water and doing so without enough or no water at all can permanently damage a pool pump motor. When there's not enough water being supplied to the filter, bubbles are a commonplace. Check the water level and make sure it's always somewhere between the halfway and two-thirds point of the skimmer's vertical height.

Pump Basket

• Each pool filter system has two baskets, one for the skimmer near the pool and another at the base of the filter, called the pump basket. This is where dirt and debris from vacuuming reside. This must be air tight to have the filter work properly. The basket cover has a rubber gasket called an o-ring that creates the air-tight seal. If it appears stretched out and worn, the gasket needs to be removed and replaced with a new one.

Skimmer and Hoses

• Air is getting into the filter somewhere. Check the skimmer flap. There is a piece of foam that's inserted on the inside of the flap that provides balance to the skimmer. This enables it to flap up and down with the flow of the water. If this is worn, the flap can become stuck in the upright position more frequently, resulting in a blockage of water to the filter. Examine the pool hoses as well for cracks. This can not only allow air into the filter system, but cause a significant loss of water as well.

Joints and Fittings

• Check all the threaded joints of the filter for cracks and leaks. These fittings can include the return jet itself, the fitting joining the pool filter and pool pump as well as the fitting that joins the filter with the motor. If there is a leak, that means air is coming in from and can be a cause of the air bubbles. Check the filter housing itself as well. Most filters are made of plastic materials that can crack on occasion.