Air Is Leaking From the Pool Returns

Leaky Fittings

• The most common location in a swimming pool's plumbing system where air can enter is near its pump, specifically its suction (or front) side. Pool pumps suck water out of a pool through drains and skimmers. Male adapters and fittings on the pool pump's suction side union connector often become loose and allow air to enter the pump. If air is leaking into your pool pump's suction side through its fittings inspect them and then re-tape them, if necessary, with fresh pipe tape.

Leaky Lids

• Sometimes, when air is entering a swimming pool through its water returns a leaky pool pump lid is at fault. A rubber gasket or seal is needed to maintain an airtight seal around a pool pump's lid. Rubber gaskets, O-rings or seals on pool pump lids will eventually wear out and let air into the pool pump. Check your pool pump's lid regularly to make sure its gasket or seal isn't worn out and replace it if needed.

Other Leak Sources

• Many pool pumps are equipped with drain plugs which will work their way loose due to vibration created during pump operation. A loose pool pump drain plug will allow air to enter the pump, where it will make its way into the pool through water returns. A swimming pool's water feed (pool-to-pump) and water return (pump-to-filter-to-pool) lines can also split or crack, allowing air to enter them. Anytime air is leaking from a pool's water returns, check pool water lines for splits or cracks.

Pool Skimmer

• Pool plumbing systems are basically designed to be airtight. In some cases of air leaking from an in-ground pool's water returns, the culprit is low water level. Low water level in a swimming pool will allow air to enter its water feed lines through the pool skimmer. Ideally, the water level in an in-ground swimming pool should cover half the skimmer's intake opening. To help avoid swimming pool water return air leaks always keep your pool at recommended water levels.

Considerations

• Above ground swimming pools have limited plumbing systems and are easier to inspect for air leaks. Many in-ground pools have extensive underground water lines, though. Call a swimming pool repairman if you suspect you have an air leak in the underground portion of its plumbing system. Lastly, swimming pool pumps wear out and their motor shaft seals develop leaks. Periodically inspect your pool pump for signs of motor shaft seal wear, and replace the seal to help keep air out of water returns.