Odd sounds from my sand filter....

[caustik]

I have an odd crackling sound coming from pipes in the the top section of the sand filter this year. I don't remember it sounding like that last season. This is the start of the 3rd season for the pool. There are no air bubbles coming from my returns. Anyone have any idea if this is something I need to be concerned with? I just opened yesterday.

[Poconos]

Could be some small air bubbles trapped in the plumbing. If it's a top mount valve it's quite likely. I've never seen one but I've read there is an air bleed valve on some filters. My Hayward does it sometimes and eventually quiets down. I wouldn't recommend it but I've sometimes pushed on the valve handle just a little to open up all passages in the valve and it quiets down. You run the risk of ruining the spider gasket however. In any case the noise is just annoying.
Al

[caustik]

Thanks Al,

Since I can't hear it when I am out of the shed, I guess won't worry about it. Put my mind at ease.

[chrisexv6]

Ive had luck unscrewing the glass view cup for waste water just a bit. You can hear the air leaking past it, and eventually it stops.

Ive also started leaving the drain plug open when first starting the pool, I think it helps the water enter the filter while pushing the air out the drain. Judging by how much time it takes to fill my pump to the top (basically there is ZERO air in it, if you look in the top it actually looks like the water is invisible), leaving the drain plug open for a few minutes and cracking the glass cup open a little helps eliminate a lot of the "startup" air in the system.

I dont have a little bleed valve though, really would have been nice if I did. I guess Hayward stopped for cost cutting measures?