Air in pump...

We have an above-ground pool (13,000 gal) with a Hayward Maxflo pump and Sand-Dollar SD40 sand filter. We've only had the house with the pool for a little over a month now and haven't previously had any problem with the equipment. Now, however, it seems that after an hour or so of running, there starts appearing air bubbles in the water coming back into the pool and the water is lower in the pump, about 1/2 full. When we first start it, there doesn't seem to be any problem with pressure (I don't think there is a block in the hoses) and I've checked them for leaks already, finding none. The attachment areas are all nice and tight. This just started probably a week or so ago.

After the air is in it, when I turn the pump off, it's almost like a small 'air explosion' - a loud 'pppphhh' sorta thing where the air escapes that is in it, mostly out the lid on the pump. I'm wondering if us opening and closing it periodically could've made the lid loose letting air in? I also can open the air bleeder on the filter after turning the pump off and it 'whooshes' too, letting air out.

Any ideas?? My pool is starting to look slightly cloudy again because it's just not getting filtered good I don't think. (Oh, I backwashed it just this morning about a minute and a half - the water was clear and fine- to try that but it still had the same issue an hour later.)

Thank you!

Pam

Your sucking air and quite a bit if only half the basket is filling up. Possible O-ring on pump lid and/or the pump lid, they do warp over time. Impeller could be partially clogged. But, start at the pump lid. MAke sure the o ring is sit correctly and in good condition.

Thanks so much! I'm going to run to the pool store and get an o-ring and see how that goes. Since the pump was new when we moved in, I'm guessing that it's probably that. I'll be back if not :)