Air bubbles in return jets

[fog80]

I put a blob of silicone in the hole and then covered it with duct tape. I'm not seeing any bubbles or water splashes when i turn the pump off. I'm attaching some pics to see if you guys can identify problem areas. I think I may try to teflon tape some the threaded connection between the pump and plumbing union. Maybe even put some silicon caulk around the joints.

Could this air leak be causing my de filter pressure to go up to 20 after about an hour of running and the pump basket to stop filling up with water? Or is that more of me just fighting my annual algae war as I do every spring?