Hayward Super II pump question

[thefunkie1]

I just installed a new Hayward Super II pump for my inground pool. My old pump, when running, essentially had no air in the chamber that could be seen - at times it was hard to tell there was water in there. With the new Hayward pump, there is a small pocket of air (maybe inch and a half round) at the top that essentially "hovers" in the middle while the pump is running. From what I've been reading, there really shouldn't be any air in there when it is running - which sounds like there may be an air leak somewhere between the pool and the pump or maybe the air isn't being purged from the pump properly. Here is what I don't get. The pump primes in seconds - runs without any issues, and there are no bubbles coming out of the return jets. Do I have an issue? Is that little air pocket at the top normal? I don't think it is - but things change and it seems to be running perfectly so I thought I would throw it out there and see what others think.

Thanks for the help in advance.

[mas985]

If you downsized your pump then the new pump could take a little longer to get rid of all of the air in the pump basket. However, any size pump should be able to purge all of the air in the pump basket at full speed in a reasonable amount of time.

However, if the air never goes away, then you could have a small air leak on the suction side of the pump. Usually this occurs on the pump lid seal but can also occur in the drain plugs or even valves. Given you probably changed some of the plumbing as well, it could be in those sections.

A few more questions might help:

What is your old and new pump model/size?

Are you running at low speed?

What was and now is your filter pressure?

What other plumbing was changed?

[CarlD]

I will disagree with Mark. You are fine.

I have that same little bubble on my pump, a 2 speed SuperPump and it has been running that way for 8 years. There's a curve in the top of the clear cover that catches air and can't purge it. As long as it's just that little bubble in the cover you have no problem. You CAN try loosening the cover slightly to try to get some of the air out but I wouldn't bother.

If it's REALLY sucking air, it will look like a tornado that doesn't quit and be very noisy. Usually that means it's sucking the skimmer too hard and pulling in air. I keep a ball-valve quick connect on my skimmer that I can close down a little if that happens.

[Pool Clown]

If you had no air related problems before the new pump went in, I doubt that you have an air leak. Usually, if you have an air leak, you will eventually get air coming out of the return lines. You can try opening the filter air relief and see (after the initial air is bled out of the tank) if you get any "spitting" (occasional air) that won't stop, then i might investigate further.