huge blast of air when pump starts

[mas985]

No the pump seal is on the pressure side of the pump so when it leaks, it leaks out water.

A few more things to check.

When you run the pump for a while, does air start to accumulate in the filter? You can check by using the small valve at the top of the filter that bleeds out air when the pump is running.

When you shut off the pump, can you hear air bubbles rising in the filter? If so, this could mean the multi-port/backwash valve is leaking.

What is the brand and model number for your filter?

[poolgal13]

We have a Pentair DE filter, FNSP 48. I looked and there is a steady drip coming from a black plastic knob at the bottom of the filter. There also MAY be a drip from the "Inlet" part of the filter where a black connector on the filter joins up with my white PVC piping. Seems to be a small wet area where they connect.

[poolgal13]

I looked at a diagram and I think the black knob is the drain. So maybe it's the O-ring in the drain?

[mas985]

Some of those leaks could be leaking air into the filter while the pump is off. And yes, there is an o-ring in the drain fitting.

There also MAY be a drip from the "Inlet" part of the filter where a black connector on the filter joins up with my white PVC piping. Seems to be a small wet area where they connect.

That sounds like the multi-port or push-pull valve and is a common place for some leaks. They too have gaskets/o-rings that can be replaced.

[poolgal13]

Thank you so much for helping. I guess our next step is to sort through some diagrams and figure out if we can do this ourselves or if we need to call the pool company.