Sand Filter Getting Air

[godstreasures1]

I have a 24x52 above ground pool. I have just started to run the filter for the new season. I noticed today that after a short while my water flow coming from the jet is not as strong. I can hear air bubbling in the top of my sand filter. I took this apart to see if I could tell what was going on but no luck. I have checked all the pipes for leakes and no luck. Please advise.

[hrsdennis]

The most common place for an air leak is the lid to the hair and lint pot. Have you checked that? Also remember a leak on the suction side will suck air with the filter running and usually leak water when the filter is off.

Best of luck, Dennis

[godstreasures1]

I have checked all of that and made sure the o-rings were lubed with magic lube. I am stumped. It runs fine until enough air gets in then the pressure of the water goes down. I took the handle off my multiport valve and the gasket underneath is hard as a rock. Is it suppose to be? I was not sure but I greased it also.

[hrsdennis]

It's good to grease the spider gasket, but that should not be the problem. Sucking air occurs somwhere before the pump. Once the water leaves the pump it is being pushed under pressure and sprayes through any openings or breaks. Low water or an obstruction in the skimmer could cause the problem. Sometimes the flapper sticks and causes a wirlpool affect. If a cleaner is hooked up a leak in the hose could be the problem. With any of the possible causes you should see air in the hair and lint basket.

When you shut the unit off and let sit a few minutes then restart, does the pressure pick back up?

[godstreasures1]

The pressure stays at 20 while the pump is running. I can not find anything wrong with the suction side as far as leaks go. I have got hard pipe and I made sure everything was sealed tight. Any more suggestions?

[godstreasures1]

I keep the water at the third screw on my skimmer, it only has four screws. Is this far enough up? I can see a few air bubbles in the hair basket but not sure where they are coming from.

[hrsdennis]

Your water level is perfect. A few bubbles in lint basket is normal. They usually get sucked in through the lid. More grease might help that, just depends on the lid. Some of the older Hayward baskets warp and never seal 100%.

Unless you see the basket half full of air and making gurgling noises I don't think air is the problem.

Have you tried running the filter in circulate mode {if you have one}? This will let you know if the pressure problem is in the sand tank.

It is starting to sound like the water is not flowing through the sand properly.

[godstreasures1]

I have By Pass To Pool is this the same thing? What would I be looking for when I do this?

[hrsdennis]

You would be looking for a strong consistent flow of water back into the pool.

[godstreasures1]

If the flow decreases what would this mean?