- Turn off the pool pump
- Close intake valves
- Turn on pool pump
- Slightly open one of the skimmer valves starting with the main drain
- You should see bubbles discharging from the returns as air is forced out of the line into the pool H2O
- The pump should catch up & fill up with H2O
- Then open the valve fully
- Repeat
Do you hear gurgling ticking or unusual noises coming from your swimming pool filtering system? Those noises could cause damage wear and extra costs to your pool if there is air trapped in the system. Learn how to bleed air from your pool pump and be the Master of your Pool.
How to Bleed Air From Pool Pump
To bleed air from a pool pump, start by turning off the pump. Locate and open the air release valve on the pump. Allow the trapped air to escape until water begins to flow steadily from the valve. Once water flows, close the air release valve and restart the pump.
Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it stabilizes at a normal reading. If the pressure remains unstable, repeat the process to remove any remaining air. Additionally, inspect the pump and plumbing for any leaks that could be causing air to enter the system. Bleeding air from a pool pump is a necessary maintenance step to ensure the pump operates efficiently and prevents damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you bleed air from your pool pump:
Materials Needed:
- Pool pump system
- Screwdriver (if needed)
- Pool pump manual (optional but helpful)
Steps:
- Shut down the Pump:
- Ensure the pool pump is turned off before starting the process to avoid any accidents or damage to the system.
- Locate the Air Relief Valve:
- The air relief valve is typically located on the top of the pool filter. It might be labeled or mentioned in the pool pump manual.
- Open the Air Relief Valve:
- Slowly turn the air relief valve counterclockwise. You might hear a hissing sound as the air starts to escape.
- Observe the Water Flow:
- Once water starts to flow out of the valve consistently, it indicates that the air has been purged from the system.
- Close the Air Relief Valve:
- After the water flow is steady and air-free, close the air relief valve clockwise until it is snug. Do not over-tighten.
- Turn On the Pump:
- Turn the pool pump back on and check for any unusual noises or pressure changes. The pump should run smoothly without any air bubbles.
- Check the Pressure Gauge:
- Monitor the pressure gauge on the filter. It should read within the normal operating range for your specific system. If the pressure is still high or fluctuating, more air might be in the system or another issue that needs addressing.
What Are the Signs that There is Air in My Pool Pump
Any size swimming pool will show the same signs of air that trapped in your filter and pool pump system. The easiest way to determine if this is a problem is to listen first. If you take care of your pool you will start to pick up on signs that there may be something wrong.
Even if you inspect your pool in the dark of night, you will hear noises that are out of place from a normal running pool. You may feel the pump running at a higher temperature. Then when you can see a pool operators will be able to notice signs that are abnormal like pressure dropping out of operating range or air bubbles in the the pump basket. Using these clues, if you have a handle on the maintenance of your pool, then you’ll find the solution.
Listening to Air in Your Pool Pump
When I make daily inspections of my swimming pool I learned that listening to the pool’s filtering system can give you clues before you see problems in the pressure gauges or pool pump basket. Air in the filtering system makes noises from air trapped inside the pipes of the pool pump.
Air damage, also known as airlock, occurs when air gets trapped inside the pool pump’s plumbing system or impeller chamber. This can be caused by several factors, including:
- A clogged skimmer basket or worn gasket, O-rings, or seals
How to Bleed Air From Pool Pump - A dirty filter
- A leak in the suction line or vacuum hose (where my problem always starts) The bigger the pool the longer the vacuum hose and the more chance it wears at one spot or another.
- An improperly closed valve or worn-out seal
- The motor may burn out due to overheating caused by excessively working
- Circulation slows down because air becomes an obstruction to the flow of water into the pump
- The pump makes loud noises eventually failing altogether
- The impeller could become damaged exposing the internals of the pool and causing more significant issues
All these conditions cause low pressure within the pump system, which allows air to enter and get trapped inside, affecting its normal operation. The sounds might include clicking, gurgling, ticking, or humming noises. In some cases, you may even hear a loud banging noise if the pump is severely damaged.
If your system has a pool filter, there may be an air relief valve on the top of the filter. Open this valve to release any trapped air. Monitor the valve until water starts flowing consistently without air bubbles. Vent Air from Pump: Some pool pumps have a manual air release valve on the pump housing. Open this valve briefly to release any trapped air. Keeping an ear and eye on your system can be part of your preventive maintenance program.
Why Bleed Air From Pool Pump
MyWaterEarth&Sky can guarantee that preventable maintenance like bleeding the air from your filter and pump system will keep your swimming pool:
- running efficiently
- save energy
- keep you out of the pool supply store with unnecessary time-consuming problems that are bound to happen that every pool owner faces.
Some pool problems are completely preventable if the operator stays on top of his pool mechanically and chemically. Bleeding air from a pool pump is crucial for maintaining its efficiency and longevity. When air gets trapped in the pump, it can lead to decreased water flow, causing the pump to work harder and potentially overheat.
This not only reduces the pump’s effectiveness in circulating and filtering the pool water but also increases energy consumption and operational costs. Additionally, air in the system can create noisy operation and contribute to wear and tear on the pump components, leading to more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan for the equipment. Regularly bleeding air ensures the pump operates smoothly, maintaining optimal water circulation and filtration for a clean and safe swimming environment.
Anyone who owns a swimming pool knows that even minor problems with the pool equipment can lead to bigger issues down the line. One concern that many people have is whether air can damage their pool pump. Air in the pump or filter system can be caused by various factors, such as leaks or insufficient water levels. But how much of an issue is this? Can it cause lasting damage?
What is Cavitation in Swimming Pool Pumps
Cavitation – the phenomenon of the formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing liquid in a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor pressure. This is what happens with the water is moving too fast, not too much or too little, but. This happens when pool builders oversize a pump for a pool or when return lines get plugged up.
The pool pump is moving the water faster than the pipes & equipment can handle. The pump is oversized, the pipes are too small, or something like not having the return jets installed can create cavitation. Cavitation in a pool pump looks like it isn’t primed, having air in the canister.
It can erode the surface of the inside of the pump impeller and surrounding valves and piping. Left unfixed, the cavitation can weaken internal pump components to the point of complete pump failure. And, pump failure means your pool will stop running altogether. Pump sizing is the key to doing away with Cavitation.
Conclusion:
Maintaining a properly functioning pool pump is essential for the overall health and cleanliness of your pool. Bleeding air from the pump is a simple yet crucial task that ensures efficient water circulation, reduces energy consumption, and extends the lifespan of the pump. By regularly checking for signs of trapped air, such as reduced water flow, erratic pressure readings, and noisy operation, you can prevent potential damage and costly repairs.
Addressing air issues promptly helps maintain a smooth-running system, ensuring your pool remains a clean, safe, and enjoyable space for swimming. If you own a pool then inspecting the operation both chemically and mechanically is the secret to a long healthy beautiful swimming pool.
My Tips:
- Regular Maintenance: Check and maintain your pool pump to prevent air buildup.
- Learn to Listen along with your visual inspections
- Check for Leaks: Ensure there are no leaks in the pump system, as air can enter through leaks and cause similar issues.
- Consult the Manual: Refer to your pool pump’s manual for specific instructions related to your model.
By following these steps, you can effectively bleed air from your pool pump, ensuring it operates efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. Maintaining proper water levels in your pool can help prevent air damage by ensuring that the pump always has enough water to work with. Generally, the water level should be halfway up the skimmer opening, but you should check your manufacturer’s recommendations for precise information.
- How often should I bleed air from my pool pump? It’s advisable to bleed air from your pool pump every time you perform routine maintenance, after opening the pool for the season, or if you notice decreased water flow or unusual noises.
- Can I run my pool pump with air in it? Running the pump with air in it is not recommended, as it can cause the pump to overheat, become less efficient, and suffer from increased wear and tear.
- How do I know when all the air is bled from my pool pump? You’ll know the air is fully bled when water flows steadily from the air release valve without any air bubbles, and the pressure gauge stabilizes at a normal reading.
- What should I do if I still see air bubbles after bleeding the pump? If air bubbles persist, check for leaks in the pump and plumbing, ensure the pump lid is properly sealed, and repeat the bleeding process.
- Can air in the pump cause damage to other pool equipment? Yes, air in the pump can cause cavitation, which may damage the pump and other connected equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
