This guide helps Las Cruces pool owners diagnose and fix air bubbles coming from their return jets. It details common, easy-to-fix issues such as low water levels, skimmer problems, and worn-out pump lid o-rings. The article also explains how to identify a more serious suction-side leak and provides clear guidance on when it's time to contact the professionals at Desert Otter Pools for expert leak detection services.
Why Are Air Bubbles Coming From My Pool Return Jets?
Seeing a stream of air bubbles flowing from your pool return jets can be confusing. While those tiny bubbles are coming out of the return jets, the problem almost always starts on the suction side—the part of your system that pulls water from the pool to the pump. Think of it like a straw with a tiny hole in it; you suck in air along with your drink. Don't worry! In this guide from Desert Otter Pools, we'll help you troubleshoot the most common causes. As the leading pool leak detection experts in Las Cruces, we've seen it all and are here to help.
What Do These Air Bubbles in Your Pool Really Mean?
An occasional air bubble is normal, but a steady stream means your pump is sucking in air somewhere it shouldn't. This is what's known as a suction-side leak. The suction side of your plumbing is under a vacuum, so a crack or a bad seal won't leak water out; it will suck air in. This air then gets pushed out your returns, creating those bubbles in your pool.
"Finding the source of an air leak is a process of elimination, starting with the easiest checks first." - The Desert Otter Pools Team
This isn't just a cosmetic issue. Air entering the system can strain your pool pump, reduce filtration efficiency, and potentially lead to costly damage if left unchecked.
Is the Swimming Pool Water Level Too Low?
Before you panic, check the simplest thing first. A low water level is the most common cause of air bubbles in pool water. Your skimmer needs to be able to pull in a steady stream of water.
- Check the Level: The water level should be about halfway up the skimmer opening.
- Check the Weir: Make sure the little flap door inside the skimmer (the weir) isn't stuck up, which would block water flow.
- Solution: If the water level is too low, use a garden hose to bring it up to the middle of the skimmer. Then, run the pump and see if the bubbles stop.
If your pool water level drops quickly after filling, you may have a leak in the pool's structure. That's when you need a professional pressure test from a local expert like Desert Otter Pools.
Could the Problem Be Your Pump Strainer Lid?
The next most common culprit is the pump strainer lid. This is the clear lid on your pool pump that you look through to see the pump basket. A poor seal here is a prime spot for an air intake.
- Turn Off the Pump: Always kill the power at the breaker first.
- Inspect the Lid and O-Ring: Remove the strainer lid. Check the lid for cracks. Remove the large rubber o-ring and inspect it for cracks, stretching, or flat spots. A worn-out pump lid o-ring is a frequent source of an air leak.
- Clean and Lubricate: A dry o-ring won't seal well. Clean it and the groove it sits in, then apply a pool-safe lube. This simple step of pool maintenance can solve many air bubbles coming into the system.
- Reseat and Tighten: Place the lid o-ring back in its groove and tighten the pump lid by hand until it's snug.
How Do I Check the Skimmer for Issues?
Beyond the water level, an obstruction in the skimmer line can cause the pump to work too hard, increasing the vacuum and pulling air through any tiny weak point. Ensure your pump basket and the skimmer basket are both clean and free of debris. A clog in the plumb lines can mimic the symptoms of an air leak.
Are All Your Valves and Plumb Fittings Secure?
Look at the plumbing going directly into the front of the pump. Check any unions (fittings designed to be taken apart) and valves. A loose fitting or a bad gasket here can let air to enter the system.
- Check Unions: Make sure the large nut on the union is hand-tight. There's an o-ring inside that can fail. You can try unscrewing it, inspecting the o-ring, and tightening the union back up.
- Check Valves: The stems on diverter valves (like a Jandy or Hayward valve) have o-rings that wear out and can become a source for air entering the suction side of the pump.
What is a Suction-Side Air Leak?
If you've checked all the easy fixes and still see bubbles, you likely have a hidden suction side leak. This means there could be a small crack or a bad glue joint in the underground plumbing between the swimming pool and your pool equipment. You won't see water leaking out; you'll only see the symptom: bubbles in return lines. Finding an underground leak on the suction side is a job for a pool professional.
How Can I Troubleshoot a Suction Side Leak Myself?
You can try one last trick for above-ground leaks. With the pump running, carefully apply soapy water to the pipe joints and fittings on the suction side of the system. If a leak is present, you'll see the soapy water get sucked into the gap. This helps verify that the pump fittings are the problem.
Why Do I Still Have Air Bubbles?
If you've checked the water level, the strainer pot lid, and the fittings, and you still have air bubbles, the problem is almost certainly an underground leak. This is the most difficult type of air leak to find, as air can enter through a cracked pipe buried in your yard. At this point, it’s best to hire a professional.
When Should I Call a Pool Professional in Las Cruces?
When DIY fixes don't solve the bubble problem, it's time to call the experts. At Desert Otter Pools, we specialize in advanced pool leak detection. For our neighbors in Las Cruces, we use state-of-the-art equipment to pinpoint the exact location of a suction-side leak, saving you from unnecessary and costly digging.
Don't let a small air bubble turn into a major repair. Protect your inground pool investment. If you see swimming pool air bubbles and can't find the source, contact Desert Otter Pools today for fast and accurate service!
