The Pool Profit

Why Are There Bubbles in My Pool?

Air bubbles are one of the most common issues that pool owners experience, especially at the start of the pool season when re-opening the swimming pool after winter. Some air bubbles are common, and every pool owner will notice them in their pool at some point. If you notice aggressive bubbles and noisy churning sounds coming from the return jets into your pool, it could indicate a problem that may require professional attention.

Your swimming pool’s filter system plays a significant role. If there’s an issue, the cause of the problem should be identified and repaired as soon as possible to ensure optimal pool pump operation. Below, we will look at five of the most common reasons you might notice bubbles in your pool and what you can do to troubleshoot and repair the problem.

5 Common Causes of Air Bubbles in Pools

Air bubbles are relatively innocuous to most people, but as a pool owner, there should never be a large number of them in your water.

The most concerning would be air bubbles that result from a leak somewhere in your pool system. As a result, not only will the performance of your pool pump decrease, but it also makes it difficult to maintain water pressure, which can significantly impact the performance of your filter and pool water circulation.

Fortunately, inspecting, identifying, and troubleshooting the problem is something most pool owners might be able to do themselves. Here are five of the most common causes of air bubbles in your pool to determine whether there is a leak somewhere in your pool system.

Pool Water Level Is Low

Some of the most common causes of air bubbles in a pool are low pool water levels, excess debris in the skimmer baskets, or even something as simple as a skimmer weir flap that has gotten stuck. These issues will be compounded if the filtration system needs to be cleaned, as well.

In some instances, this could be caused by too small of a pipe diameter used in the pool suction plumbing not allowing enough water supply to the pump. This can be a significant contributor (including return plumbing pipe diameter) if the pool equipment is more than 60 feet from the pool and the required flow rate is not accounted for at the time of construction.

Start your inspection by ensuring that the water level is appropriate for the skimmers. Water will be pouring into the skimmer basket if the pool is not filled to the required level, causing the pool pump to draw in air. Water should be at or above the pool’s skimmer opening midpoint. If the pool’s water level is low, add more water.

The Pool Pump Fittings Aren’t Sealed

Pool pumps are in charge of drawing water into the skimmer and then pushing it out through the filter, resulting in proper circulation. Circulation is essential for keeping the pool clean and the water from becoming stagnant.

While leaks are primarily the result of normal wear and tear, they are inconvenient. Fortunately, locating the source of the problem is simple. First, inspect the lid of your pool pump and ensure it is on tight. Many times, a simple O-ring or lid replacement solves the problem.

Because the water in your pool system is highly pressured, and your pool pump is the principal transporter of water, any leaks within the pump can allow excess air to enter the water. If your pump lid is loose or cracked, the pump may allow for air to be drawn into the pool’s circulation system, resulting in air bubbles in your pool.

Defective O-Ring

A damaged or loose O-Ring is another common cause of air bubbles in your pool, resulting in air pockets in your pool’s pump. 

O-Rings are rubber-like hoops used beneath pipe attachments and pool equipment lids. If the O-ring is cracked, air will be able to pass through. If it’s filthy or clogged, it won’t allow the lid to seal tightly.

To determine the cause of air bubbles in your pool’s O-Ring, turn off the pool pump, remove the lid, and check the O-ring for cracks. If there are no signs of cracking, the O-ring might not be the cause of the problem; however, if the O-ring appears to be split, damaged, misshaped, or loose, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Damaged Pool Pipe Unions

There are numerous unions in your pool’s plumbing, whether you have in-ground or above-ground pools. Threaded connectors on these unions allow you to replace any part of the pipe without having to cut the entire pipeline. In most instances, air in the pool return lines indicates that the filtration system needs to be cleaned.

The union, like the pump, has another O-Ring inside it. Similar to the point mentioned above, ensure the pool pump is off and inspect the O-Ring for cracks, damage, and wear and tear. If there are any cracks in the O-Ring, it should be replaced.

The most crucial component here is ensuring the O-ring is seated correctly in its groove while reinstalling the filter system. It is critical to have a suitable seal in place so that air does not enter your filtration system. As a result, you will be able to avoid air bubbles in the future.

Return Water Flow Disturbance

Another potential cause of air bubbles in your pool is a disturbance in the return water flow. This issue is often caused by the sanitizer obstructing the water flow or mineral build-up in the salt cell, both of which result in trapped air pockets in the pool circulation system. If neither of these issues seems to be the cause, then you should contact a pool professional to diagnose the problem.

Download the PoolStar Command App for Assistance

While air bubbles are a common problem that most pool owners experience, it’s understandable to be concerned. If left unnoticed for too long, air bubbles in your pool can cause long-term damage to pool equipment, causing you to spend more on costly pool repairs in the future. 

Pool maintenance can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be! The PoolStar Command app can help! 

Download the app today to gain access to loads of pool-related resources, tips, tricks, and guides and compare the value of your home to other homes with pools. PoolStar Command is a valuable resource that all pool owners should have at their disposal.