Pool filter pipe repair

[ACORN]

We have an in ground pool. I think the suction line (1-1/2 PVC) from the wall mounted skimmer to the pump is sucking air.
I've checked all the connections I can access but can't find a leak.
The pump always has air in it, and the pump is always pumping a fine stream of air bubbles. It's been running 24-7 for a month or so. So I think any air trapped in the filter should have worked its way out by now.
I read there are companies that can repair the lines by pumping in a sealant to plug any gaps.
At nearly 70 I don't want to start digging.
The deep end is about 8' deep where the skimmer is located and I'm not sure how the lines are routed.
Anyone here had the sealant thing done?
Any idea of the cost?

 

[lihpster]

Is the water level dropping? How are your chemicals holding? If you're adding more water and chems than usual, that's the sign of a leak. If not, it may be something else. Maybe something with the pump itself?

 

[ACORN]

It's not leaking water.
Not adding any water.
It's drawing air into the system to the point that it will run dry if left too long (days).
Brand new pump.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

We have an in ground pool. I think the suction line (1-1/2 PVC) from the wall mounted skimmer to the pump is sucking air.
I've checked all the connections I can access but can't find a leak.
The pump always has air in it, and the pump is always pumping a fine stream of air bubbles. It's been running 24-7 for a month or so. So I think any air trapped in the filter should have worked its way out by now.
I read there are companies that can repair the lines by pumping in a sealant to plug any gaps.
At nearly 70 I don't want to start digging.
The deep end is about 8' deep where the skimmer is located and I'm not sure how the lines are routed.
Anyone here had the sealant thing done?
Any idea of the cost?

I built and repaired in ground swimming pools for a lot of years in my younger days.........Even built my own......And covered it up with my friends bull dozer after 26 years of use.

First thing to check......A warped lid on the inlet tank side of the pump.
Second.......Change the lid gasket..........MAKE SURE..........It's seated in the groove correctly
Third.......Saw the pipe into behind where it threads into the pump inlet......Remove threaded section from inlet side.......Replace 1 1/2 ' fitting into pump ....SEAL threads with good sealer(I always used RTV) Before installing....Glue inlet pipe back on.

This is where I found 99% of air leaks...........I never ran across any buried pipes that were cracked or l leaking.....If they were , they would be pulling in dirt/mud.

 

[Jim PHL]

My pool is above ground and I'm not familiar with the sealing product/process you're asking about but you're definitely pulling air in somewhere in the intake process. Had all the same symptoms last year. None of the hoses or joints were leaking even a drop of water but Teflon tape on all the joints stopped the air leakage. You said you checked all the connections you can access. I did on mine too and couldn't see or feel any leakage anywhere but it was there somewhere. Maybe treat the connections you can reach as if you could see or feel a small leak. You might get lucky and seal it

 

[Heymatt]

I had issues with the rubber seals for the stems on the three way valves and the pump basket lid. Not enough to run the pump dry, constant bubbles from the jets. The pump would lose prime overnight.

 

[chief38]

Years ago when living on Long Island I had similar issues. After checking every possibility over weeks I finally figured it out! The wall mounted skimmers are attached to the plumbing with a pipe at the bottom of the skimmer. When the original installation was done, they used wooden 2 x 4s to prop up and hold the skimmers in place (in the dirt). Over time, the 2x4's rotted out and the skimmers started to bend over from the weight and cracks developed in the skimmer pipes.

I had to saw cut the concrete around the top of both skimmers (neatly but larger than the skimmers themselves), dig holes about 4.5 feet deep and replace the skimmers. When I replaced them I used bricks to support the skimmers instead of 2 x 4's that will always rot. After replacing both skimmers I used pavers to fill in where I had cut the concrete. Had I used new concrete it would have looked terrible because of the mismatch. I used contrasting pavers and they kind of looked like they were a totally different color on purpose for decorative purposes. You can see the replacement pavers in the pictures below - enlarge pic's to see better. They looked different but IMHO better than fresh concrete would have.

This was a fairly exhausting job but from what I understand a common one issue since pool installers don't really
think about or care about what will happen years down the road. I hope for your sake this isn't the problem but if it is, the only way to properly fix it is to replace them. If you do not want to tackle this job yourself (and it is not an easy one) your pretty much relegated to hiring someone which would probably cost at least a few grand, depending on the prices in your area. I wish you good luck.

 

[Mike0251]

Brand new pump.

I assume the old pump did not do this correct? If so then this would indicate the connection to the pump is drawing air imho.

 

[ACORN]

I assume the old pump did not do this correct? If so then this would indicate the connection to the pump is drawing air imho.

The old pump also did it but I'm not sure as bad.