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How To Identify Suction Side Air Leaks

Suction side air leaks can cause your pool pump to lose prime, reduce filtration efficiency, and create noisy operation. This guide walks you through identifying the symptoms of suction side air leaks, such as bubbles in the pool return lines or difficulty maintaining pump prime.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Tools Needed:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Pliers

Supplies Needed:

  • Soapy Water Bubbles
  • (Optional) Shaving Cream
  • (Optional) Incense Stick

Step 1

Turn On Pool Pump

Air leaks are found on the suction side of the system. Common areas would include the pump lid, pump intake, diverter valves, fittings, and vacuum hoses. The pump must be turned on to identify the location of any suction leaks.

Step 2

Soapy Water Method

Mix some dish soap and water until it creates some good soapsuds. Spread the soapsuds along the suspected leak areas. If there is an air leak, the soapsuds will be sucked in.

This is our favorite method. It’s very easy to recognize the movements of the bubbles if there is an air leak.

Step 3

Smoke Method

Using the smoke from lit incense stick is one way to find an air leak. Hold the incense close to a suspected air leak. If there is a leak, the smoke will be drawn in.

This method works well but it works best on a non-windy day.

Step 4

Shaving Cream Method

Spread shaving cream around any suspected air leaks. Look for areas where the cream is being sucked in, creating dimples or pockets in the cream.
Note: This method proved to be the most unreliable and hardest to identify leaks but may be viable if the other methods do not work for you.