No, it isn’t normal for a steady stream of bubbles to come out of pool jets. It usually means air is getting into the circulation system. A few bubbles after startup or maintenance can be normal, but steady bubbling is often your pool telling you that something needs attention.
In this post, we’ll explain what causes bubbles in pool jets, whether they can harm your pump, and how to fix the issue.
Most bubbles start on the suction side of the system, which runs from the skimmer and main drain to the pump. Because this part of the system draws in water, even a small gap can draw in air without leaking water where you can see it.
Some of the most common entry points are:
Once the air reaches the pump, it passes through the system and exits through the return jets. A small amount of air may clear on its own, but a steady supply of air can interfere with the pump running.
It isn’t usually a problem when you’re getting a few bubbles that clear quickly. But when air continues through the system, the pump may not have enough water to run properly.
See, without a steady flow of water, the pump can lose prime, overheat, or wear out its seals. In some cases, it may also cavitate, where vapor bubbles form and collapse inside the pump. This often sounds like rattling or gravel moving through the system and can damage the pump over time.
Fortunately, many of the issues that let air into the system are fairly easy to check.
To fix bubbles coming out of pool jets, start by looking at the simplest causes first. In many cases, the problem comes down to low water, restricted flow, or a loose seal near the pump.
Work through the checks below in order, then restart the system to see whether the bubbles clear.
The first thing you should check is whether the pool’s water level is too low. So, check where the water sits against the skimmer opening. It should usually reach about halfway up.
If it doesn’t, add water until it does, then run the pump for a few minutes to see whether the bubbles clear.
When leaves, dirt, and other debris build up in the skimmer or pump basket, it can restrict water flow. If either one looks full, the fix can be as simple as turning off the pump and removing the baskets.
As you empty and rinse them, check for cracks to make sure debris can’t pass through and reach the pump. Then, secure them back in place before restarting the system.
A loose pump lid or worn O-ring can create a small gap that pulls air into the system. But since the leak draws air inward, you may not see any water around the pump.
Check the lid carefully for cracks, then inspect the O-ring for flattening, stretching, or other signs of wear. If the lid or O-ring shows signs of damage, replace them.
If both are still in good shape, though, simply clean the sealing surface and apply a small amount of pool-safe silicone lubricant to the O-ring. The lubricant helps the O-ring sit evenly, maintain a tight seal, and avoid drying out or pinching when you reinstall the lid.
Then, once you’re certain everything is clean and properly seated, secure the lid back in place by hand.
If the pump lid and O-ring look fine, the next place to check is the plumbing around the pump. Loose unions, worn valve seals, or poorly fitted connections can all let air into the system.
Look closely at the valves, fittings, drain plugs, and connections on the suction side of the pump. If anything feels loose and is in good condition, tighten it carefully by hand. But again, damaged seals or O-rings should be replaced rather than tightened further.
Some suction-side leaks are harder to spot because they draw air in without pushing water out. If the connections around the equipment look secure but the bubbles continue, the leak may be deeper inside the system.
After checking the likely entry points, the final step is to refill the pump with water and restart the system. This helps restore a steady flow of water and pushes out any air that may still be trapped inside.
So, with the pump turned off, remove the lid and fill the pump basket housing with water. Then, reinstall the lid, make sure any valves you closed are open, and turn the pump back on.
The pump basket should fill with water and stay mostly full as the system runs, and any remaining bubbles should clear within a few minutes.
At least, they should.
If the bubbles continue after you’ve worked through these steps, the source of the air may be hidden inside a valve, fitting, or section of suction-side plumbing. These leaks can be difficult to find because they often draw air into the system without leaving behind an obvious water leak.
At that point, it can help to get a professional in to inspect the equipment and plumbing more closely, identify where the air is getting in, and recommend the right repair. And we’d be happy to help!
If you’re in the Collingwood area, contact Clark Pools and Spas to book a pool service appointment today.
