Air in the system is often the cause of a drop in performance of the pool pump. This severely limits the conveying and filter performance. If this is the case, you need to bleed the pool pump.

In a nutshell

  • Air causes performance degradation in the pool
  • Air bubbles can be seen in the pump water
  • Air is released via valves

Venting: When is it necessary?

When you need to bleed a pool pump depends on a variety of factors. You will recognize the need for venting either directly from the air bubbles within the components of the pump or from certain signs that appear in the pool, for example. Air accumulates in the pool pump as return water is drawn in. With self-priming pool pumps that are installed above the water level, additional air gets into the circuit because it is also sucked in. This problem can be recognized by the following signs:

  • poor filter performance
  • muddy water
  • weak pressure at the pool jets

If these points are visible over a longer period of time, you must reckon with air in the pump. To be absolutely sure you don't need to bleed your sand filter system, check the pump. Air bubbles in the water indicate the unfavorable condition. You can find these in the following components of the pump:

  • hoses
  • pre-filter
  • sight glass
Dropping pressure at the pool pump can be an indication of air in the system.

Notice: Pool pumps that pump a large volume of water are particularly low-maintenance. With these, the air in the return water is not a real problem unless the air bubbles are predominant in the pool pump, so you have to bleed them.

Bleed after maintenance

In addition to the points already mentioned, it is also advisable to bleed your sand filter system when you have carried out maintenance work. After these, air accumulations within the pump occur more frequently if something is not done about them immediately. It is highly recommended that you prime your pool pump after completing the following maintenance procedures:

  • sand change
  • Replacement and repair of individual components
  • First operation after winter
  • filter cleaning
  • Using the pool vacuum over the skimmer

Bleed the sand filter system: instructions

If you discover air bubbles in the pool pump, you should bleed it as soon as possible. To ensure that there is no air left in the pump circuit at the end, you must be as precise as possible with variants installed above the water surface. The following guide will help you:

  • turn off the pump
  • Close mount valve
  • Open venting mechanisms (e.g. venting screw)
  • deflate completely
  • Run water in pump
  • Adjust mount valve for circulation
  • Check air in hoses
  • repeat if necessary

When priming, check the condition of the pool pump. It may happen that air bubbles get into the pump due to damaged components. In this case, it is necessary to replace the damaged components, otherwise new air bubbles will keep getting into the pump.

The pool pump must be switched off before venting.

Tip: Place a bucket under the hoses or valves when deflating, especially if you keep the pump indoors. This protects the floor from the pool water.

Bleed the underwater pool pump

If your sand filter system is below the water surface, the effort involved in venting is significantly reduced. Since only little air is sucked in, you don't have to adjust anything on the pump itself. In this case you take advantage of the ventilation mechanisms of the sand filter system. All you have to do is unscrew the bleeder screw or the bleeder hose a little until air can be heard. Let the air escape until you see water. The water indicates that there is no more air in the pump.

frequently asked Questions

Do cartridge filter pumps have to be vented?

No, if you are using a pool pump with cartridges or cartridges, there is no need to bleed. The pumps do not suck in the water, which means that air cannot get into the system. These are circulation pumps that must always be placed below the water level.

How to remove air from hoses?

Air in the hoses is quite stubborn. To remove the air from these, you should never disassemble the hoses. They are shaken one after the other over and over again while the vent wheel or valve is turned up a little. Depending on the amount of air inside the hoses, you have to reckon with a high expenditure of several minutes per hose.

What is problematic about fully automatic rewind valves?

In some situations, pumps with an automated mount valve will draw in return water, which can create a vacuum over time. Negative pressure ensures that the valve is opened. This can allow air to get into the pool pump. When using a fully automatic rewind valve, it is important that it is optimally installed to avoid this problem.

Category:

Garden design