How to Bleed the Air From Pool Lines

Welcome back, ePoolSupply supporters! When you are reopening your pool, have a brand new pool, or even after doing some work on the pool equipment it is likely you will have air in the lines. Removing air from a pool line involves priming the system with water to enable the pump to push the air out. When air exists in the intake line and the pump chamber, the pump cannot draw water into the system to purge the air. If you want to learn how to bleed the air from your pool lines, then keep on reading! 

Turn Off The Pump and Pool Equipment 

The first step is to turn off and temporarily cut the pool equipment's power. This includes the pool pump and heater. 

Prime The Pool Pump

Make sure the pool pump is primed. Open the pool pump strainer box cover, usually secured by two knurled knobs. If no water is present, fill the strainer with water from a garden hose. Then prime your pool pump. During the process of bleeding the air out of your pool pump, you may notice a lot of air in the pump. This is completely normal. Make sure you very slowly open the valves one at a time. This will give the pump enough time to suck the air out of the lines or pipes without losing the prime.

Check out our blog on - How To Prime A Pool Pump

Inspect The Pump Lid and O-Ring

The pool pump lid is a very common cause of air leaks in the pool line. If the cover is cracked or damaged, air can get in. There are also o-rings positioned inside the covers. If any of these are broken then they should be replaced as soon as possible. 

Check out all the pump lids and o-rings we sell 

Turn The Multiport Valve to Filter 

The valve is used for a number of functions such as backwashing but to get rid of the air from the pool lines, you will need to turn the multiport valve to the filter position. 

Check out the multiport valves we sell 

Turn On The Pump and Slowly Open The Valve

Turn on the pool pump and while it is running, slightly open one of the skimmer valves starting with the main drain. It is imperative you do this step slowly. You should see bubbles discharging from the returns as air is forced out of the line into the pool water. After a while, the pump should catch up and fill up with water. Now you can further open the valve, but very slowly as before. Keep doing this until you’ve fully opened the valve and there is minimal air in the pump.

After bleeding the air from the pool lines, check the pool filter pressure levels this should be 10-25 psi. This will show that there is no more air in the pool lines. 

In the end, having excess air in your pool lines can affect the pool’s function. Having air in your pool lines doesn’t always mean there is a problem. It’s normal to have air in your pool lines when reopening your pool after winter, in a new pool, or after completing some work on your pool’s system. If you are not sure how to do this or if this is your first time, it is best to contact a pool professional to help you out and answer any questions you may have.