bubbles in water

[cds13]

Hi:
We have an above ground (vinyl) pool, about 80,000L, with a sand filter. The water temp has been quite high for over 7 days now, holding around 88 - 90 F. Chlorine has been in the recommended range, but I'm wondering if I should bring it up to 3ppm in the hot weather?

Lately, I've noticed in the water a lot of tiny tiny bubbles and if you look into the reflection of the sun, you can see a slight fizzle on the surface.

The water is still clear from outside looking in, but if you're under water with goggles, you can see a lot of tiny tiny bubbles in the water.

I know we have a bit of an air leak from our solar heater, but no where close to the volume of bubbles in the water. Could it be something else?

[aylad]

It doesn't take a big leak to create lots of bubbles. Do you have a swcg? They create bubbles as they operate, too. You mentioned bringing your chlorine up to 3 ppm-- what is your CYA level?

[cds13]

I'm unfamiliar with swcg (what does that stand for) and CYA?

One of the drain valves at the very top of the solar heater wasn't fully sealed. I managed to close that off yesterday, and for sure it was sucking in air from there. Perhaps it takes a few days for the bubbles to fully go away?

Is there an easy way to check lines for air leaks? None of the lines have water droplets but it doesn't mean they're not sucking in air?

Thanks for your help.

[PoolDoc]

SWCG = Salt Water Chlorine Generator; CYA = cyanuric acid (chlorine sunlight stabilizer)

If you find an easy and practical way to locate suction leaks, PATENT IT quick! You're gonna get rich!

[cds13]

No, we don't use a SWCG - we use liquid chlorine and stabilized chlorine pucks once in a while.

Last time we checked, stabilizer was within range. Bubbles seem to be much less today, we also let the temperature drop a little, the pool seems to act up more when the water is 88+F for more than a week.

Thanks for suggestions

[aylad]

But "within range" doesn't really mean anything. My fear is that your Cl is too low for your CYA level, and it won't take long for algae to develop under those conditions.

Janet