Hayward Ecostar Pump - Air Issues?

[BigDave]

I haven't done it myself, read about it. I understand that plastic film would be wrapped around joints and inspected for evidence that it is being pulled into the joint. Shaving cream seems like it would be easier to observe. I wouldn't even try plastic film on the strainer lid - too many strange shapes.

[jevincent1]

After quite the mess with shaving cream, I found that on 2700 rpm, if I put shaving cream around the joints of the exposed suction piping connecting the skimmers to the 3 way valve, the bubbles were completely eliminated. I didn't see any shaving cream in the strainer basket, but it looks like it was thick enough to seal the leak for a couple of minutes.

Is that how it is supposed to work?

[BigDave]

I didn't think the shaving cream would seal the leak, just help find it. Wow. Now you know where the leak is. Are the joints glued or threaded?

[jevincent1]

Yep, it sealed it. I don't think it is large at all, just a tiny leak that allows air into the lid over time. The joints are glued - I have flex pipe coming out of the ground into a plastic 90 which is then piped into the valve for each of the two suction lines.

He was pretty impressed with the picture I sent him showing the entire thing covered in shaving cream and the clear lid showing a full prime with no air. He is sending a tech out to silicone each of the joints leading into the valve for both suction lines.

[BigDave]

That oughtta work. hmmm, will silicone adhere to shaving cream?

[jevincent1]

To close the loop on this thread, the Hayward pump turned out to be a great investment once the leads were sealed. There is still a void in the pump strainer basket if running on low speed, but no air into the filter. Once the speed hits a high enough flow, no void in the strainer basket.

I did see a benefit on my electric bill as well.

[BigDave]

Thanks for the follow up. I'm pretty happy with our pump (overall) as well. I can live with the air in the pump lid - it doesn't seem to be a problem.