Hayward Ecostar Pump - Air Issues?

[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.