Sorry, but it’s an issue that sucks for a lot of us. You’ll recognise a suction side air leak when it shows in your hose or pump by bubbles and splashing and frothing in the pump basket.

This indicates your pump is not getting the water it needs to function smoothly but, instead, air is getting into the system and starving or semi-starving the pump. It’s like using a straw with a hole in it – useless and it needs to be fixed.

So, how will  you recognise this issue? Air leaks occur only on the suction side of your system, that is starting at the skimmer and continuing until it gets to the pump impeller.

In a lot of cases. you’ll need specialist knowledge and tools, so it’s easier to get an expert to do it. Rest assured though, whoever does it, 99% of the work will be in finding the source of that leak.

A few common causes.

• • The most common source is the pump basket lid. It must have an airtight seal. Replace the O-ring, and make sure it’s fit snugly.
  • Poorly made or broken, cracked PVC joints. If it looks sloppily made or crooked, it most probably is. Cut out and remake that joint.
  • They can be cracked or need new seals. Make sure all is in order.

Be methodical when you try to find the leak. It can be slow and subtle. Once you find it, the fix will be the easy part of the job. Well, if you’re a pool expert.