Air in your pump? When the Real Leak Isn’t Underground

If your pool system is pulling in air, it’s easy to assume the worst—like an underground leak. But that’s not always the case. I recently visited a pool where the homeowner was concerned about air bubbles entering the system. The situation turned out to be a great example of why it’s so important to hire an experienced pool leak detection specialist.

We tested both skimmer lines and performed a full camera inspection from the skimmer boxes to the pump. There was a very slight issue on the shallow skimmer line, but it was so minor that it wasn’t contributing to water loss or causing air to enter the system. In fact, there was nothing in the underground lines that would explain the air in the pump.

Although we don’t typically address air leaks at the equipment pad, I decided to take a closer look. I inspected all fittings and valves ahead of the pump and discovered the true cause: a cracked internal component in the skimmer line 3-way valve. Once identified, the valve was reassembled and the skimmer line was turned back on. The system ran properly with no air being pulled in.

Why This Matters

Diagnosing air in a pool system isn’t just about finding leaks—it’s about knowing where and how to look. Inexperienced contractors often assume the problem lies underground, leading to unnecessary digging and costly repairs that don’t solve the issue.

At Seacoast Water Services, we specialize in pool leak detection across Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine. Our approach is methodical and based on years of experience working with complex systems. Whether the problem is in the plumbing, the fittings, or the equipment pad, we know what to look for—and how to find it fast.

Need help with a suspected pool leak or air in your system?

Contact us today to schedule an inspection. We’ll save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches.