How to Quickly Bleed Air from Your Intex Pool Pump?

If you’re a pool owner, you know how crucial it is to maintain your pool’s pump system. A properly functioning pool pump keeps your pool clean and safe to swim in. However, one of the most common issues with pool pumps is air getting trapped inside the system, which can cause the pump to lose suction and stop working altogether. In this article, we will discuss how to quickly bleed air from your Intex pool pump and keep it running smoothly.

Intex pool pumps are a popular choice for many pool owners due to their affordability and ease of use. However, if air gets trapped inside the pump, it can cause the pump to lose suction and stop working effectively. To prevent this, you need to know how to properly bleed air from your Intex pool pump. In this article, we will discuss the tools and steps required to bleed air from your pool pump and ensure it continues to function correctly.

Bleeding air from your Intex pool pump may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a necessary step to keep your pool’s pump system running efficiently. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can easily bleed air from your pool pump and ensure it stays in top shape. Keep reading to learn more about how to bleed air from your Intex pool pump and keep your pool running smoothly all summer long.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Pool Pump Functioning

When it comes to maintaining your swimming pool, keeping your pool pump functioning properly is essential. A pool pump serves as the heart of your swimming pool’s circulation system, and without it, your pool water wouldn’t be filtered and cleaned correctly. The importance of maintaining a well-functioning pool pump is twofold: it ensures that your pool is clean and safe to swim in, and it extends the lifespan of your pool pump and other pool equipment.

One of the most important functions of a pool pump is to circulate water through the pool’s filter, which removes dirt, debris, and other impurities from the water. When the water in your pool is not circulated correctly, it can become stagnant, allowing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to thrive. This can pose a significant health risk to swimmers, particularly if they have open wounds or are vulnerable to infections.

In addition to maintaining proper water circulation and ensuring safe swimming conditions, a well-functioning pool pump also conserves energy and reduces energy costs. A pool pump that’s not functioning correctly can use more electricity than necessary, which not only drives up your energy bill but can also contribute to environmental pollution. A pool pump that’s well-maintained and running correctly, on the other hand, can save you money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

Lastly, maintaining your pool pump is essential for protecting your pool equipment. A malfunctioning pump can cause your pool’s other components, such as the filter, heater, or chlorinator, to work harder than necessary, leading to increased wear and tear and a shorter lifespan. By keeping your pool pump functioning correctly, you can avoid costly repairs and replacements of your pool equipment in the long run.

As you can see, maintaining your pool pump is crucial for both your safety and your wallet. In the next sections, we’ll explore the necessary tools and equipment needed to bleed air from your Intex pool pump, as well as the step-by-step process for doing so.

Ensuring Proper Water Circulation

Proper water circulation is key to a healthy and clean pool. When your pool pump is functioning correctly, it moves water through the pool’s filtration system, removing debris and contaminants. Without proper water circulation, your pool can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae, leading to a host of problems. To ensure proper water circulation, check the strainer basket and pool skimmer regularly to remove any debris that could clog the pump.

1. Backwash the filter: This is a process of cleaning the filter by reversing the flow of water. Backwashing removes debris and contaminants trapped in the filter, allowing water to flow freely through the system.
2. Check the pump basket: This basket catches larger debris that may have bypassed the skimmer. Empty the basket regularly to prevent clogs and damage to the pump.
3. Inspect the pool pump: Look for cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear that could compromise the pump’s performance.
4. Balance the pool chemistry: Proper water chemistry is essential for maintaining a healthy pool. Test your pool water regularly and adjust the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels as needed.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pool pump is functioning properly and that water is circulating effectively through the system. This will help keep your pool clean, clear, and safe for swimming.

Preventing Potential Damage to Your Pool Pump

• Check and clean the pool filter regularly: A clogged pool filter can cause strain on your pool pump, leading to potential damage. Be sure to clean the filter at least once a week, or more often if needed.
• Keep an eye on the water level: Running the pool pump without enough water can cause damage to the impeller, which can be costly to repair or replace. Make sure the water level stays above the skimmer at all times.
• Protect your pool pump from the elements: Your pool pump should be installed in a covered area or protected by a pump cover to prevent damage from rain, sun, and other weather elements.
• Don’t run the pump dry: Before turning on the pool pump, make sure the pump basket is filled with water to prevent running the pump dry, which can cause damage to the impeller or motor.

By following these preventative measures, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements to your pool pump and ensure it continues to function properly for years to come.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Pool Pump

Regular maintenance and proper care of your pool pump can help extend its lifespan, saving you time and money in the long run. Here are some tips to keep your pump running smoothly:

• Keep it clean: Regularly clean the pool pump and its surroundings to prevent debris from accumulating and clogging the system.
• Monitor water levels: Ensure that the water level in your pool stays at the recommended level. If the water level gets too low, the pool pump can overheat and suffer damage.
• Check the filter: Regularly check and clean the filter to prevent it from getting clogged, which can reduce the efficiency of your pool pump.
• Perform regular maintenance: Schedule routine maintenance checks with a professional to ensure that all parts of your pool pump are functioning correctly.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your pool pump runs smoothly and has a long lifespan.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Air Bleeding

Before you begin the process of bleeding air from your Intex pool pump, it’s important to have the necessary tools and equipment on hand. Here are four essential items you’ll need:

Screwdriver: You’ll need a flathead screwdriver to open the pool pump’s air release valve and release any trapped air.

Hose: A length of hose is necessary to help with the air bleeding process. It will connect to the air release valve and allow the air to escape.

Pool filter: Your pool filter should be clean and functioning properly before you begin air bleeding. This ensures that the water flows freely through the pump and prevents further air from becoming trapped.

Towels: Air bleeding can be a messy process, so be sure to have some towels handy to catch any water that spills over during the process. They can also be used to clean up any excess water that may be left on the pump or surrounding area.

Having these tools and equipment readily available will make the process of air bleeding your Intex pool pump much easier and efficient.

A Vacuum Head and Hose

Vacuum Head: A vacuum head is a triangular or rectangular-shaped cleaning attachment that attaches to the end of a telescoping pole. It is designed to remove debris from the bottom of the pool, including sand, dirt, and leaves.

Hose: A pool vacuum hose is a long, flexible tube that connects the vacuum head to the pool’s filter system. It is typically made of durable plastic and comes in various lengths and diameters to fit different pool sizes.

Telescoping Pole: A telescoping pole is an extendable rod that attaches to the vacuum head and allows you to reach the entire pool floor without having to bend over. It can be adjusted to different lengths, depending on the size of your pool.

A Pool Skimmer

A pool skimmer is an essential tool for any pool owner, and it is also necessary for the air bleeding process. Skimmers are designed to remove debris from the surface of the water, such as leaves, insects, and other unwanted materials that can affect the water quality and cause clogging. When you are bleeding air from your Intex pool pump, using a skimmer can help you remove any debris that may be blocking the water flow and preventing the pump from working correctly.

There are various types of pool skimmers available in the market, including manual and automatic skimmers. The manual skimmer is operated by hand, while the automatic skimmer runs on electricity and is designed to work continuously. Both types of skimmers can be used for air bleeding, but the automatic skimmer is more convenient as it operates on its own and requires less effort from the user.

Make sure to check your pool skimmer regularly for any damages or issues, as a faulty skimmer can cause more problems than it solves. A damaged skimmer can lead to leaks, reduced suction power, and even damage to your pool’s filtration system. It is essential to keep your skimmer clean and well-maintained to ensure it works correctly when you need it.

When using a pool skimmer for air bleeding, ensure that it is properly connected to the suction line and that there are no leaks or cracks in the skimmer’s basket. By using a skimmer during the air bleeding process, you can maintain proper water circulation and prevent any potential damage to your pool pump.

A Pressure Gauge

If you notice that your pool pump is not functioning as efficiently as it should be, it could be due to a clogged filter or a blocked impeller. However, it’s also possible that the issue is related to a drop in pressure. A pressure gauge can help you identify this problem by measuring the pressure at various points in your pool’s circulation system.

Before attempting to bleed air from your pool pump, it’s important to check the pressure gauge to see if there is a significant drop in pressure. This could indicate that air is trapped in the system, preventing proper water flow. If the gauge readings are within the recommended range, then there may be another issue causing the problem.

Step-by-Step Guide to Bleeding Air from Your Intex Pool Pump

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump.

Step 2: Remove the strainer basket lid from the pool pump.

Step 3: Fill the strainer basket with water to prime the pump.

Step 4: Replace the strainer basket lid and turn on the pool pump.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily bleed air from your Intex pool pump, ensuring that it is functioning at its best and that your pool is crystal clear all season long.

Turn Off the Power Supply to Your Pump

Before you start the air bleeding process, make sure to turn off the power supply to your pump. This is essential for your safety and to prevent any damage to your pump.

Locate the circuit breaker for your pool pump and turn it off. You can also unplug the pump from the electrical outlet if it’s easier to access. Wait for a few minutes to make sure the pump is completely powered down before moving on to the next step.

Tips to Ensure Your Pool Pump Runs Smoothly

Clean Your Pool Regularly: Regular pool cleaning can help prevent debris build-up and clogging of the pump’s filter, allowing it to function smoothly.

Maintain Proper Water Chemistry: The pool’s pH and chlorine levels should be maintained within the recommended ranges to prevent damage to the pump’s internal components.

Check and Clean the Pump’s Strainer Basket: Regularly checking and cleaning the pump’s strainer basket can prevent blockages, which can cause the pump to work harder and result in premature wear and tear.

Schedule Regular Maintenance: Have a professional inspect and maintain your pool pump regularly to identify and address potential problems before they cause significant damage.

Clean Your Pool Pump Regularly

Cleaning your pool pump regularly is one of the most important things you can do to ensure it runs smoothly. Over time, debris such as leaves, grass, and bugs can clog the pump’s filters and reduce its efficiency. To prevent this, you should clean the pump at least once a month during peak pool season.

Start by turning off the pump and closing the valves on either side of it. Next, remove the lid of the pump and use a hose to rinse out any debris from the basket. You may need to use a brush to dislodge any stubborn dirt or debris. Check the O-ring and replace it if necessary. Finally, replace the lid, open the valves, and turn the pump back on.

Monitor Your Pool Water Levels

Keeping your pool water levels consistent is important for the proper functioning of your pool pump. If the water levels get too low, the pump can become damaged or overheat. Conversely, if the water levels are too high, it can cause the skimmer to malfunction and the pool to become cloudy.

It’s recommended to check your pool water levels at least once a week. If the levels are too low, add water using a garden hose until they reach the appropriate level. If they are too high, you can use a submersible pump to remove excess water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Bleeding Air from Your Intex Pool Pump

Not Turning Off the Power Supply: Before performing any maintenance on your pool pump, it’s crucial to turn off the power supply to avoid electrocution. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or even death.

Not Venting the Air Release Valve: One of the most common mistakes people make when bleeding air from their pool pump is not venting the air release valve. This valve is designed to release air from the system, but if it’s not opened, the pump won’t be able to function correctly.

Not Following the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Each pool pump is unique and may require specific steps to bleed air effectively. Not following the manufacturer’s instructions could result in damage to your pump, so be sure to read and understand the instructions before proceeding.

Not Addressing the Root Cause of Air in the System: Bleeding air from your pool pump is only a temporary solution if the root cause of air in the system isn’t addressed. Common causes of air in the system include leaks in the suction side of the pump, clogged skimmer baskets, or a cracked pump lid.

Not Turning Off the Power Supply Before Bleeding Air

One of the most common mistakes people make when bleeding air from their Intex pool pump is not turning off the power supply before doing so. This can be extremely dangerous and could result in electrocution.

Always turn off the power supply and unplug the pump before you start the process of air bleeding. This will ensure that you can safely remove the air from the pump without risking an electric shock.

Not Checking Your Pool Pump’s Pressure Gauge Regularly

One common mistake pool owners make is not regularly checking their pool pump’s pressure gauge. This can lead to a host of problems, such as decreased water flow and even damage to the pump itself.

It’s important to check the pressure gauge at least once a week to ensure that the pump is running within its optimal pressure range. If the pressure is too low, it may indicate a clogged filter or other issue. If it’s too high, it could mean that the pump is working too hard and may be at risk of overheating or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions