Pump basket keeps filling with air instead of water

[Manikshaw]

Every time I run the pump I see the basket half full of air bubbles instead of staying packed.

 

[John Faulkner]

Also check the suction side pipes even a tiny crack or loose fitting will pull air in I found a leak at the union joint once and it caused the same problem.

 

[syedsam]

Mine did that when the O-ring on the lid was worn out replacing it fixed the air leak and the basket stayed full again.

 

[Michael Young]

Had that before, could be a loose O-ring or a leak in the intake hose. Once I replaced it, the issue went away.

 

[Lily Allen]

I’ve had the same issue! Turns out the problem was a worn-out O-ring causing an air leak. After replacing the O-ring, the issue went away, and the pump basket stayed full again.

 

[Ella Robinson]

I had the same thing air was sneaking in through a worn pump-lid O-ring. Swap it or add silicone lube, tighten the suction-side fittings (skimmer/union), and make sure the water level’s high enough. After that, my basket stayed full of water.