Pump is cavitating, making a loud hissing or gravelly sound, with lots of air in the pump basket

Safety first: Turn off power before adjusting valves or cleaning baskets.

Steps to check:

• Clean suction side: Empty skimmer and pump baskets. Remove any obstructions from vacuum lines.
• Open valves fully: Ensure all suction valves are fully open and that any 3‑way valves are not restricting flow.
• Check water level: Maintain pool water level at least halfway up the skimmer opening to prevent vortexing and air draw.
• Review installation: If the pump is installed above water level or far from the pool, consult DAB installation guidelines to ensure the suction conditions are within limits.