Pool Care /
Where Is the Air Relief Valve on a Pool Pump?
The air relief valve is usually on the pool filter, not the pump itself. Look near the top of the filter tank and turn off the pump before touching equipment.
Archive date: this article was written for PoolSkimmer on Oct 24, 2026 and given the earlier archive date of Jun 26, 2025 so the blog reads as an organized archive. It was not published on that date.
Locating the air relief valve on a pool pump
You will not find the air relief valve on the pump; it is to be found on the pool filter. In most setups, the valve is positioned at the top of the filter tank to allow any trapped air to vent during routine maintenance, filtration changes or when you start up the system. A cursory look at the pump housing will have you miss it.
Finding the valve on your equipment
First make sure you can clearly distinguish the pump, the filter and the plumbing that ties them together. What you are looking for is a small knob, cap, bleed fitting or valve on the upper section of the filter. The exact placement varies with the model, but it is often in the vicinity of the pressure gauge or on the top assembly.
A good approach is to follow these steps:
1. Shut down the pump prior to handling the skimmer basket, the lid or any filter components. 2. Refer to the *manual* for the specifications of your particular filter. 3. Have a look at the top of the tank for a manual air relief. 4. Rather than put any strain on a fitting, cross reference what is in front of you with the manufacturer’s diagram.
The function of the valve
Simply put, the air relief valve is there to let the filter housing rid itself of trapped air. This keeps the filter from building up excess air and ensures proper circulation. You might hear a hiss or a short burst of air as it leaves the system while the pump is in operation.
Should you notice weak circulation or a recurrence of air bubbles, the valve could be to blame, though it is not the only culprit as air can make its way in through other parts of the circulation system.
I do not see one. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. Designs differ from one piece of pool equipment to the next. While some have an obvious manual relief, others may have an integrated vent or another type of bleed arrangement. Do not assume the system is faulty because the valve is hard to come by.
Visually check the top of the filter, the space around the pressure gauge or any small fitting marked for bleeding air. If in doubt, consult the *manual*. Under no circumstances should you pry or twist anything under pressure.
When to bring in a pro
It is best to engage a qualified pool professional if the valve is damaged, stuck or leaking, or if you have trouble with water flow and pressure in the filter. Also call them in if you are at a loss after checking the manual, if air persists despite your efforts, or if you suspect a fault in the plumbing or pump that goes beyond a basic inspection.
Things to avoid
Safety comes first. Do not open up equipment that is still pressurised, and never put your hands in a suction outlet or operating suction gear. Leave electrical repairs on the pump to someone else. And before you go to work on the skimmer basket or nearby parts, make sure the pump is off.
Use the right PPE and heed the instructions on the chemical labels and the equipment manual. If the water does not look safe or you have reason to think there is an electrical problem, put the work aside.
Sources and further reading
- [Hayward: Weekly pool maintenance](https://www.hayward.com/maintenance/weekly-pool-maintenance)