Air Bubbles in your Pool Pump? | Dealing With Suction Leaks

So you have air bubbles in your pump and want to know why? Commonly these are caused by suction leaks and in this video, Mark goes over the different ways to isolate the problem helping you locate the potential leak more easily.
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Music: Zach Scholz

[@LucindaGillispie]

Just recently upgraded pool pump to a variable speed and on completion was told that the air in the suction line would work itself out. Didn't happen. After watching your video I was able to isolate the loose connection. My only regret is that I didn't find this video sooner. Thank you!

[@DaVincyi]

Thank you, thank you! For 3 years now I couldn’t find the leak. I thought it was in the skimmer pipe. By watching your video, I have found my leak. Great video. It works!

[@codyp1472]

Just curious, where was your leak? I believe I have isolated my leak to be on the skimmer side as well. When I’m pulling from both lines there is no air but when I close the main drain and pull only from the skimmer, that’s when all the air is starts sucking into the pump. Been dealing with it for a few years and after trouble shooting many times still haven’t figured it out. Thanks

[@daakrolb]

Yes I am also curious- where was your air leak??

[@Gourockian1]

Great info and and very well presented. I like how you finish up by saying "as always, my name is Mark..." I'm like that too - I never change my name. 😂😂😂

[@roller9158]

Thanks!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@roller9158 Thank you very much and thanks for watching.

[@maxflight777]

Siperb tips.. compelling clarity. Thank you Mark.

[@EmeraldRitter-cj9mj]

Thank you so much. I just fixed my pool issues after this video!!!!!

[@larrygriffin2934]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.Thanks to you I saved on a expensive service call.👍

[@Peace-xu8ps]

Thank you for this video. We had our pool equipment replaced in 2021. Each summer I complain to the owner that water sprays from the piping every time I backwash and that the pump is weaker (suction in skimmer poor) after my first backwash. I’m ignored or get a shoulder shrug thinking I’m doing something wrong since I’m new to this game. Now I know it’s not me. Especially since I’ve been able to keep the pool water clear & close to perfect every season.

[@mmoskov51]

Thanks. Very educational, a lot of details and information

[@Rickstar270]

Great video. Very well explained. Thanks.

[@AlanDoner]

Fantastic, informative demonstration, thank you Mark!

[@clevonhicks103]

Wow this is great and very informative thanks Mark

[@dsmasynergy]

All your videos are top notch! Thx for making them, you have saved me tons of money!!

[@docabrar]

superb explanation, u r a very good teacher

[@sherrielder7215]

thank you Mark! that must be it.. I melted my basket last season! ugh I know.. but that fitting still needs replace - thank you thank you! - old streamline hot tubs? reset button? cant find anywhere - has its own "boiler"? .. old lol

[@abouiyadbenhama1262]

Absolutely great videos! Best on KZbin ‘ thank you sir ! Very informative

[@sogent56]

Great job. My pool pumps air back into the pool returns.

[@EAR21]

Thanks for a very useful video!

[@north4961]

Used an oil filter wrench to just snug the large couplers all suction & discharge side. Can’t even hear water going through sand filter - no more air bubbles at return jets. 👍👍🇨🇦

[@Favara1]

Great video! It helped me locate where I had a leak coming from. Thank you

[@olgakiely6898]

Good video, I get air bubbles sometimes because of something that I have floating in the pool got into the skimmer and it prevented some of the water going in. Most of the time if i remove the skimmer cap and remove whatever is in the basket and I can listen to the water escaping. If that doesn't work I'll backwash and usually it works..

[@lpgillies]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video. Very helpful!!

[@kevinbrogan1362]

Thank you from Canada for your very informative videos.

[@tommyt326]

Thanks - - I'd forgotten about the filter drain plugs!

[@33818ual]

Have a hayward 0740 FLO valve. and water leaks from the control handle. Could this be why my pump basket drains over night? Thanks for your input. Great video. I also get air bubbles in the pump basket when pool pump is running.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Yes, anytime you have a suction leak or a leak on the valve and the system is off, you will lose water in your pump. If the system is air tight, your pump will hold prime even if the pump is off. Thanks for watching.

[@drdrew3]

There are several common things do like cut before you even mess with the pump: low water level, stuck weir door, debris in slimmer basket. In your demo pump the inlet pipe is too close to the 90 degree fitting. Manufacturer recommends a MINIMUM straight run of 5 times the pipe diameter on this piece

[@timezonewall]

My original install pump definitely has a straight run to the pump inlet of less than 5 times the pipe diameter. I've never liked how the installer did the piping to the pool equipment in general. Things are too close such that if something cracks and needs to be replaced, such as a jandy valve or an elbow, multiple valves and elbows will have to be replaced.

[@randolphcirilo4800]

Fantastic video.. Thank You!

[@PiquedFlow]

Excellent video, thanks for this!

[@Benacious86]

Keep up the great work. Love your videos!

[@tonyforte5767]

Great videos. I do have a question. With the drain line open ( I have a side wall drain line) there's no bubbles, but little suction from the skimmer. I'll close the drain line partially and get better suction from the skimmer. If I close the drain line completely, there's a lot of air in the pump and bubbles from jets. Would a leak be in my skimmer line? I have a Hayward sand filter for an in ground pool.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If your skimmer is not clogged and your pool is at the correct water level, it sounds like you might have a suction leak on the skimmer line. Thanks for watching.

[@chipstork9430]

Grat video. Very helpful

[@lordthanoss]

Thanks a lot..i was able to detect the leak using your video and surely saved a couple of hundred dollars.

[@veebudgets]

Thanks for this video- I have a question, my system does not have a drain line into the pump, only skimmer (I believe the previous owners sealed the bottom drain years ago). Any suggestions other than being able to turn on and off the drain/skimmer lines? Thank you!

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If you do not have a drain, then you can only isolate the skimmer. Thanks for watching.

[@daakrolb]

Great video. On our system, when the pump speed is low, more air is in the pump. If we turn up the speed, there is less. Is that a clue to the air leak location???

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like you need to clean the filter, the pump will have to work harder to push the water in low speed through the filter, if dirty. Thanks for watching.

[@daakrolb]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Well, the pool company just put in new sand….

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It depends on the size of the pump and the size of the filter that you have. If you run the pump with a little more speed you will be fine. Remember, when you backwash and rinse the filter you want to have the pump running at a higher speed so you have more power when cleaning the filter.

[@timsummey9784]

Very informative video. I get air when I run my variable speed pump at lower speeds. Is this normal?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

When you run your pump at a very low speed this can happen due to restriction of pressure as the water goes through your filter. If you clean or backwash your filter this can help. If you have minimal air at low speeds you will be fine. Thanks for watching.

[@1946bike]

thanks again Mark!

[@Chris-nd3pq]

Great video. Are you able to help? I have a pump that keeps turning off after prime. I have tried everything. New pump. New breaker. New on/off switch. Lines blown out. Shaving cream on all joints looking for leak. Some bubbles when priming. After prime it shuts off. I have been working on the pool for a week and can not figure out the problem. Any advice?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Chris-nd3pq It sounds like an electrical issue, if this is a new pump make sure that you have the pump wired correctly. Most pumps can be converted from 120 volts to 220 volts. If the pump is not wired correctly according to the feed that you have this could be the problem. Thanks for watching.

[@Chris-nd3pq]

​@HallmarkPoolSupplies thank you for the quick response. I have checked the wiring and maybe you could help. I did watch the video how to wire your pump. I have an aquastrong 2HP 220v PSP200T. I have taken the back off which only has a fan. It has a built in timer on top which is where the electric is run. I took that cap off and there is a board that the wires are connected to. There is not a switch or dial to change from 110 or 220. I am assuming it is automatically 220 based on the size, the label, and the marking on the board inside. By watching the video I learned that both white and black must be hooked to power. My white was wired to a neutral wire at my switch. I have now connected both wires to power, but it is not giving power to the pump. The pump only receives power to turn on when I have the white wired to neutral. I am not sure why or what to do?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Chris-nd3pq If you have 220v then you will have two hot wires and a ground wire, there is no neutral wire. In your situation, l would call an electrician to be on the safe side.

[@santysasidharan249]

Thanks for sharing....

[@teacherlynn671]

Two questions if I could. First, I do see water coming out of the pump basket gasket when I shut it off. I replaced the seal. Two pool professionals told me that is normal. It still happens. Second, where does the drain pipe go. Is that to the bottom of the pool? My DE is going to the pool and I get halos at the bottom drains. The filter pressure relief went bad, but I replaced it. I have a roof solar that is leaking. The 3 way valve vibrates hard when I shut the pump off.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@teacherlynn671 When the pump is on it should be running air tight. It sounds like you might need to clean your filter thoroughly. Thanks for watching.

[@teacherlynn671]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thanks. All this happened after I cleaned my filter. Then I found the air relief valve leaking. So I redid my filter but still the same. Do you know where I can get an exploded view of an Pentair 2inch PVC Solar valve 263047

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@ You can try Pentair’s website or call customer service.

[@capnkid2811]

Sometimes the first thing to do is check after backwashing, or vaccuming the pool when you start the pump motor you notice air bubbles in the pump. What I do on my filter is open the bolt on the backside of my glass globe that shows the clean progress and open it up until I hear air whooshing out. Wait until you get solid water, tighten it back down and my air bubbles are all gone. Works every time

[@timezonewall]

What you are describing is purging temporarily trapped air in working (leak free) system. If a system has an active suction side leak, purging the air won't do anything as the air will enter continuously as long as the pump runs. This video is about finding an active suction side leak.

[@dadand4hittas]

I know this vid is older and not sure if you’re answering questions but when I backwash or to waste the filter leaks from the collar and sight glass on a Hayward sand filter could this be where air is why

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

While the pump is running a leak around the collar or the sight glass is a leak after the pump and is a leak under pressure. Anything loose, cracked or not tight before the pump is a suction leak, causing the pump to suck air. Thanks for watching.

[@estiben3508]

I tried unclogging skimmer from filter with bladder hose..it seemed to be dissolving so.e white powder but never finish unclogging and pool got full to the top..any advise?

[@OneMe2RuleUAll]

So closing either drain or skimmer line throws my psi out of wack and doesn't provide the pump with enough water. Is there another way to test this or should i assume the leak is on the pump side?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@OneMe2RuleUAll You should be able to run the pump on the drain only or the skimmer only, if not, your pump is not sized properly for your system or you have a restriction causing the pump to be starved. If the pump runs the same regardless if you are running the skimmer only or the drain only, then the pump will also suck air with both lines open. If this is the case then you need to check the pump, make sure everything is sealed, air tight and that your lid, plugs, gasket or o-ring is in good condition. If the pump is not air tight then it will be a problem maintaining full prime. Thanks for watching.

[@hganson2]

Your video is certainly helpful 👍

[@DFPFTW]

My 10k pool Renovated 18 months ago is now starting this. I think the glue on the pvc was done incorrect. Will be 👀 investigate 🔬 ing

[@831CROW]

Good video

[@g.string8816]

Hello Mark, great video. I have low pressure and replaced my impeller but noticed slight air bubbles in pump. I do have a small leak on the pump output pipe threads. Could this cause low pressure and air in pump?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, this type of leak will not cause low pressure or air bubbles. This is the outgoing line, which would have leaks and would be recommended to fix. Leaks will usually get worse.

[@irulans187]

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[@irulans187]

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[@irulans187]

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[@irulans187]

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[@MichaelHolst-z9c]

Is it possible for air to be drawn in past the seal on the motor impeller shaft?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, from this point it’s under pressure not suction. Thanks for watching.

[@thomasdressler9939]

What I did to find the reason bubbles in the pool I ran a stream of water from a hose on the fittings starting at the bottom my case was the ball valve knob was broken hold a steam of water on it when the air goes out of the pump there you go

[@BartNoble]

I don't have any valves on my skimmer nor drain, they both go directly to the pump.

[@andrewclodfelter3782]

Thank you

[@bonnieparker1238]

When I turn my pump off I hear a hissing from the pump and it looses its prime very slowly. My husband brought the pump in the house last year and I am wondering if some parts dried out. I also was blind when I went to vacuum on waste and vacuumed on winter. I am praying that didn’t do damage. I also see air when I am running just the skimmer. But the bubbles go away when I have both the drain and skimmer open. No bubbles with just the main drain. I have so much trouble with this pool! I spend over 500 every year and many frustrating hours of work to try and get it useable. Just want to cry. No local pool people can figure it out. Believe me I have tried and tried and tried to get reliable help. Thank you for this video. I now know how to isolate the leak. Do you have any ideas for me to check first?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are several possibilities that could be the problem, if you would like to contact me I will be glad to help.

[@louisd95714]

Not sure if you can answer my question or not. The return on my above ground pool shows slight foaming. When I first opened the pool, it used to foam the entire pool, but after shocking it, there is a little foam and bubbles at the return, and it is no longer acccuninating foam. The water pressure reading on my Hayward DE earth filter reads between 8 and 10, so I know the pressure is good. I also cleaned and lubricated the O-ring on my pump's collar, and have no water leaks. A local pool store claims it could be from the power of water through the return, but am not certain because this is the first year this has occured. Do you think the foam and bubbles can be coming from an air leak, or from the power of the water coming from the return?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

If the system is running air tight, then probably not. Some chemicals can cause foaming like algaecides. Did you add an algaecide?

[@louisd95714]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thank you for your repy. I haven't added algecide in my pool for closely two years because it didn't need it. This year, when I opened my pool, it was only one third full, so I had to add a lot of water. The entire pool starated foaming as soon as the pump ran, even after balancing the water. The only way it stopped was after shocking it. I also did this time add a small amounf of algecide, just in case if the lack of algecide was causing it. Now I have very little foam, not accumilating, with a small drizzle at the return with pool bubbles. I can live with it, but I want to make sure there s nothing wrong with the pump or filter. There is a reason to everything, so this is why I am scratching my head with this..

[@Aidamari97]

Hi, Mark. I used the bucket test and have determined that there is an obvious leak somewhere in my pool. It has been extremely hot here in Texas the past few weeks. So I fully understand the loss of some water is due to evaporation. More water is lost when I run the pump. There is no water loss, except from evaporation, when the pump is off. The water level is now 2 inches below the two skimmers. So now when I do run the pump, it is pulling water from the main drain only. Is my leak from the main drain (suction line) or is it from one of the pressure lines?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like a pressure leak. I made several videos on how to find a leak like a pro parts 1-4, if you want to check it out. Feel free to contact me I will be glad to help.

[@Aidamari97]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thanks. I have watched many of your videos. Very educational.

[@Aidamari97]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Hi, Mark. Using the bucket test, I am 100% sure the pool has stopped leaking. The current water level is about 4 inches below the skimmer line. The pool only loses water if the pump runs. According to your videos, I have a pressure leak. There is no sense plugging up the return lines because there is no loss of water if the pump doesn't run. I started digging near one of the skimmers where the grass is green and luscious. The ground in that particular area is extremely moist. I am in Arlington, Texas where the temperature has been 100 degrees almost everyday for the past month. The ground is hard and dry everywhere. I stopped digging after about 14 inches down because I don't know how deep the pipes are buried. Can you give me some insight on how far down the pressure lines might be?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

@@Aidamari97 It depends on the site or elevation, most plumbing lines are buried 12 inches or more. If you need help feel free to contact me I will be glad to help.

[@ThangTran-fl9sy]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Thank you, Mark. I will give it another go tomorrow. I hope the pipes are not under the slab.

[@georgemichael3461]

How about aire bubble when only run the system through the filter? when I put it to circulation the pebble disappear.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Backwash and rinse your filter thoroughly, this should help and allow the water to flow through the filter with less restriction. If the problem continues or gets worse in time, you may need to change the sand. Sand is replaced on average every 3 to 5 years. Thanks for watching.

[@briandeines5019]

Grandma has a 40 year old pool "I'm guessing" that seems to blow bubbles at 2 returns. The pump has air in it all the time. I've checked everything in your video and can't find the leak. There are trees nearby and don't want to jump to conclusions but my guess is that a root split an elbow, coupling or something else apart. If I'm right how should I go about finding this leak? The drain seems to produce more air witch I think is odd. Should I buy or rent an endoscope? Thanks for your help.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Pressure testing with an air tank is the best way if your doing it yourself. Most techs have this kind of equipment so you can call a local pool company and they can help. If you have any questions feel free to contact me I will be glad to help.

[@samanthajameson911]

Hi! I’m super nervous I have an underground issue after seeing this video. I have bubbles in my pump that go away when I close the skimmer valve. Could this be the valve or something above ground or am I looking at a much bigger issue?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It’s possible you have a leak in the skimmer or it could be the valve.

[@samanthajameson911]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thanks! Hoping for the valve. I had my pump off for a few hours and just turned it back on. It was air tight for about 10 minutes then the air bubbles came back. Should I keep the pump off? My pool is higher than my system.

[@jneusbaum3697]

@@samanthajameson911 Solved? If not...run your filter on recirculate instead of filter. By doing this it will burp the air out of the system. If no air coming in with recirculate...follow this video to find the air leak in filter position. Great video and explanation.

[@JorgeCalder]

Excellent analysis. Top-notch. Thank you.

[@Mans-4]

Hi, when i put mine on drain it seems there is an air leak. When I put it on half half it works perfectly The problem is that even when I turn it off or keep it on drain the water level stay the same after 24 hours so I am not sure where this air leak comes from if you can help please. Thank you

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are several things that could be the problem, I have a few questions myself and I need more information. If you would like to check out my patreon page I will be glad to help.

[@mikep.5787]

hi..what if the leak is coming from the "under pressure pipes" and not from the "suction pipes",would that still cause air bubbles on the pump?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

No, air bubbles in the pump will only come from suction leaks not pressure leaks.

[@keeganjacobs5913]

can we do soap and water while motor is on to see air leak instead of having another person there turn the pump on and off?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

When the pump is running air leaks are under suction. Using soap and water may work, however it depends on the severity of the leak. In most cases it is hard to detect. Thanks for watching.

[@keeganjacobs5913]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thank you. I was thinking if we can see the soap and water get sucked into the openings. Thank you for your video !

[@DaVincyi]

I have one question. I have found out that my skimmer line has leak. What should do next?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are several things you can do to isolate or confirm that your skimmer is leaking. If you would like to contact me I will be glad to help troubleshoot this issue.

[@howardscho2560]

I have a slight amount of air entering the pool from one of the returns, but no air at all in the skimmer basket, which seems strange. What might be the cause? There are four return paths to the pool and this is just in one, most likely the first from the pump.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It sounds like you could have a suction leak. It would be better to discuss this over the phone one on one. Give mark a call and he’ll be glad to help you. Our hours are 10-5 pm EST Tuesday-Saturday .

[@theredmuckduck]

I can’t figure my issue out at all. I’ve just had a skimmer replaced on my pool and as soon as I tried to prime it super sucks and fills the pump basket half way and then slows down. I’ve tried flushing the line, bought a new pump basket cover, turned off one of the two pressure valves (it’s the only way I can get pressure into the sand filter) tried to prime the pump 70 times, wrapped Teflon tape around the old suction fittings (I have no drain line), replaced a pressure opening in the pool (because it was a wide open pvc piece) with a fish eye. When my pressure starts to top out I have to release the air valve so my sand filter doesn’t explode, but then the pump sucks in like a hose that has just been turned on. I’ve tried the rag trick on both ends of the skimmer line (to no avail) and I have to get this pool blue or I’m going to lose my home owners insurance. Someone please help me. Edit: sand filter is brand new (clear rx 24) because the old skimmer had the filter inside the piping. This a fiberglass pool and it’s 40 years old, and is 12.2k gallons at 25gpm for the 8 hour run if I could get it to prime. FYI: Your website form is missing it’s security seal. It says, (security seals here). Someone forgot to actually add them.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are several things that could be the problem, I have a few questions myself. If you would like to contact me I will be glad to help troubleshoot this issue in detail.

[@lashieragraham7959]

Hello, please help. Air bubbles are appearing when I'm pulling off the skimmer and main evenly. If I pull off the main drain solely I don't have any bubbles. If I pull off the skimmer solely, I don't have any bubbles. But, if I pull off both drains, air appears in the line. Is there a solution to this?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

You may need to check your valves, if you have any questions contact me I will be glad to help.

[@PatBuckleyracecar]

The water level in my pump basket goes down about an inch and a half after filling it to the top. Suggestions? I don't see any water leaking between the pump and the jandy valve.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There is a possibility that the impeller on your pump could be clogged. We have not made a video on that at this time. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us 10-5, Tuesday through Saturday, and we can help you one on one.

[@laserman132]

Our bubbles were caused by the vacuum cleaner after removed no more air

[@SmokeWins]

“It will be too late” not for me 😎 🏃‍♂️

[@CHIOTIS1821]

I can't keep turning my pump off and on because most of the time it catches the air flow and the motor surges up to 3500 rpm. I can sometimes get past this by filling the pump with water and quickly putting the lid on and being lucky.

[@drdrew3]

You don’t need to repeatedly turn it on/off at short intervals. Just wait until it’s fully primed and not surging before you turn off and look again. It’s takes a little time but worth it when you find the drip (air leak)

[@EileenRiley-ek5nl]

😊😊

[@MrBoogs29]

Loosing my mind trying to find my air leak

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Feel free to contact me I will be glad to help.

[@istoppain62]

Me too

[@chrispippin1242]

I have got a leak in my pool. When I rum the pump air bubbles come from return lines in pool. But pump housing will be almost full of water. Now when I vacuum my pool through skimmer the pump vasket doesn't even fill halfway with water. But I'm losing about 200 gallons a day. With pump off. Vinyl inground pool

[@chrispippin1242]

Could that be the line from skimmer to pump. Ihave return lines plugged off

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

It is possible that you have a break in the skimmer line. There are many unanswered questions, however you can turn off the pool, plug the skimmer and mark the water level. After 24 hours if you did not lose water your skimmer line may be in question. Leaving the pool off, if you remark the water level and remove the plug from the skimmer and you notice water loss in 24 hours then you definitely need to check the skimmer line. Thanks for watching.

[@chrispippin1242]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thanks. And love your videos.

[@andreab919]

I wonder if you can help me. I have my pool for years without problems but this year, when I try vacuming, as soon as I put the plate in the skimmer, water in the pump goes down (it takes a few seconds) and there is no water getting in it. I have this filter (see below) and I was wondering if it can be the air vent inside the filter that would be misplaced. As it is quite a job to empty the sand filter that is why I am asking. www.royalswimmingpools.com/Super-clear-manual.pdf Also can plummer grease can be used as lubricant on pool parts like the rings? Thanks.

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

There are several different possibilities pertaining to your situation. If you would like to contact me I will be glad to discuss this with you in grater detail.

[@andreab919]

@@HallmarkPoolSupplies Ok thanks. Please tell what is the best moment to contact you?

[@HallmarkPoolSupplies]

Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm EST