Is it normal to have tiny difficult to pop bubbles in the water after a bowel movement (the stool itself is solid and not bubbly) i frequently have noticeable mucus in my stool?

The bubbles probably don't mean anything, but mucus with stool can mean inflammation in the rectum (proctitis) or lower colon (colitis), especially if any pain, bleeding, or discharge. If there has been sexual activity involving your rectum (especially if you have had receptive anal sex with other men) STIs are a good bet. See a doctor if it continues or other symptoms, risks, etc.

I have never had a patient tell me they had difficult to pop bubbles in the water after BM. Are you using a pin or piece of wire or a stick to pop them. That way I will have a better idea of what you mean by difficult and can think a bit more about you problem. Pictures would help as well. Maybe a GI Dr will answer.