High Pressure Problem On A Swimming Pool Sand Filter
by Gina
Question 2 We have back washed it several times and the pressure remains high. The filter is not strong anymore like when we first bought it. The sand and pump are only 3 weeks old. We got sediment in our pool from running our well dry attempting to fill it and have been tryng to clean it ever since. We used flocculant and it was run through the filter before we read directions which stated to vaccuum it out through waste. Would that ruin the sand? The pressure is not high when we vaccuum through to the waste or backwash but is high on filter and recirculate. Do you have any suggestions on how to correct? Thanks Gina Thank you for your question Gina First I would ask how the return water is to the pool and if that's normal? Your gauge should be reading an increase and the water flow to the pool should decrease as the filter gets dirty. If the flow rate is strong, the issue might just be a faulty gauge. First check to see if the gauge goes down to "0" when the system is off. If it doesn't, the problem may be a faulty gauge and you'll need to replace it. If that is not it, run the pump with the Multi-Port Valve "recirculate" position and see if it makes a difference in the flow rate back to the pool or a difference in the gauge reading. You should see a small difference here. If you still have the problem, it's not a problem in the filter tank, it might be some kind of blockage in the lines. If this does cause the pressure reading to drop back to normal, there may be some internal damage inside the tank (but you might have been able to see this when you changed the sand.) Knowing the make and model number would be helpful in troubleshooting. Filter sand normally needs to be replaced only once every 3 to 5 years, sometimes more depnding on the usage, but it should not cause the problem that you're having after only after a few weeks, unless the filter was really clogged up with debris for some reason. Be sure the bottom drain, skimmer(s), and pump motor basket are all free of debris. Hopefully these troubleshooting tips will help you Best of luck Robert Question 1: Swimming Pool Sand Filter Pressure Is Too High & Green Pool Water By: Bobby Edmondson Date: May 14, 2011 From: West Point, Georgia I have just cut my pump. The water is quite green and there is some debris in the pool. I have backwashed the filter twice and the pressure is still higher than the normal upper limit. Thanks for the question Bobby I have answered similar questions at these links: No Water Flow Through Glass Sight Gauge On My Filter System High Pressure Problem On A Swimming Pool Sand Filter My Pool Sand Filter Has Low Pressure..Low Psi & Multiport Valve Is Leaking.. The 2nd category section of the Pool Q&A Forum has many posts about how to clear up a green pool: Swimming Pool Questions and Answers Green Pool (Algae) Re-Occurring..Pictures Green Swimming Pool Water In Above Ground Pool..Algae..Shock If you don't find your answers here or want to write back and provide more detail I will be more than happy to help. Have a fun and safe swimming season. Robert Question 2: Similar, But Different Problem By: Mike Date: July 25, 2011 I am having a similar problem. In the beginning of the season my pressure and flow was actually low and I was getting air in the line. I recently found the culprit (broken pipe) which I repaired. Now, I have very high pressure (20) and stronger than ever return to the pool with no air. The pressure is so high that it actually pops the lid off the pump when I turn it off. No amount of backwashing seems to help, the sand is about 3 years old. I looked at the sand, considering changing it, and it appears to be fairly clean, but I don't know if that really means anything. Change the sand? Other ideas? (Strong returns pretty much rules out a blockage.) Answer By: Robert Date: July 26, 2011 Thanks for the question Mike Sometimes sand filters can get clogged up with mineral deposits or other material that you can't back wash out. Calcium based chlorines and some sanitizers such as Baquacil can cause a build-up in your sand bed. Before changing all of the sand, try scooping out about 2 - 3” of the top layer of the sand. This is normally where most of the debris get trapped. Replace it with the exact amount of sand you removed. Also be sure you check the freeboard. This is the measurement from the top of the sand to the top of the filter. Your manufacturer should have this info. You may need to degrease the filter, but this is really for heavily used pools where people don't shower and use alot of lotion. The pool pump might be too small for a good backwash. Refer to the label on your filter for flow rate requirements. You may need to either upgrade the pump or downgrade the filter. The pump might be exceeding the maximum allowed flow rate of your filter. This can cause excessive backpressure. If a pump exceeds the recommended flow rate it can cause the sand to "channel". Channeling is when the water flows down the side of the filter instead of through the sand. This causes debris to by-pass the filter and be returned back to the pool as unfiltered water. Look over the info. on this page, along with the extras I gave for your answer and see if that doesn't help. Hope this helps and have a great Summer. Robert Click here to read or post comments. |
