Swimming Pool Filter Troubleshooting

Leaks

If you hear or see water dripping around the filter, or noticed a puddle below it, then this may indicate your filter has got a leak.

A filter won't be seen in a significant drop in your swimming pool's water, but it's vital to identify and repair the problem before it gets any worse.

Obviously, try to identify where the leak is coming from. look at the filter's tank for any holes or damage. If you find one it may be able to be patched up, if this is the case always keep the repair in your mind as it may not hold for too long.

If the tank is split, check its belly for leaks. The band must be removed and the O-ring inspected for old related wear and tear or any debris that may be causing an impedance. If it's worn, replace it. We recommend using a gasket lubricant to help seal, whilst keeping the ring hydrated, ensuring it has the longest life possible.

Cycle Problems

If you notice that your filter often runs in short cycles, and this is happening even when the pool isn't in use, the filter more than likely has a flow rate problem.

Normally this indicated the flow rate is too high, either this means your pool pump may be too strong for your filter or your filter isn't big enough for your swimming pool.

Now that said don't jump to conclusions as it could be that your filter is the right size but a backwash of the filter is needed. Always remember when backwashing to carry on until the water in the sight glass is clear. This can take several minutes.

Another reason for short cycles is excessive algae/debris clogging it up. Clean the pool filter thoroughly, and consider replacing it if it seems worn out.

Filter Material gets into your Pool

It's not that rare to see your filter material in the swimming pool after a backwash. An issue arises if you start seeing the media when you haven't just backwashed, this indicates you may have a problem.

First, check the holding bolts are in place. If loose, it can allow particles to escape into the pool.

If they? 're not, then if you have a sand filter, the filter lateral or standpipe may be broken. If it is, replace it.

With D.E. filters, a fabric tear of the grid, or a crack in the grid manifold could be causing the problem, if so replace the manifold.

Water Pressure Problems

As part of your regular maintenance routine always check the pressure gauge, any problems with water pressure can and normally will affect the filter's performance.

With too low-pressure look for a blockage before the filter in the system. Conversely with too high pressure, the blockage could be after the filter.

Thoroughly check the filter system to see if it's clogged, and clean it if necessary.

Once you have done all this and you are no farther forward, and the filter is clean with no clogs, check the return valve to make sure it's completely open, and then double-check the lines to see if you can find a clog.

Understanding the Pressure Gauge

The one thing that is present in every filter is pressure, and pressure drives the whole mechanism to clean your water. Every filter has a pressure gauge on its top allowing you to read your filter's pressure and use that information as a guide to care for your swimming pool.

The pressure gauge is a dial that usually includes ranges from 0 to 60 pounds per square inch (psi) that indicate how the pressure is holding (or not) in your pool. Understanding the gauge readings will allow seeing what is happening with your pool's filtration system.

So can we tell you what is normal, simply no as this number is relative. Always record or keep a note of the number when you first install your filter and everything is running correctly. This is your datum the next best option is directly after you have changed the filter or, given it a clean.

This number should be kept for future reference. If you have the number, the pressure should be checked and monitored at least once every week as a part of your regular pool maintenance chore.

High Pressure

Upon doing a pressure check you find it is too high, generally, our benchmark is anything that is 10 psi higher than your normal recorded pressure.

In short, this means the filter system is not allowing the water to flow through it fast enough. So the filter needs to be cleaned or replaced. cleaning will typically remedy the high-pressure reading, but sometimes you will have to replace the filters/media completely in order to get the pressure down to normal.

Low Pressure

This means the water isn't reaching your filter quick enough. We say, if the pressure is at least 5 psi lower than normal then attention is required or at the very least some investigation.

Normally in our experience, this indicates a blockage or leak in your system. First, check the pump basket and impeller for any rubbish that may be clogging the system and then make sure the main drain covers aren't blocked. Check the pump for any leaks.

Air Relief Valve

In addition to the pressure gauge, there is also a small air relief valve that works alongside the gauge to maintain the proper pressure. Air can build up inside your swimming pool's system. A result of low water levels but it can occur when your pool is off for an extended period of time or even when you stop it to give it a clean.

The valve is to provide an outlet for the air to escape when you turn the pump on. When water flows through the system, it competes for space with air and the air is forced through your system. The valve is a means of escape for the air so your system won?t get damaged and it can reach the optimal water pressure.

Oh NO, after all that it's just my Gauge

Sometimes the last thing you think about is the issue, it could be a problem with the pressure gauge itself, these gauges do have a shelf life and can falter and fail, so you could do a lot of worrying and work when actually it's just a faulty cheap gauge and not your pool

Remember the pressure gauge is vital to the health of your pool. Check it weekly and never ever ignore pressure problems of any kind.

Be warned if you do, you could end up doing much more expensive repairs down the road as is the difference between a pool that is crystal clear and ready for swimming and a very large garden pond