Overtly dirty chlorinators - If youre using a salt water chlorinator, an excess of calcium or lime deposits could cause high pressure levels (and improper chlorination!) The water that flows through the pool return Jets is meant to be turbulent. I have seen some filter systems that operate on clean pools that have a very small range, and they can run for months and only gain a couple of psi on the pressure gauge. Did cleaning or backwashing your filter do zilch for lowering your PSI? This dial sits on top of your pool filter, providing you with a metered readout. Yikes. After, return the pump basket and run the pool pump to check the water pressure. Then open the pump lid and remove the pump basket. Not having enough water in the pool is another reason for low PSI, as are clogged or cracked suction lines, missing eyeballs on return jets, or air being pulled into the pump intake or pump valves. Davy, Its as simple as opening the pump lid and filling the pump with water. You should also know that a high PSI reading will cause low water pressure coming out of the return jets too. Regularly clean the strainer and skimmer baskets. The only way to determine what your normal pool filter pressure is to record it when your filter elements are at their cleanest: after backwashing your sand filter or cleaning out your filter cartridge. Troubleshooting swimming pool issues can be a time consuming process if you dont know what youre looking for. As customer Eric D says, Day one, I fired this pump up and it ran clean and fast.. However, theres an ideal level for your specific gauge. Lets dive in. We have checked out the obvious and most-likely reasons your pool filter has a low or no water pressure. Ill explain what a pool filter pressure gauge is, how to determine your normal operating level, what to do if your gauge reads too high or too low, and how to know when its time for a replacement. Dont worryeventually, all media does need to be replaced. For others, like Hayward filters, visit our parts department to order the correct air bleeder parts for your pool filter. The water is clear, but it keeps clogging! Using a flow meter in conjunction with a pool pressure gauge can give you an idea of why the PSI on the gauge might be low. A pool filter pressure gauge displays the exact pounds per square inch (PSI) of your pool filter, which requires some pressure inside its tank to function. You can test this by turning off the water features and then checking the pressure. If the builders used Flex PVC pipe, that could be a possibility, see my other blog post on Sylvan Pool flex pipe skimmer repair. Finally, the pool pressure gauge should come with an air relief valve (or the bleeder valve) that can be used to alleviate high PSI levels. filter, or rinse down your cartridge filter with cleanerwrite down that PSI number, too. All you have to do is keep an eye out when you first install your filter media, whether thats sand, D.E., or a cartridge filter. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. When the pressure is lower than normal, this usually indicates a flow problem before the pump. Low or no pressure in the pool filter means the pool water will not circulate properly. Its the most economical replacement filter on the market, and is built to last. After, take out the baskets, clean and return them. Dont be surprised if you find an unsightly tangle of leaves, dirt, twigs, and other junk just waiting to be removed. Replacing them shouldnt be too expensive, as you can pick up a decent one for about $30 to $50. If youve explored and exhausted all avenues and your gauge is still giving off a less than ideal reading, check to make sure that its actually working. Well, weve got options. Lets check out the obvious reasons. "@type": "ImageObject", Turn off the pool pump before switching functions on the multiport valve. Ill tell you one thing: its not because you wanted another responsibility. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide" Some gauges allow you to set the clean and dirty range, or you can write it on the filter tank with a marker. If the needle bounces, its time for a new one. Any reading below 6 PSI indicates low water pressure in the pool filter. }, To fix this, turn off the pool pump at the breaker. If your PSI is still too high, theres a chance that your filter is full of not just water, but air. If you notice weak returns into the pool, it indicates a low water flow. To fix this, inspect all valves and ensure they are in the right positions. "width": "611", Releasing air this way can help the system bring in more water, reducing the chances of air accumulating. Check if your 3-way valve after the pump or if your multiport is properly channeling water and not leaking. Youll need to top up the pool with water to the ideal level. Its actually good to have a slight higher pressure in your filterit means that all the contaminated gunk that your filter has caught from your pool so far is actually helping to catch more. Broken internal parts in the filter or heater can also cause a rise in pressure, as can closed or partially shut return side valves. There are a few potential causes of rising PSI with the most common being dirty pool water. You can also automate this by getting an automatic pool water levelling device that fills up the water to optimal levels whenever it drops. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", The earlier you know theres a problem, the easier you can solve itbefore you ever have a cloudy pool on your hands. High pressure usually indicates a dirty pool filter, time to backwash or pull out the filter cartridge for cleaning. "image": { "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", FREE Shipping On All Orders. Start up the filter, and when it reaches full head, note the pressure gauge reading. Just because your filters normal pressure is unique doesnt mean you have no way of determining it. The reason for this is that anything after the pump will be pressurised by the vortex created by your pool pumps impeller so a low pressure problem cannot be caused by anything after the pump. Okay, so your PSI is above your normal operating pressure. The ideal water level should be a little bit above the mid-point of the skimmer opening. Any ideas? "wordCount": "1299", { If the skimmer or pump strainer basket is clogged, the water flow rate will be slower than required. Receive email updates on stuff youll probably want to know about, including products, launches, and events. A 0-30 psi gauge can also be used for pool filters. If its low, your skimmer is probably sucking air into your pipes, which goes through your pool filter and pumpand has the potential to wreak havoc along the way. Browse our collection of bleed valves by clicking the button below. Diagnosing and Fixing Pool Filter Pressure Problems, Browse our collection of replacement bleed valves. The gauge reads out in PSI (pounds per square inch). so its one of the first things to check if you have high pressure readings on your pool filter. If the hose is clogged or dirty, the pressure gauge will display a low water pressure. Zero pressure can be caused by two things. In fact, this is good. Clogged or Damaged Pool Pump Impeller - If youve read our guide to, , it explains there how the pump, more specifically the, A leak somewhere before the pump - Another cause for low filter pressure (or even a fluctuating one) is a leak before the pump. (How to Kill All Algae Types). Third would be an investigation to whether the skimmer line is collapsed. Keep tabs on the pressure gauge to stay ahead of any situation. Any thoughts? Unsubscribe anytime. In practice, its meant to be opened after you start the pool pump, because air can become trapped in the top of your filter tank, which results in less effective filtering. You can also give it a flick, and see if the pressure momentarily pops up. If your pressure gauge reads lower than normal, it is almost guaranteed that you have a problem within the pump itself or before the pump, and never after the pump itself. poolonomics.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The air relief valve, aka the bleeder valve, allows you to bleed trapped air from the pool filter. AJH Trade Group is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. "description": "The pool filter pressure gauge can tell you a whole lotta information, and if you are not paying close attention, here's what yer missin'!" After backwashing and adding DE powder it runs fine for a couple of hours then stops and starts sucking air. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" And all you have to do is make sure youre lookingand that you know what to look for. Ick, I knowbut someones got to do it. Now if the pressure reading doesnt go down after cleaning your filter elements, then there could be a number of reasons that could be causing that: This is a problem that isnt actually a problem. The pressure on the filter constantly goes up within half an hour of starting filtration, I backwash and rinse, and then start again. As pool pump technology has advanced, flow meters are becoming increasingly common on new pools. If the pressure returns to normal, you will need to rethink the size of your pump and the plumbing configuration. Most pool cleaners use the water pressure to operate and if the pressure is not high enough, they wont work properly. Your pool filters pressure gauge will let you know when you need to buckle downfor now, remember why you have a pool in the first place. If youre still scratching your head about why your levels are too high or low, it might just be your pool filter gauge itself. Best Pool Thermometers: Digital & Wireless, Got Sand In Your Pool? I have removed the grids, replaced them, cleaned them, changed the earth and power washed the grids more times than I care to admit! If the pressure gauge is cross threaded, this can damage the threads. Stripped or cracked bleed valve? When you look into your pool, you should see its filled to about halfway up your skimmer door. Save money on a replacement filter that you can trust, like the Replacement Filter for Hayward Pool Products. Low water level - A low water level can also cause low pressure problems, if there isnt enough water entering your intakes or skimmer boxes then there wont be enough water flow to create the right pressure levels and could introduce air into the system. If your pool is designed with a fountain or waterfall and the water is not coming out or it is very weak, its an indication of low water pressure. Related Reading: What is a Normal Pool Filter Pressure Range? This will lead to low pressure in the pool filter. Stabilized vs Unstabilized Chlorine: Which One Should You Use. As a pool owner, a pool filter pressure gauge is important, and something you should become familiar with along with its normal range. We may earn a small commission. While running your pool filter, open the air relief valve, which sits on top and looks like a small handle-like protrusion. If any of these pipes are damaged or broken, it can cause water to leak below ground leading to a weak return flow or low pressure in the filter system. If the pump is primed, water should be filled all the way to the top. A pool pressure gauge that never goes higher (or lower) is suspect. This is because, for these settings, the water flow bypasses the filter. I have an earth filter, 36 with the Pentair multiport value. If it doesnt, or if it reads zero when the pump is on, your gauge is probably ready to go. The pressure should be relieved and be normalized. If your pool filter pressure gauge reads at least 5 PSI lower than your normal operating pressure, its time to get troubleshooting. This is what pulls the water through the pump. Again, replacement gauges are usually less than twenty bucks. But if you see air bubbles through it or the water is half-way or one-third down, it means the pool pump has lost prime. Sometimes, air pockets in the pool lines and pump get trapped after you turn it off. A pool filter pressure gauge measures the level of pressure thats building up inside your pool filter, and shows a reading based on the level of water flow going back into the pool. filter, youll need to backwash your filter. The last thing you want is for your equipment to get too hot because its moving not water, but air. helpful guide on cleaning your salt water cell here. To fix this, inspect and tighten all pipe fittings and O-rings. At least, not at first. Each time you go in and out of your pool, you splash some off the pool water out. This will cause the pump to lose prime or cavitate. Oil-filled pressure gauges with a stainless steel body are more durable than regular gauges with plastic or powder coated steel cases, but theyre not necessary. The pressure coming out of the return jets should be strong when set to recirculate, even with the pressure gauge reading zero. Pretty soon, youll have yet another tool for seamless pool careall thanks to this tiny little dial. This will restrict water flow and lead to a low pressure reading on the pressure gauge. This one is tough, because your pool filter gauge is simply not one-size-fits-all. This is nuts to have to back wash every half hour or so! So there you have it. In fact, digital gauges can be 10-25 times the cost of traditional analog pressure gauges. To clean a salt water cell, we have this. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Be careful with high filter pressure, as filter tanks can rupture with deadly force. If you are experiencing lots of air bubbles, check out our article: Air Bubbles In Pool Or Pump | Causes and Dangers. If everything seems to be running correctly, pump is okay, water flow and everything, then give your pressure gauge a few taps, it could just be stuck. Follow These Steps, Got Algae In Your Saltwater Pool? If there is an air leak on this side of the pool system, then the pool pump will suck in water and air. Then turn on the pool pump to check the new reading. Pool filter pressure gauges are typically a 0-60 psi gauge, with a 1/4NPT threaded attachment. To fix this, turn off the pool pump and set the multiport valve to filter. Then turn on the pool pump to circulate water to the filter system. This is also a cause for your pump surging or pulsing. What a low PSI indicates is that water is just not flowing as it should be. It should never drop lower than that (see below), and when it rises 5-10 psi above that starting pressure reading, its time to clean the filter again. This might sound silly but your pool pump might be off. Additionally, the return jet eyeballs can make the PSI rise if they are restricting the water flow into the pool, and lime deposits inside a gas heater exchanger can also be the culprit. Most causes can be categorized as obstructions the pump basket could be filled with debris, there could be something stuck in the pumps impeller, the skimmer basket could need emptying, the main drains could be obstructed by debris, or you could have closed (or partially closed) skimmer and drain valves. When its outside this range, either very low or very high, then youll know somethings wrong. That includes your skimmers and drain covers. Broken pressure gauge - If everything else fails, be sure to check and replace your pressure gauge before you start ripping up pipes trying to figure out if theres a blockage somewhere. In order to achieve the correct water pressure and flow rate, you must choose the correct size pump. "primaryImageOfPage": { I have a Cristal-Flo sand filter that is probably 25 years old and last time sand was replaced was probably 8-10 years ago. So dive in, and enjoy. Usually the leak of a pressure gauge is actually the air relief assembly leaking water, and not the gauge. What many people dont know is that every filter system operates at a different pressure. This allows for one needle to stay static at the ideal level, while a secondary needle notifies you of the current pressure in the filter. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. "identifier": "" "name": "Mark Garcia", This isnt anything to worry about. Check out this article to learn how to properly backwash your pool system. No worries, we're here to help! Additionally, there are some pressure gauges that use dual needles. It could be an air leak, if you notice a lot of air coming into the pump and pushing thru to the pool. But what causes it? The threads can be on the bottom of the gauge (used on top of DE, cartridge and side mount sand filters), or the threads can be on the back of the gauge (backmount) for use on sand filters with the valve on top. Repeat as necessary to decrease your pressure. That is your clean, or starting, pressure. This is not a problem you can put off and if left unfixed, the filter will not filter the water properly, potentially leaving you with algae and cloudy pool water. We can thank our lucky stars that it was invented and usually comes along with a pool filter: its the only way to monitor the filters pressure. Another reason it may be rising is if youre using a hot tub, as theres more back pressure needed to run the hot tubs jets. Its never a problem after the pool pump, because after the impeller, the pool water is under pressure, and obstructions result in higher than normal pressure. Subscribe and save 5% off your first purchase! AJH Trade Group also participate in other affiliate programs. Continue running your filter until water begins to leak from the valve, or the hiss of air stops. A general rule for pressure in the pool is a reading between 10 and 25 PSI. "@type": "Organization", Your normal operating pressure depends on a few factors: the size of your pump, the horsepower of your pump, the filters size, and the current cleanliness of your filter. Filter Pressure Rises Rapidly After Backwash or Cleaning, Lowest Temperatures Salt Cells (Chlorine Generator) Work At. It is not a filter problem. If the water is below the skimmer, thats why you have a low pressure in the pool filter. Now that thats out of the way, here are some things that we need to check when we run across low pressure problems. save money by taking a DIY maintenance approach. I have changed the gauge too, to make sure it is not the problem. Dont clean the skimmer without turning off the pump. So how did air get into your filter? It just clogs up and the water return to the pool goes way down, pressure over 30. When the filter pressure is normal, water is flowing through it fairly seamlessly, and your equipment is operating smoothly and safely. Clean the pool filter regularly to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris. If your filter air bleeder is leaking water, see below. The cause? Thankfully, the filter pressure gauge doesnt need to operate alone. This is what we meant by you can never go wrong with an oversized filter. And if youre using your pools main filter pump to power these as well, your pump may be underpowered and not able to keep up. Things that will affect the pump size are: A cracked pool pump housing will allow air to get in the pump and filter system. What is a Normal Pool Filter Pressure Range? }, Dont confuse price tag with value. Davy help! The pool filter pressure gauge is one of the most important parts of your pool filtration system. It might also be a good time to prime your pump. Note: Every time you change a component in your pool like the filter itself or your pool pump, youll need to re-record your baseline filter pressure reading as any change in configuration will affect what your pools normal reading will be. Emptying the skimmer basket, pump basket, checking the pump impeller, and the drain covers will be the go-to areas for rectifying low PSI. Most filter systems are designed to operate in the 5-15 or 10-20 psi range. Its just one of the many inventions I cant do withoutlike chlorine, sunscreen, and sports team-themed floaties. If you get the right one, itll pay itself off in under a year in energy saved. Pressure gauges are fairly cheap and theyre known to fail time and again, this is why we recommend to always have a spare available so you can check on the fly. If everything is working normally then a high pressure reading shouldnt be a cause for alarm or worry. While it really doesnt -do- anything for your pool, it plays a vital role by telling you how all of the other parts are doing at a glance. Air bubbles in the pool or through the return jets can mean that the pool pump is being starved of water and is sucking in air. Once you have your baseline pressure, we can now start to talk about what the possible issues are when the pressure reading strays from the normal and what we can do to relieve it. Its not quite that simple, as theres no normal pressure level every pressure gauge should be measured at. Examine the gauge dial for warping, which could indicate that youve got a broken gauge. Jandy has a 1/8 pressure gauge that is used on their pool cleaner Energy Filters, but this wont fit pool filters without a reducer bushing. Just make sure that youre backwashing it to the right placeyou dont want to save money by taking a DIY maintenance approach just to get slapped with environmental fines from your local government. Once your pressure hits 10 PSI higher than your normal operating levelthat is, the highest number of your rangeits time to make a move. Then inspect the skimmer and pump baskets for dirt, leaves, debris, or dead rodents. Simply clean out your filter cartridge or backwash your sand filter and it should go back down to normal levels. Unsubscribe anytime. Its probably not the gauge thats stripped, but for sand filters with top mounted valves, the gauge screws into plastic threads in the multiport valve housing or body. We hope that weve relieved some of the pressure (pun intended!) Theres no easy fix to this except to either decrease the pump capacity or increase the filter capacity, our recommendation is to increase the filter capacity because you can never go wrong with an oversized filter but an undersized pump can cause problems as well. This is despite that fact that your pump appears to be working. If you use our referring links, it costs you nothing extra. "datePublished": "1/22/2020", AJH Trade Group Australia Pool Equipment | Pool Lifestyle | Pool Heating | Pool Maintenance | Pool Problems, Air Bubbles In Pool Or Pump | Causes and Dangers, What is a Pool Booster Pump & Do I Need One? Raising Pool Equipment for Flood Protection, Flooded Inground Pool: 10-Steps to Recovery, Eyeball fittings not in place at pool returns, Filter valve allowing water to bypass filter, Air pulling into system at pump intake or pump lid, or valves, Closed or partially closed skimmer or main drain valves, Clogged skimmer pipes or main drain cover, Closed or partially closed return side valves, Plugs left in wall, or restrictive eyeball fittings, Filter media (sand, grids, cartridge) problems, Broken internal filter valve parts (multiport or push-pull), Lime deposits inside gas heater heat exchanger. My first check would be to see if the impeller is clogged. Clogged Skimmer lines - We have a whole blog post dedicated to, diagnosing and fixing clogged skimmer lines here. Give it a flick with your fingernail to see if the needle bounces. My recommendation is to view this as a great opportunity to make a long-term, cost-saving decision by getting a variable-speed pump. To fix this, check and clean the filter elements. Hi Larry, if the grids are not clogged with Oils and/or Scale (which can be removed with Filter Cleaner, or with TSP (for oils) and Acid (for scale)), and you have not replaced the pump with a version that pumps more (too much) water, I would look suspiciously at the DE powder, perhaps try a different brand. Check your pump carefully for any leakage. "height": "219", (Answered!). Issues with low PSI are due to restrictions on water flow. These baskets get clogged by an accumulation of debris and scum and should be cleaned on a regular basis. This means that youll have more time in between cleaning cycles and youll use up less water! Most likely, the blockage is located somewhere before the filter. If your valve is leaking then the only way to fix it is to replace it and if you have a sand filter, heres our. A high PSI level means there is an abundance of water flow going to the pool, and low PSI means that the water flow is constricted, and most likely obstructed somewhere along the circulation chain. 1300 511 901. It also has an air relief valve, which keeps pressure levels in check. If that fails, you will need to replace the valve body (or the entire valve), if the leak is excessive. This site is owned and operated by AJH Trade Group. But here its after the pump, not before. Of course, there could always be a more serious issue regarding a leak or damaged equipment that will need to be fixed by a professional. This grants you access to the impeller and you can clear out debris inside. The pool pump creates a vacuum that pulls water from the pool through the suction side of the pool. Todays post is to discuss how to use your pressure gauge to help diagnose circulation or filtration problems, how to know if your pressure gauge is trustworthy and well also talk a little bit about the air bleeder assembly, which most filter pressure gauges are screwed into. To fix this, sometimes, a simple tap on the pressure gauge will reset it. Although a pool filter gauge is relatively inexpensiveyou can probably get one for under twenty bucksits actually a pretty good personal pool technician, just one that can only communicate in numbers and cant physically do any of the manual labor.
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