New filter possibly?

[Quantum Pearl]

Hi. I moved into a house with a pool two years ago and have been struggling to keep it well-behaved ever since, since I've never worked with pools before.

I have an FNS Plus 60 sq. ft. DE filter which I cleaned today after seeing the pressure go up 10 psi or more over the indicated starting point. I noticed some of the grids have been worn out pretty badly and cleaning the grids thoroughly is practically impossible since the bolts at the top thing are rusted in place. I did the best I could, dumped the 7.5 pounds of DE in the pool skimmer and waited a few hours, and the pressure is still high.

I feel like I need a new filter, but a new DE filter is too much for us to afford right now, and I need some professional advice on what I should do. Thanks!

Edit: I added some PhosFree and forgot to read the label which clearly states that it raises pressure. Oh well. Main concern still stands!

 

[cowboycasey]

Welcome to TFP

Just replace the grids and you will be good to go
Pleatco PFS3060 Filter Grid for Pentair, American, Hayward, Pac-Fab (7 full + 1 half), 60 sq ft

Stick around and check out some of the threads

 

[Quantum Pearl]

Thanks for the welcoming! I can't replace grids. Bolts are rusted in at the top so I can't remove the grids :/

 

[Richard320]

What does the water look like -- is it cloudy or green? Can you see a quarter on the floor if you toss one in?

What did the pressure say immediately before adding DE and immediately after adding DE? Was it normal or was it high from the get-go?

 

[Quantum Pearl]

High both. I can see the bottom but it's pretty cloudy - I shocked the pool today. It's green at the moment.

 

[Richard320]

If the pool is green, that explains pressure rising and flow decreasing within hours of backwashing.

If the gauge doesn't move much, maybe it's bad? Does it go to zero when the pump is off?

And finally, the maker of Phosfree even states that it shouldn't be added to pools with algae. They know it will clog everything up but good.

 

[Quantum Pearl]

Ugh I knew there was a finer detail I must've missed. Also, the gauge is perfectly functional, it does go to zero if the pump is turned off.

What do I do now, since Phosfree is in the pool? What exactly does it clog, the filter grids? Would I have to open the filter itself and give the grids a wash again?

 

[Quantum Pearl]

Just replace the grids and you will be good to go
Pleatco PFS3060 Filter Grid for Pentair, American, Hayward, Pac-Fab (7 full + 1 half), 60 sq ft

Where can I get a frame for those? (I don't know if that's the proper term) I can't remove the grids themselves (rusty bolts).

 

[Richard320]

Ugh I knew there was a finer detail I must've missed. Also, the gauge is perfectly functional, it does go to zero if the pump is turned off.

What do I do now, since Phosfree is in the pool? What exactly does it clog, the filter grids? Would I have to open the filter itself and give the grids a wash again?

Probably more than once. Try a simple backwash and recharge using 80% of the recommended DE to allow for what is stuck inside.

 

[cowboycasey]

Where can I get a frame for those? (I don't know if that's the proper term) I can't remove the grids themselves (rusty bolts).

Sorry, thought it was just the grids, here ya go

Pentair Grid Assy., 60 Sq. Ft. Filter - 59023300 - INYOPools.com


You will get a discount if you join TFP

 

[Quantum Pearl]

Sorry, thought it was just the grids, here ya go

Pentair Grid Assy., 60 Sq. Ft. Filter - 59023300 - INYOPools.com


You will get a discount if you join TFP

Thanks a bunch! This is exactly what I was looking for!