Small Amount Of Fine Dirt Through Popups On Start Up

[twowhlrcr]

Hey guys,

Mechanically I have my pool working pretty good and now I'm trying to fine tune it. I just starting checking ph a few times per week and keeping on top of the chemicals. When I come out in the morning the pool look perfect, crystal clear, But when I start my filter, a small amount of fine dirt comes out through the popups and it clouds the pool slightly.

What could possibly be causing that dirt?

I have a second post that mentions a backflow of water that blows the strainer basket lid off when I turn off the pump. Could the two problems be related?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

The only way dirt could be coming out of the popups is if it's getting through your filter. Does it only happen at startup?

 

[twowhlrcr]

Yep, only at startup. I believe I have an airleak also right at the pump. I don't know if that would cause it.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

Could it be fine bubbles? That could temporarily cloud the water and would make sense with your air leak.

 

[twowhlrcr]

Nope, definitely fine dirt. Has a brown tint to it.

 

[Melt In The Sun]

How long does the dirt stay in suspension? As long as the pump is running I guess?

Are you certain that the dirt is coming out of the popups, not just getting kicked up by them?

 

[twowhlrcr]

It stays in suspension for quite awhile since it is so fine. It clouds the pool up quite a bit. It's definitely coming out of the popups and not off the bottom of the pool.

If I have the valve switched to the waterfalls, it will come out of the waterfalls. I have another post going describing the skimmer lid being blown off after turning the pump off and I'm being told that the system is sucking air into the filter and then blowing it back out when the pump is turned off. Could this be part of the problem with the dirt I'm seeing on start up?

 

[Melt In The Sun]

No, your air leak is unrelated to the dirt. If dirt is coming out your returns, your filter/valve has a problem.

I don't have a sand filter or push/pull valve like you do, so we've now reached the limits of my experience. From what I've read around here, you likely have an issue with either the laterals in the filter or the o-rings in the valve .

Sorry I can't be more help! Hopefully someone else will stop by.