low filter pressure

[benjydog]

I spoke with the previous pool owner and he said it was usually 16psi. Since I got it, it would be at 15 or just under after backwash. At the beginning of the season the gauge was replaces as it wasn't working.

Today, I looked and its down under 13psi.

I checked the usual suspects; closed returned, pluged filters, everything seems ok. The water level is a touch low but filling as we speak.

The issues I have are other forum posts here: pump won't fully prime and a leak on the underside of my filter.

Am I woried for nothing? Return pressure feels normal.

 

[jblizzle]

Sounds like over reaction. If you see no air in the pump then it is primed and running fine.

If the pressure drops more than expected, usual suspect is something clogging the impeller.

 

[mas985]

Lower than normal filter pressure is usually the result of a clogged suction line or a clogged impeller. But given the flow rate feels normal, it could just be that the original owner did not remember the correct clean filter pressure. But things to check just in case, clean all skimmer baskets and the pump basket and while you have the pump basket removed, check the impeller inlet at the bottom to see if there is any debris that got stuck in there.

 

[benjydog]

Thanks for the quick reply. With regards to the impeller, my hands are too large to fit in the hole. Should it try like a screw driver or something or am I stuck pulling it apart (something I'm waiting to do)?

 

[mas985]

You should only need to use your fingers. The hole is not that deep and if there is something in there, you should feel it with one of your fingers.

 

[benjydog]

Mark - thanks. I'll try but these meat hooks have stubby fingers. Gave up my career as a piano master longer before it started.

Thanks for the quick replies. Its what makes this community so helpful. I'll post back as soon as I get a chance to get my hands in there

 

[benjydog]

On Sunday I cleaned all filters again and checked (what I could) of the impeller and everything was clear. What I've noticed now is that in the morning the pressure is arount 15.5psi and in the evening its back down to 13.5 psi.

Played with valves and regardless of the combination of skimmer, vac and main I don't get a change in pressure.

Could it be the sand in the filter? I have a jandy st-t. I know how to remove the mpv but how do I remove the top to gain access to the sand?

 

[mas985]

It could be a channeled filter.

my-sand-is-channeled-how-to-fix-it-t7626.html

You can gain access to the sand through the MPV hole.

 

[benjydog]

Thanks Mas985. I'll take off the MPV and stick a garden hose down there and let it over flow over the top. If i recall there are two holes, when i opened it. How can i tell which is the 'stand pipe'? I can also try the rubber mallot, but i'm confident that will cause the body to develop new cracks (already one somewhere underneath).

 

[mas985]

I believe the stand pipe is in the middle labeled #6.

 

[benjydog]

Mas985, great thanks. When I last took off my mpv, this is what it looked like. I believe it was set to the normal filter position when I took it apart. Do I run the hose down before the holes?

 

[jblizzle]

You need to take the rest of the valve off of the filter body so you can get to the sand.

 

[benjydog]

Jblizzle, how? Does the piece with the 5 openings pull out? Or does all of part #4 and #2 come off? I don't see how to take those off

 

[jblizzle]

All of #4 should come off somehow I think 2 is just an o-ring. I an not familiar with how it comes off, but it must.

Maybe it uncrews from the filter body?

 

[benjydog]

I don't see any type of clamp or screw, but the image does seem to look like the top of the body is threaded where #4 connects. I'll try it this weekend. It's way too humid ought right now and for the rest of the week. Thanks. I'll respond with what I find.

 

[mas985]

The entire valve unscrews from the filter body.

 

[benjydog]

So, no luck. Can't get the valve off the body. Not sure if the installer used any type of glue or anything but it won't budge.