Thar she blows!!!

[mrd5]

I figured I'd share my story of stupidity for all to enjoy:

So I haven't backwashed in quite a while (over a month) and my pressure gage is suspect (the face came off and the needle indicator is open to the weather), but I figured since I'll be closing next weekend and tearing apart the filter for a thorough cleaning, I could probably limp along another week -- WRONG. I was right next to the filter, fiddling with the diverter valves when the seal let loose on the filter housing and I got a spectaular cold shower. My wife came running out when she heard me screaming like a little girl but then had herself a good laugh at my expense.

Needless to say, the filter got a tear-down and a full cleaning a little sooner than I was planning and I guess a new pressure gage will be on the to-do list for next spring (I would love to know how high the pressure got before she let go). I suppose that while it wasn't pleasant to get a cold shower yesterday it was probably a good thing I was right there to shut the pump off. Can't imagine the fun I'd be having right now if it happened unnoticed during the night or when I wasn't at home.

 

[timerguy]

You can get a good glycerin filled gauge at tftestkits.net I'd recommend that. A picture of what yours looks like now would be helpful.

 

[jblizzle]

That should not be possible if the filter was closed properly. The equipment is designed to handle up to 50psi. Pool pumps are not capable of even generating that much pressure.

 

[timerguy]

Like Jason said! I did blow up a multiport valve though. Got a cold shower in the process. I was stupid for fiddling with the valve while the pump was running--haven't made that move again!

 

[mrd5]

wow, 50 psi? Well, I can't speak to how it was closed previously since that was done under the previous owner's supervision (or lack thereof).