Ok. so I've been out working on the pool this afternoon and have an update.
I first cleaned all skimmer baskets thoroughly as well as the basket near the pumps. I then started the pump and let it run. Pressure climbed to nearly 40. (I was wrong telling I thought it was about 30.) Checking the jets in the pool I have very strong output in the three jets closest to the pump, less output at the far corner of the pool, but I'm thinking that may be normal because it is much further away from the pump? I began adding DE through the skimmer basket closest to the pumps. I added it dry directly into the skimmer as I was taught to do and have always done. Shortly later I notice powdered DE spraying from the pool jets. That's never happened before.
I shut everything off, took apart the filter, removed the entire grid system, and put the filter back together. Without the grid the filter pressure still goes just as high.
One other thing I want to mention, not sure what, if anything, it means but it is different. When backwashing there is a handle which i turn and pull up. The pump is off when I turn and lift the handle. When I turn the pump back on, there is suction which pulls the handle back down. I have to turn, pull up, then turn back to lock it in place to prevent it from closing. It never used to have this suction where I had to do this.