Filter Guage

[jeremycrook]

I installed a glycerin filled pressure gauge at the end of last summer. I was doing some routine maintenance this weekend and noticed that when the pumps were off the gauge was reading 10 PSI. I turned the pumps on and it's up to nearly 30 psi, I didn't know if the gauge is messed up, or something might have clogged it or something? I didn't want to break everything down and clean it, but I am thinking I should?

One of my questions is, "why is the gauge reading 10 when the pumps are off"? Is this clearly a messed up gauge, or can there pressure when the pumps are off? The gauge normally was reading about 17-18 when installed last year with a fresh clean filters.

 

[mknauss]

If the gauge doe not return to 0 when the pump is off the gauge is broken. Replace it.

 

[jeremycrook]

If the gauge doe not return to 0 when the pump is off the gauge is broken. Replace it.

Wow! That gauge didn't even make it one full year!

 

[mknauss]

Not sure were you purchased it.

TFTestkits.net has gauges. And great customer service if any issues.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yeah, if you got it at TFTestkits, just let @OTPirate know and they will make things right.

 

[jeremycrook]

Unfortunately I purchased it on Amazon. Thanks I will look at the TFT ones!

 

[MyAZPool]

I have this one from TFTestkits for my sand filter and so far it has performed really well.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Keep in mind that if you leave the gauge on the filter and it's a back mount style (most of them are), with the face mounted vertically, that it'll get a little water in the bottom of the bourdon tube and it'll freeze. That's 90+% of what ruins these gauges.

 

[jeremycrook]

Keep in mind that if you leave the gauge on the filter and it's a back mount style (most of them are), with the face mounted vertically, that it'll get a little water in the bottom of the bourdon tube and it'll freeze. That's 90+% of what ruins these gauges.

Ahhh, makes sense. I have that same gauge MyAZPool mentioned. Am I going to have to purchase a new gauge each year after the freeze?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Not necessarily. The best thing to do to prevent it from freezing and being ruined is to remove it and bring it inside when you winterize the filter. It's easy to remove and it's small enough that you shouldn't have any trouble storing it.

 

[jeremycrook]

I do keep my pool open all year, however, I will find a plug and will remove it each year! Thanks for that bit of advise.

 

[Bama Rambler]

If you keep your pool open then I'd either insulate around the gauge and stem (some creative pool noodle carving should work), or try getting a pipe nipple and coupling and raising the gauge up a few inches. That should help keep the water out of it and help prevent it from freezing.

 

[JohnT]

Pull the little vent on the rim of the gauge.

 

[jeremycrook]

Pull the little vent on the rim of the gauge.

So pull that to keep it from freezing?

 

[JohnT]

Just lift it up. Mine becomes pressurized and messes up the reading of the gauge. I assume its from temperature changes.

 

[jeremycrook]

Just lift it up. Mine becomes pressurized and messes up the reading of the gauge. I assume its from temperature changes.

I believe that my gauge is row ruined. It always read 10 psi, never going back to zero, even when the pumps are off.