Previously Frozen sand filter, now high pressure

[paulmaz]

Hello,
Been a while since I have been on here. Mainly because things have been good. Just like many of us in Texas, I had a frozen pool pump and filter. I tried to keep the pump running but I had no power for almost three days. My basket, exposed pipes, pump, and my sand filter were frozen. Miraculously, nothing cracked. The freeze ended on Friday, but it did not thaw out till Sunday. Since then, all is running well, no cracks in pump or pipes. I noticed yesterday the pressure was high. (was at 35, normally 25) So I backwashed for almost five minutes. Rinsed, then back to filter, still high. I chalked it up to the sand being still really cold and/or frozen. Issue is, today is still high.

Thoughts? Do i just wait it out some more? Do I run any other modes on the filter, like recirculate or something?

TIA! I hope all other fellow Texans had same luck I had. I know many at my work did not fare as well. Cracked pipes, heat exchangers, etc.

-Paul

 

[ajw22]

Does your PSI gauge go to 0 when the pump is off? Some folks gauges were damaged in the freeze.

I would suggest you open up the filter and look at the condition of the sand. The ice may have busted something in the filter.

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[dcarroll001]

Hello,
Been a while since I have been on here. Mainly because things have been good. Just like many of us in Texas, I had a frozen pool pump and filter. I tried to keep the pump running but I had no power for almost three days. My basket, exposed pipes, pump, and my sand filter were frozen. Miraculously, nothing cracked. The freeze ended on Friday, but it did not thaw out till Sunday. Since then, all is running well, no cracks in pump or pipes. I noticed yesterday the pressure was high. (was at 35, normally 25) So I backwashed for almost five minutes. Rinsed, then back to filter, still high. I chalked it up to the sand being still really cold and/or frozen. Issue is, today is still high.

Thoughts? Do i just wait it out some more? Do I run any other modes on the filter, like recirculate or something?

TIA! I hope all other fellow Texans had same luck I had. I know many at my work did not fare as well. Cracked pipes, heat exchangers, etc.

-Paul

I had a similar problem, but it worked itself out. Just prior to the freeze, I drained the sand filter and pump (after backwashing), and unplugged. Pump is slightly above water level. Turned it on after three days of 70+ degree weather, and the pump is working fine when on recirculation mode. However, when on filter or backwash mode, pressure jumped from 12 psi to 20, and I got about a quarter of normal throughput on backwash (and no visible flow into the pool on filter mode). After research, I concluded it was one of two problems - either the pipe inside was broken or separated near the top, or there was still ice in the filter. Since the water was still very cold, I was hoping for the latter. No cracks or leaks visible, and recirculation mode operated normally.

So I waited a day and tried again. It worked. So I guess the ice melted enough to allow water to pass through.

Sand and filter are only 1 season old (less than a year), and filter was fine prior to the freeze. Filter is Hayward 23".

 

[paulmaz]

Thanks. I bought the house with the pool in 2016 and have not touched the sand. My guess is the PO did not do anything either for a while either. Might be a good time to open it up and check it out. Maybe do a deep cleaning. Is a deep cleaning enough or should I replace the sand? I've heard there is no real reason to replace the sand as sand does not really go bad.

 

[CrystalRiver]

No need to replace the sand unless it's been gunked up with flocc.

 

[paulmaz]

Merged threads - TFP Mod
Hi all-
I am just doing some research. My sand filter is getting pretty old, and I imagine at some point I will have to replace it. I have already patched a whole in tank last year! I am having some issues now because of the TX freeze, but I can get past this in the short term.
I would imagine I would lean towards a Cartridge filter. For one, my water company provides a $250 rebate.
Questions-
1) what size would I need? In my reading, it seems based on my size, a 320 SF would be OK.
2) can I use my existing Pool Pump? It is a Pentair 1.5HP VS.
3) Any reason NOT to go to cartridge?
4) Thoughts on this one: Pentair 160340 Clean & Clear Plus Cartridge Filter, 320 sq ft

TIA

-Paul

 

[paulmaz]

Does your PSI gauge go to 0 when the pump is off? Some folks gauges were damaged in the freeze.

I would suggest you open up the filter and look at the condition of the sand. The ice may have busted something in the filter.

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

The gauge is working. Pressure changes as I change speed of pump. and at top speed, I can tell the motor is working extra hard.

 

[CrystalRiver]

Due to my physical limitations (disability), sand is the way to go. No taking the filter apart and lifting out cartridges to clean them off. Just switch the MPV, count to 30, switch it back (pump off when moving MPV).

You may be healthy and strong now. I was, too, two years ago. There are no guarantees in life.

 

[ajw22]

320sf CCP will work fine for you. Next size up will be even better.

Your pump will work fine with it.

 

[Texas Splash]

Hi Paul!

1 - Usually larger the better for less cleaning. Those 4-cart systems are nice (340 or higher).
2 - Yes. Usually best to stay with the same brand for standard plumbing sizing (i.e. Pentair to Pentair).
3 - No. Personally, it's all I will every use. Internal carts should last several years if maintained properly.
4 - The 340 filter should work fine for your situation. If you are concerned with cleaning intervals, 301 might provide less frequent cleanings, but the 340 should handle it.

Good luck!

 

[paulmaz]

Hi Paul!

1 - Usually larger the better for less cleaning. Those 4-cart systems are nice (340 or higher).
2 - Yes. Usually best to stay with the same brand for standard plumbing sizing (i.e. Pentair to Pentair).
3 - No. Personally, it's all I will every use. Internal carts should last several years if maintained properly.
4 - The 340 filter should work fine for your situation. If you are concerned with cleaning intervals, 301 might provide less frequent cleanings, but the 340 should handle it.

Good luck!

Hey Pat, thanks for the info. How do did you do in the TX storm? any issues? I had no power from from early Monday till Wed. night. We lucked out, no issues in house or pool.

 

[Texas Splash]

How do did you do in the TX storm? any issues?

We started receiving rolling brownouts Tues evening and Wednesday in about 1-hour intervals. I had my equipment covered pretty well, so even with the downtime I didn't experience any damage to the pool equipment.

 

[paulmaz]

Re: plumbing question. As you can se from attached, I have a VERY basic design (this is an old pic with my old motor and still has booster pump, but essentially same)
With new cartridge filter, pretty basic, two connections, one in and one out. Right now, I have a connection for backwash that leads to a pipe to the front of my house. With a cartridge filter there is no backwash, but would I want to install a valve that would allow me to pump water out through the backwash pipe jus in case I ever need to pump water out? I think I just answered my own question, as I would need a way in case of large amounts of rain or similar.
Any other plumbing considerations?

 

[thefloatqueen]

Following because I’m a sand filter owner who is also considering switching to cartridge.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes, a 3-way (or 2-way might work as well) is an option between the pump and filter. I see some owners who install a T- connection with a spigot. Personal preference, but either is nice.

 

[paulmaz]

Thanks everyone for your help. I have all the info I need.
On a side note, I came across this today. I have been looking for something like this! Works with my pump.
Pentair IntelliSync Pool Pump Control and Monitoring System