PSI shot up after backwashing

[LisaBgame]

I was so close to finishing my SLAM. Today my PSI on sand filter was at 14 and it’s usually 10-11, so I decided to backwash. Everything went fine with that but then when I started it up again as I normally do, the PSI shot up to 30 and there was very little suction at the skimmer and weak flow out of returns.

I have only a push pull valve with my sand filter. I did notice that when pulling it up after backwashing, it came up really easy - usually there is some resistance. I’ve turned it off and on several times and same thing keeps happening.

Please help! I’m so afraid I’ll lose all the progress I’ve made in my SLAM.

 

[Lake Placid]

Who is the manufacturer of your filter and push pull valve? If you’re comfortable doing so, you need to disassemble the valve and inspect it for issues.

 

[LisaBgame]

Pentair Triton II

 

[Lake Placid]

I’d start with a valve inspection. Only perform work you are comfortable taking on.

 

[LisaBgame]

Took it out and discovered my valve is broken, a whole plunger piece is at the bottom of that area. I’m not sure how to get that out. I’m going to see if I can find this valve online to order

 

[Lake Placid]

That’s what I was afraid of. If you unscrew the unions to the filter, can you access the broken piston through the bottom port that connects to the filter?

 

[TinFoilHat]

I would pay the price at a local pool store and get it faster.

 

[LisaBgame]

That’s what I was afraid of. If you unscrew the unions to the filter, can you access the broken piston through the bottom port that connects to the filter?

I think I could access it that way but I can’t unscrew the unions. It’s really tight. Is there a special tool I can get for that?

 

[Dirk]

Just want to offer support for your effort. Good job.

For now or the future: you should have a small, portable pump for such occasions, when your pad is out of commission. I have this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M7FC34L

And I always forget which one @Newdude recommends.

You can use these pumps to exchange water better and safer than your main pump. And they can keep your pool circulating enough to keep the green at bay should your pad ever stop working. At least well enough and long enough for a spare part or repairman to show up. In this case, you could probably keep your SLAM going well enough while you deal with your filter.

Obviously, you'll lose the filtering aspect of a SLAM while your filter is down, but the little pump would keep your FC at SLAM level, so you wouldn't lose ground.

If you can't wait for an Amazon delivery, these types of pumps are readily available at Lowes, HD and Harbor Freight. You could probably even rent one for a few days, if you don't want to decide right now which pump to get, or don't want to spring for it just now.

If you end up with your own, you break it out for emergencies, then pack it away in your garage for the next one. I've used mine to empty my pool a bit for a water exchange, but now it's up on a shelf awaiting its big hero debut. It's cheap insurance, especially considering (as you know) how expensive the chlorine is to perform a SLAM.

 

[PoolStored]

I think I could access it that way but I can’t unscrew the unions. It’s really tight. Is there a special tool I can get for that?

24 in. Dual Material Strap Wrench with 8 inch Capacity

 

[Newdude]

And I always forget which one @Newdude recommends.

More power equals less waiting / more circulating. Then on top of that, why spend more on the 0.3 HP than the 1.6 HP on Amazon ? Click link here.

 

[Lake Placid]

The strap wrench @PoolStored is exactly what I would recommend and I have that one and 3 similar smaller ones on the truck. When you get it open you may be able to pull the piston straight out or you may have to push it up the tube with a screwdriver using the unions as access holes. You might need a long set of need nose pliers….like 12 inches. Something like this….

13 in. X2 Double Compound Long Reach Long Nose Pliers with Dual Material Handle

 

[LisaBgame]

That’s what I was afraid of. If you unscrew the unions to the filter, can you access the broken piston through the bottom port that connects to the filter?

I think I could. This may sound like a dumb question but will water come gushing out if I unscrew this? Do I just unscrew the bottom one?

I just bought this rubber strap wrench set

 

[Lake Placid]

I think I could. This may sound like a dumb question but will water come gushing out if I unscrew this? Do I just unscrew the bottom one?

I just bought this rubber strap wrench set

Depends on the level of the pad in relationship to the water level. If you’ve got valves on the suction side of the pump close them. If you have any valves on the return side, close them. Post up some pictures of the entire pad and valves. You’ll probably need to unscrew both unions at the filter. Some water will drain out of the filter tank for sure.

 

[LisaBgame]

I got the two going into the filter but I still can’t access it, it’s wedged on the elbow joint. Is it safe to try and separate this piece?

 

[LisaBgame]

here’s pictures of what I’ve done so far

 

[Lake Placid]

I got the two going into the filter but I still can’t access it, it’s wedged on the elbow joint. Is it safe to try and separate this piece?

Unfortunately that joint is solvent welded. You can only cut it apart.

 

[Lake Placid]

Can you access it with a long enough rod or stick from the top? How is it wedged in the elbow? If you can attach to it from the top is it removable? I have a potential idea if you think you can de-wedge it and get it out from the top…

 

[PoolStored]

@Lake Placid ...maybe a grabber?

https://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Grabber-Bendable-Reaching-35-4inch/dp/B08D8H1D5X

 

[LisaBgame]

Actually just picked up a grabber from ace hardware. I can grab it but when I try to pull up it falls off!