Cartridge filter was very dirty but PSI did not rise.

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EndlessSummerAZ

EndlessSummerAZ

Well-known member
May 18, 2023
61
Phoenix
Pool Size
11475
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
First time owning a pool and I cleaned my filter for the first time since the pool was finished in November. Wanted to knock out cleaning before it gets hot here. The amount of debris was shocking however PSI never increased on the gauge. I thought maybe the pressure gauge was broken but after cleaning it seems to be fine. PSI went to 6 and has stayed there while the pump runs the last few days.

Anyone know why this might have not increased visually on the gauge? I want to make sure I address any issue so I can keep an eye on PSI to clean the filters timely.

Also, if anyone in the Phoenix area has tips on dealing with Palo Verde leaves, let me hear ‘em! HOA owned tree so we are stuck with the leaves.
 

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EndlessSummerAZ said:
Anyone know why this might have not increased visually on the gauge? I
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Large filters can handle more crud. You have a small pool and a large filter, so what you saw was normal. :)

I clean mine after the spring crud is done, just because, then again at the end of the season to put them away clean. You don't close but could clean them while it's still warm in the fall just the same. Once a year might be plenty, but I'm extra.
 
End,

At my pool, where I have a large cartridge filter, I clean it twice a year. I never use the pressure gauge to determine when to clean it. I have a 30 lb. gauge and when clean, I get about 1 lb. on the gauge, and even when 'dirty' it is usually under 3 lbs. and I still have plenty of flow.

With a large cartridge filter, even when it looks dirty, there is still plenty of surface area to let the water through.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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While there may be a bit of debris, there isn't much small, fine dirt visible.

What exact filter manufacturer and model number (add that to your signature as well).

I have a Pentair CCP420 on a 12,300 gallon pool. I clean the filter once a year - only because my OCD won't let me wait any longer and I don't want to have to clean it mid-Summer.
I use hairnets on the skimmer (except when away for more than 5-7 days). This helps keep a lot of what you are seeing out of the filter.

Additionally, add an inline leaf canister to your suction side cleaner - as now you are sucking everything into the pump basket and some smaller stuff into the filter.
Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/VINGLI-Profe...817095&sprefix=vingli+lea,aps,136&sr=8-4&th=1
 
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EndlessSummerAZ said:
Are you changing those when you clean out the skimmer basket or do you have to clean them more frequently?
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They are disposable - just toss when cleaning out the skimmer basket.
Makes cleaning out the skimmer basket 100 times easier as well.
They cost about $10 per 100 hairnets.

Put them inside the basket and place the elastic part over the upper edge of the skimmer basket.
 
proavia said:
While there may be a bit of debris, there isn't much small, fine dirt visible.

What exact filter manufacturer and model number (add that to your signature as well).

I have a Pentair CCP420 on a 12,300 gallon pool. I clean the filter once a year - only because my OCD won't let me wait any longer and I don't want to have to clean it mid-Summer.
I use hairnets on the skimmer (except when away for more than 5-7 days). This helps keep a lot of what you are seeing out of the filter.

Additionally, add an inline leaf canister to your suction side cleaner - as now you are sucking everything into the pump basket and some smaller stuff into the filter.
Something similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/VINGLI-Professional-Canister-Plastic-Automatic/dp/B08HGSJ24M/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1P3DMU3VLCHE7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CcMEzENq2bNHF1D0oITmQzOPdsBW3VsZSCMSqsvxXxpjEuedmWo4gWnVYTeq-2llCDuZdY5uRL9su3fABmnK-g.ZZxOBJt0H0c1NJcgmqSGo5j12MUF29-QVvpvTKcsnH8&dib_tag=se&keywords=vingli+leaf+canister&qid=1713817095&sprefix=vingli+lea,aps,136&sr=8-4&th=1
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I’ve got a Hayward C4030 filter…with the vs950 pump I’m sure the pool salesman loved upselling us on this tiny pool.

Good call with the inline. Definitely going to purchase one.
 
EndlessSummerAZ said:
I’ve got a Hayward C4030 filter…with the vs950 pump I’m sure the pool salesman loved upselling us on this tiny pool.
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In Florida they downsell with 50 to 100 sq ft carts and then the pool owner needs to clean them every few weeks. You got the better deal. :)

Welcome to the 'I still don't need to clean them but I'm going to anyway because it's been a year' club.
 

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Yeah- so close to the size of mine and the same pump.
I chose to install those on mine - didn't have anyone try to upsell me.
Always get the largest filter you can afford - more time between cleanings.

Since you're in the PHX area - consider adding a SWG and plumb a water softener to your autofill line.
Eventually you will get tired of lugging chlorine jugs - especially when you are using a couple gallons weekly.
 
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proavia said:
Yeah- so close to the size of mine and the same pump.
I chose to install those on mine - didn't have anyone try to upsell me.
Always get the largest filter you can afford - more time between cleanings.

Since you're in the PHX area - consider adding a SWG and plumb a water softener to your autofill line.
Eventually you will get tired of lugging chlorine jugs - especially when you are using a couple gallons weekly.
Click to expand...

Biggest regret was not getting a SWG already! I’ve got to see if I can fit one in.
 
EndlessSummerAZ said:
Biggest regret was not getting a SWG already! I’ve got to see if I can fit one in.
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You can ALWAYS fit one in!
Post a few pics of your equipment pad from a few different angles and someone will give suggestions.

Look for one AT LEAST 2 times the pool volume.
I have a Circupool RJ45+ on my 12,300 gallon pool.
Again, bigger is better for the most part.
 
proavia said:
You can ALWAYS fit one in!
Post a few pics of your equipment pad from a few different angles and someone will give suggestions.

Look for one AT LEAST 2 times the pool volume.
I have a Circupool RJ45+ on my 12,300 gallon pool.
Again, bigger is better for the most part.
Click to expand...
It’s a tiny setup
 

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You have more than enough room on the return pipe between the filter and Jandy valve.
That would be an easy install.

Since you don't appear to have automation, you will need a timer clock to wire the SWG to so it only runs within the time the pump runs.

If you get one with a 'hump' (like the Hayward and Circupool), placed the hump down. It allows the SWG to fill completely with water at a lower pump speed.
 
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