Update: after running for seven hours overnight with only the skimmer valves open the water level dropped 1 ¼ inches!
In reference to my issues above, following is an outline of my equipment:
1. My pool has two skimmers and four return jets.
2. The water circulation system is controlled by a Pac Fab multi-port valve. I don't have any difficulty turning the multi-port valve; however, it does seem to always have a little water on the top face of it. It's not near enough water to explain the leak issue.
3. The Polaris is an older one that I can't match exactly with any of the models on the Polaris website and I can’t find a model number on it anywhere (Any idea where it is? Do I have to take it apart to find out?). The Polaris pump is 3/4 hp and its outflow goes into the return line that leaves the multi-port valve.
4. The filter pump is a Hayward 1.5 hp. When the system is running and I look into the window of the pump basket I notice that it is not full of water. Should it be? It’s only about ¾ full.
5. I’m almost certain the filter is a Hayward vertical DE filter based on similar models I saw online. However, I can’t find a brand or model number on the filter either. It has a PSI gauge and air release valve on the top. My pool guy replaced all the filter grids about a month ago.
One side issue, when I was recharging the DE after backwashing the filter I didn’t know how much DE to use. I showed a picture of it to the Leslies pool store guy and he said it probably takes 4-5 lbs. and that it didn’t really matter if you add too little or too much DE. (I don’t really believe him.) I read that backwashing doesn’t remove all the DE and that you should only replace 70-80% of its full load. So, I only added 3.5 lbs. Late last night I thought maybe the zero PSI was due to insufficient DE so I added another 1.5 of DE to no effect.
I hope this information helps and I appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks, Chris