noise/change when I change setting on my filter

survey77777 · Jun 25, 2008

I honestly can't believe I'm having another problem right now, but...
When I turned my filter setting from filter to backwash it made a strange almost grinding noise for a quick second and then it just felt like it wasn't catching as I turned it. The settings do change to what I've set it for (ie. filter, backwash, rinse) but it just doesn't feel right as I do it. Also, when the back wash was running the output was irregular where the hose would go flat every few seconds.
Is this the spider gasket that causes that, and if so...I know nothing about this part other than the name.
Hoping someone could help me out yet again.
Thanks

JohnT · Jun 25, 2008

Don't move the valve with the pump on. It will damage your spider gasket. It's really not a huge deal to change one.

survey77777 · Jun 25, 2008

I never move it while it's running...is that likely the cause though? And if so...are there instructions on how to change it somewhere?
Thanks

JohnT · Jun 25, 2008

On first read, I took it to say the pump made the noise. You could have just gotten something under the handle. Make sure you depress the handle fully when turning. If it doesn't straighten out soon, you might have to pull the valve off to see if the gasket is damaged.

The issue with backwashing really sounds more like the way a pump acts when it can't stay primed. Is the basket full when it does it?

survey77777 · Jun 26, 2008

The basket was clean when it was happening. It only happened during the backwash cycle, it's not occuring during filtering or rinsing. I'm pretty good about using it carefully and making sure it's down all the way and only using it while the pump is off.
Thanks

JohnT · Jun 26, 2008

survey77777 said:
The basket was clean when it was happening. It only happened during the backwash cycle, it's not occuring during filtering or rinsing. I'm pretty good about using it carefully and making sure it's down all the way and only using it while the pump is off.
Thanks

I meant to ask if the basket was full of water. If it was sucking air, that could explain the surging in the backwash.

survey77777 · Jun 26, 2008

Yes, it was full of water...there were a few air bubbles in the top, but that happens whenever I turn the pump off for a minute to change the cycle...nothing major though, and nothing that isn't there every time I do it.
Thanks