Hello, this is my first post here and I appreciate any help in advance.
We have owed our pool - an 18' x 33' x 52" - for over 15 years and I have never had an issue with keeping a sparkling clean pool. Chemistry is always in range and the pool has been headache-free until this year.
As stated, we have a Sta-Rite PD-50 pool filter that takes 6 pounds of DE. Typically, I add the DE by diluting each scoop in a few gallons of water and slowly pouring into the skimmer basket. At that point, my pressure has been about 10 pounds to start.
This year, I cannot get the pressure to reach 10 pounds or move at all. The gauge is working as putting my hand over the return line will cause it to rise. When I open the filter the DE is not evenly dispersed on the element. I have tried several times - all with the same results. The top of the filter (horizontal part) is covered with a pile of DE, the upper vertical mesh is not covered until about 1/2 way down, and even that is somewhat sporadic.
I believe that it may be air in the system but the pre-filter gasket seal is fine as is the main O-ring for the cover. The drain on the pump and strainer are also not leaking, nor are any of the hoses or fittings.
The real kicker is that the first time I charged it a week ago, it was fine. I was vacuuming the pool and all was working as it normally is. Once the suction decreased, and I cleaned the filter, I have not been able to get it working again. Something changed very quickly and I cannot troubleshoot it.
Any guidance is appreciated...
We have owed our pool - an 18' x 33' x 52" - for over 15 years and I have never had an issue with keeping a sparkling clean pool. Chemistry is always in range and the pool has been headache-free until this year.
As stated, we have a Sta-Rite PD-50 pool filter that takes 6 pounds of DE. Typically, I add the DE by diluting each scoop in a few gallons of water and slowly pouring into the skimmer basket. At that point, my pressure has been about 10 pounds to start.
This year, I cannot get the pressure to reach 10 pounds or move at all. The gauge is working as putting my hand over the return line will cause it to rise. When I open the filter the DE is not evenly dispersed on the element. I have tried several times - all with the same results. The top of the filter (horizontal part) is covered with a pile of DE, the upper vertical mesh is not covered until about 1/2 way down, and even that is somewhat sporadic.
I believe that it may be air in the system but the pre-filter gasket seal is fine as is the main O-ring for the cover. The drain on the pump and strainer are also not leaking, nor are any of the hoses or fittings.
The real kicker is that the first time I charged it a week ago, it was fine. I was vacuuming the pool and all was working as it normally is. Once the suction decreased, and I cleaned the filter, I have not been able to get it working again. Something changed very quickly and I cannot troubleshoot it.
Any guidance is appreciated...
Welcome to TFP, sorry none of us were much help to you.... Glad your pool is crystal clear...