Backwash procedure for pool with 2 filters

Would the item below get the job done?
Looks Ok.
Do I just hold the tachometer next to the spinning motor shaft?
Yes.
Does there need to be any kind of mark on the shaft, i.e., a dot of nail polish?
Looks like it comes with reflective tape.

You could probably use a spot of white paint or white nail polish.
I'm looking for 3500 RPM, correct?
Yes.
If that checks out, does that rule out any issues with power/wiring?
It would be a good sign that the power is probably ok.

However, measuring the power can indicate the flow based on the graph MAS985 provided earlier.


1748305012771.png
 
One thing to be aware when determining GPM from watts is that the slope of that line is fairly shallow so a small error in watts tends to create a large error in GPM. Added to that is the lack of exact measurements for that particular pump so I am uncertain how accurate this method will be.

In the past, I have found that for some pumps where the data is fairly accurate, you get reasonable results but even when there is measured data (Energy Star), that data isn't always precise and can result in some fairly high errors.

I did notice from the label that the motor rating is 4860 watts (V*I*PF*sqr(3); PF=1) and NEMA tolerances are += 10% so the motor should not draw more than 5346 watts. Based upon the head curve and power curve, the best efficiency point of the pump motor combo is around 125 GPM at 114' of head and 5070 watts. To the right of that point, the power vs GPM tends to have a non-linear relationship and can actually start to reduce again. But again, without exact data, it is hard to know for sure what will happen.
 

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If it is not running on the pump performance curve, like with the wrong impeller, then it should be more obvious due to extra low power draw?
Yes, even though the power curve may not be exact, we might still be able to determine significant deltas that might indicate a particular issue.

Also, I made a slight adjustment based upon the label wattage to make the pump motor a little more efficient and I put the possible plumbing curves as an overlay.

1748360958152.png


Operating point A' assumes:
- Pump pressure and suction gauge measurements are correct
- Flow meter measurement is incorrect
- Pump is operating on the DMJ head curve

Operating point B' assumes:
- Pump pressure and suction gauge measurements are correct
- Flow meter measurement is correct
- Pump is NOT operating on the DMJ head curve

Operating point C' assumes:
- Pump pressure and suction gauge measurements are incorrect
- Flow meter measurements are correct
- Pump is operating on the DMJ head curve
 
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At this point, we need some more data including:

1) Pump RPM.

2) Pump Power Draw with associated Vacuum and Discharge Pressures and Flow rate in GPM.

3) New Vacuum and Discharge Pressure Gauges with new readings.

4) Maybe a new Flow Meter added to see if it is in agreement.

5) Verify all pump parts are correct, in good condition and no parts are missing.