DE filter pressure rising after only 3 days

[kodiak1120]

This is my 10th season and I never had this problem before, but since I've opened the pool, my filter goes from 10 psi to 20 psi after only a few days. I took the filter apart and soaked the grids in grid cleaner I got from the pool store. Put it back together and everything was fine but now, three days later, pressure is +10 psi. Not sure what the issue is. All my levels are perfect and have been since I initially balanced the water when I opened it a month ago. Ant ideas?

 

[Newdude]

Fast filter cycles are a chemistry problem 99% of the time. Either way, you need to rule out the likely cause :

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test

 

[Texas Splash]

All my levels are perfect

Could you share those please? That's always step #1 to check whenever a filter is getting full exceptionally fast.

 

[kodiak1120]

Yup...
FC 4 ppm
CC 0
PH 7.5
TA 90
CYA 50

 

[Newdude]

That's not perfect. It's playing kissey face with minimum FC for your CYA level and that's how you get quick filter cycles before it explodes so bad you can see the microscopic algae.

Overnight Chlorine Loss Test and prove the water sterile.

SLAM Process if it's not.

 

[kodiak1120]

I disagree. It's above the minimum and within the target range. Also, it's been consistent. That's the lowest it's been for at least a week. I'll do the OCLT, but I don't think it's an issue with my levels.

 

[Newdude]

I disagree. It's above the minimum and within the target range.

Not for 50 CYA.

I'll do the OCLT, but I don't think it's an issue with my levels

It's step 1 in the process. It just so happens to weed out nearly all of the people asking. (But not all).

 

[kodiak1120]

Not for 50 CYA.

View attachment 582601



It's step 1 in the process. It just so happens to weed out nearly all of the people asking. (But not all).

According to this website, minimum is 3.7.

 

[Newdude]

According to this website, minimum is 3.7.

Your tested 4 ppm has a possible 1 drop variance for error. It could be a 3.5 or a 3.8 depending on the sample size. You're flirting with min any way you want to slice it.

We've also added a range to the target to account for daily FC loss changing throughout the season. We've evolved a bit since the 2007 chart you posted.

 

[kodiak1120]

In any event, the level has been higher over the past week and has slowly come down because I haven't added chlorine. I just took it up to 7, which is right where your chart says it's supposed to be. Also, OCLT passed, so as I said, it's not a water chemistry problem.

 

[Texas Splash]

OCLT passed

Very good. To confirm, this is not a salt pool correct? If liquid chlorine, perhaps you're experiencing some late spring pollen issues getting picked up by the filter this time of year?

 

[Newdude]

Also, OCLT passed, so as I said, it's not a water chemistry problem.

Ok then. The grids were cleaned and you ruled out algae. I feel much better recommending that it's time for grid replacement.

*providing nothing changed in your ways that always worked before. Like how you add the DE or how much you add.

Check this thread too.

Use and care for DE filters

Hi all, :wave: I've been meaning to write up my 'pearls of wisdom re. DE filters' for a while, with some of our members already firing up their pools, I figured I better get it posted :oops...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[kodiak1120]

Very good. To confirm, this is not a salt pool correct? If liquid chlorine, perhaps you're experiencing some late spring pollen issues getting picked up by the filter this time of year?

Confirmed. Liquid chlorine.

 

[kodiak1120]

Ok then. The grids were cleaned and you ruled out algae. I feel much better recommending that it's time for grid replacement.

*providing nothing changed in your ways that always worked before. Like how you add the DE or how much you add.

Check this thread too.

Use and care for DE filters

Hi all, :wave: I've been meaning to write up my 'pearls of wisdom re. DE filters' for a while, with some of our members already firing up their pools, I figured I better get it posted :oops...

www.troublefreepool.com

Nothing has changed... but if it was my grids, wouldn't backwashing not help? When I backwash, pressure goes to 10 psi. Then within a few days, its up at 20 psi. I would imagine that if the grids were bad, pressure would stay up even after backwashing.

 

[Newdude]

It's your grids or your water. You cleaned the grids and didn't alter your regular process so it's not a normal maintenance issue IMO.

OCLTs are free, which not only proves the water healthy, but makes you feel better before spending a chunk on new grids. Personally I'd want 2 OCLT passes in case the first one was a fluke.

*assuming both processes were thorough. I've often half-rear cleaned my filters without looking at it like it was their last chance before replacement. I'd revisit that cleaning if I then suspected it was do or die.

Then I'd want 2 passed OCLTs to be thorough there.