Different pressure based on last season

[tspo]

Hello all, I am new to the trouble free pools. I got a pool installed last season. I have a de filter. I was getting roughly 19 lbs of pressure. At one point last year I got down to 10 and that was because I had pine needles stuck in the propeller of the pump.

This year,. I am getting 10. Should I be getting 19 lbs of pressure like last year? I haven't taken my pump apart, but I don't feel pine needles like I did last year. I verified all fittings are snug and O rings are new. Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[HermanTX]

Welcome to TFP.
It would be helpful to Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is, especially the pump model, filter, etc. You should expect similar pressures but if you have a variable speed pump that is now running at a lower speed then your filter pressure will be different. So if your impeller is clear then need to consider the pump speed. Therefore please provide more info on your equipment and maybe even a couple of pictures of your equipment pad will help.

 

[tspo]

Welcome to TFP.
It would be helpful to Create Your Signature to help us understand what your current setup is, especially the pump model, filter, etc. You should expect similar pressures but if you have a variable speed pump that is now running at a lower speed then your filter pressure will be different. So if your impeller is clear then need to consider the pump speed. Therefore please provide more info on your equipment and maybe even a couple of pictures of your equipment pad will help.

Thank you @HermanTX. I will get that updated first thing tomorrow. I do have a variable speed pump and I have not completely taken apart the pump, rather, I just felt with my fingers. I will get my signature updated will all specs on current equipment.

 

[csconner]

Welcome to TFP, this is my second season, been invaluable being a TFP member.

I don’t have DE filter, rather a cartridge. my pressure is way lower at my normal 950RPM to drive swg @2-3 psi, ramps up to 5-15 psi when I ramp up to 1100, 1600, 2200RPM to drive increased skimming, waterfall, enhanced filtering/chlorine generation before/ after a big swim party, never gets above 20psi even at 3400rpm when I vacuum. I clean & swap cartridge 3 x year.

I wouldn’t take the pump apart yet.. let the forum help you diagnose the challenges. Group is excellent at diagnostics and resolution. Others have lots of experience with DE filters.

 

[tspo]

@

Thank you @HermanTX. I will get that updated first thing tomorrow. I do have a variable speed pump and I have not completely taken apart the pump, rather, I just felt with my fingers. I will get my signature updated will all specs on current equipment.

Signature has been updated. Here are my specs - 15k Gal - IG - vinyl - StaRite S7MD60 Filter (DE) - Hayward TriStar VS900 Pump - New Water 430 Chlorinator - Hayward Summit XL Heater (electric)
Photos of setup attached as well.

 

[HermanTX]

Thanks, Beautiful pool. If you have less pressure at the filter that points to a suction side issue. Also, you have 2 suction pipes - a skimmer and a main drain. (correct me as that is what I could see in the picture). It appears you have suction split 50/50 between those 2 pipes.
Couple of things to try out
Turn your suction to either 100% skimmer or 100% main drain. Does the pressure change on your filter? Try both ways. Also, when on 100% skimmer, look in your skimmer basket to determine if you are getting good flow.
Is your pump basket clear? Also check the skimmer baskets.
Is your impeller clear? I think you said that you cleared after removing the pump basket but have not taken the cover off to expose the whole impeller.
Do you run your VS pump at different speeds and how does that affect your pressure?
Best to try all at max speed so you have a consistent suction force.
If you had a pressure of 19psi last year, are you running the VS pump at that same speed now to compare properly.
Hope this helps think through various options.

 

[tspo]

Thank you, and yes, that is correct. I will try that. Same rpm. 2700 rpm last year and same this year. When i set it at a higher rpm (2850) the filter psi increases to roughly 15. Skimmer basket and Pump baskets are clear. I will try closing main drain and skimmer drain and see if that makes a difference. I'm starting to think more and more that it's the pump impeller or beyond the impeller that needs to be cleaned out after the pine needles from last season I've never done this so I'll have to do some research. Any suggestions or pointers on that If that ends up being the case?

 

[HermanTX]

I see you have a check valve (that black piece) after the pump but before the filter. Have you checked that? That could be a restriction. Ensure it is working properly and no debris in it. If it only partially opening then that could be your source of issue.

After that, you can open up the DE filter but then you are into a full washdown. I am not familiar with your DE filter so not sure how much work it is to pull off the top and look inside and do a washdown. Once all is clear going into the filter then if there is a bunch of debris in the filter it would cause your filter pressure to rise which you have probably seen over time due to the DE filter catching debris.

 

[tspo]

I actually completely cleaned the de filter and added new media. Same issue. The check valve shows the flow. I also have one coming out of the heater. It's about 60% which is what I'm expecting at the 10 lb of pressure in the tank. When it is running normally at 19 lb those check valves are completely open and water flows much faster.

 

[HermanTX]

I actually completely cleaned the de filter and added new media. Same issue. The check valve shows the flow. I also have one coming out of the heater. It's about 60% which is what I'm expecting at the 10 lb of pressure in the tank. When it is running normally at 19 lb those check valves are completely open and water flows much faster.

Well it may be time to take the pump face off and clean the impeller. At least that way you know for sure that all suction areas are clear.

 

[tspo]

Well it may be time to take the pump face off and clean the impeller. At least that way you know for sure that all suction areas are clear.

That's what I'm thinking. I will have to do some research on that. I've never taken a pump apart before.