Drop in filter pressure

[Smiles79]

I've got a new 27' round AGP with a pentait 1.5hp pump and a 24" sand dollar filter. Ever since I got it set up the filter pressure had been 14psi.

I was just out there and it seemed like the pump sounded a little noisier. There isn't any air in the lines, but the pump is now running at 11psi. What might have caused this? Return flow still seems good.

 

[Texas Splash]

Lower pressure might indicate a partial blockage before the pump. It's not pulling-in as much water quickly as usual. Or a valve before the pump might be partially closed? Last thing perhaps a faulty pressure gauge.

 

[Smiles79]

Yeah I actually figured out shortly after posting that a bunch of Japanese beetles had gotten under the skimmer basket and caught by the pump basket.