Filter gauge question

[shiyang100]

A really dump question.

I have sta rite system 3 cartridge filter. Today I noticed there are some air bubbles in the pump basket, so I opened the gauge valve, and it took about 30 sec to have a strong steady stream coming out from the gauge. All good.

An hour later, I cleaned the pump basket. This time, it never got a strong stream. Only a very weak stream. No air bubbles. The filter pressure was same as before after I close the valve.

What has happened within an hour. Before everytime I open the filter pressure gauge, I can get a strong stream shooting for 4 , 5 feet including the first time today. Just feel so weird.

 

[Richard320]

If the pump basket is full, the skimmer basket is probably fuller. You might just be starving for water.

 

[JamesW]

The air relief is probably clogged with low density debris.

Low density debris floats and can get jammed in the air relief.

Styrofoam bits are a likely suspect.

 

[shiyang100]

Everything is clear. Skimmer basket is empty.

 

[JamesW]

Turn off pump, open air relief and use water or compressed air to blow into the hole.

 

[shiyang100]

Just took the gauge off and used water and compressed air. Still same

 

[shiyang100]

Just feel so wield. It works and suddenly not.

 

[JamesW]

Can you take the air relief off and check to see if it's clogged?

 

[Jnet]

I have a system 3 and exactly the same situation. It used to shoot 5 or 6 feet, now less than a foot. it still purges air like it should. I'm planning to take it apart and clean it, but it's going to be a week before I have time.

 

[shiyang100]

Mine is not even 1 foot. Water just dripping from the relief valve.

so how to check if it is clogged?

 

[JamesW]

Turn off the pump and unscrew the air relief from the filter.

STA-RITE 24850-0105 SYSTEM 3 POOL FILTER VALVE & GAUGE ASSEMBLY

That's the part if you want to Google to see what's involved.

 

[Jnet]

I finally got to cleaning mine when I took everything down to clean my cartridge filter and install my SWG. I found a fair amount of junk in there. I cleaned it the best I could and it's much better now.