Filter gets really dirty after <12h during pool opening

[fredinstl]

hello all, my cartridge filter needs to be cleaned up every 12h during pool opening. Is that normal ? This is the 2nd time we are opening the pool and not sure what to expect. We are in the Midwest.

We removed the mesh cover 5 days ago mid-day. Water pretty dirty and greenish + we are getting a lot of pollen and stuffs from the trees. Run the robot multiple times and brushed the walls. Also started the pump and filter. Next morning, there was just a little bit of water running through the system, low pressure. I think the filter got clogged and pump lost pressure.
What I have done the last 3 days, while slamming at the same time: wash the cartridge in the morning and start it again. It primes fine, and pressure reads 20 PSI (new glycerin gauge). In the evening, pressure gets to 25, so I stop the pump to avoid what happened the first night. Making progress, I can see the bottom at the shallow end (5') now.
Obviously I would progress faster if I can run it at night but I don't have time to wash the filter 2x a day.... Thoughts ?

Also how do I evaluate if I need a new cartridge. Between last year opening (contractor dumped mud in the pool) and this year, I think it took a beating.

Also side question: there is quite a large air bubble in my new gauge, see in the pix. Should I get it replaced ?

thanks !

 

[mknauss]

You need to follow the SLAM Process

Does gauge go to zero with pump off? If so, it is likely fine.

 

[fredinstl]

You need to follow the SLAM Process

Does gauge go to zero with pump off? If so, it is likely fine.

yes it does. Thanks.

 

[DThompson55]

I had the same problem last year until @mknauss advised me to run without the cartridge while slamming, especially if there was a high algae load. It worked for me, and I had a beautiful pool last year. Obviously, put the cartridge back in when you vacuum.