Filter Pressure drop

[jsridley]

New pool owner.
I put in brand new grids on my filter back in mid May. I've been watching pressure for the 10psi rise telling me to backwash. Problem is, the pressure isn't rising, and in fact has slowly been decreasing.
Started at 20psi, now around 15.5.

Guage was new around that time so I'm less inclined to think that's the problem. Pump isn't making any noticeably different noise and pool is crystal clean (I also use hairnets at the skimmer), but I can only think the pump is degrading.

Any thoughts?

 

[ajw22]

If everything is working, go swim.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yeah, try not to get too paranoid with those factory gauges. Next time you turn the system off, check to make sure the needle falls all the way to zero. If not, you know that's an issue. Also, I know it doesn't really apply right now because your psi seemed to drop, but in the future watch more for a 25% pressure increase (from your clean psi reading) as opposed to just a 10 psi increase. They can differ. Enjoy your weekend!

 

[jsridley]

Ok, I won’t worry about it.
Needle does fall to zero with pump off.

Should I periodically backwash regardless of filter pressure? Is it reasonable to not need a backwash for months?

Thanks for advice

 

[mknauss]

Ok, I won’t worry about it.
Needle does fall to zero with pump off.

Should I periodically backwash regardless of filter pressure? Is it reasonable to not need a backwash for months?

Thanks for advice

Follow what Pat stated on when to backwash.

 

[ajw22]

Is it reasonable to not need a backwash for months?

Thanks for advice

Yes. All depends on your pool environment. But you can have storms pass through that dump stuff into your pool and filter that suddenly requires a backwash or two fairly rapidly. So just watch filter pressure and let it be your guide.