My sand filter normally operated at around 14psi before I began adding 1/4 cup diatomaceous earth 2-4 times a day to clear cloudy water about 4 days ago. After about 8-10 hours after adding the DE (mixed in water and oiured into skimmer) the pressure would climb to 18 and then the circulation would be begin to really slow down (to the point that there was so visible filtration happening at all, if left alone long enough, and the water would become stagnant). For about 2.5 days I added DE, then backwashed, rinsed and added more DE continuously. Eventually I noticed the pressure would drop to 12 every time the filter was turned off and back on, with or without backwashing. And today, after I stopped adding DE the pressure once again climbed to 18. Makes me think the backwashing wasnt doing a darn thing in regards to lowering the psi.
Why does the pressure drop when the filter is turned off and back on (it takes hours to rise again), and why is it now climbing to 18 instead of tipping out at 14 as it did before the DE? Is the DE likely still in the filter? Could removing some sand fix this issue, instead of dumping and replacing it all?
Thanks!
Why does the pressure drop when the filter is turned off and back on (it takes hours to rise again), and why is it now climbing to 18 instead of tipping out at 14 as it did before the DE? Is the DE likely still in the filter? Could removing some sand fix this issue, instead of dumping and replacing it all?
Thanks!
