Filter requires cleaning every day?

[jmag999]

We have owned and maintained our pool for the past 10 years and never had this issue. I normally clean the filter once at the end of the season when I close the pool.

This year we opened the pool late due to a vacation. Pool was cloudy so I did a slam and it cleared after 2-3 days. I figured I had an algae bloom and so the filter was cleaned several times during this process (all normal).

Anyway, the pool chemicals are all in-line now (Todays readings FC 5, CC < 0.5, PH 7.6, TA 70, CH 350, CYA 70), and it's crystal clear, but I noticed at the end of every day the returns have very low flow. Pressure is going up from about 12psi to 16psi on the filter. If I rinse the cartridges, flow returns. They don't look terribly dirty, but there is pollen on them. We are having very high pollen count right now, but we have had this the past few years and this has never happened.

Could something else be going on or is this normal?

 

[JJ_Tex]

I would do an OCLT. Your FC is still low for your CYA, so my guess is its still got algae.

 

[jmag999]

I actually did an OCLT a few times during the SLAM and both times it lost < 1ppm. I'll check it again tonight to be sure. I agree that I need to raise the FC, I switched the timer today to keep the salt generator on longer.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Cool, and I missed that you had a SWCG... so 5 is right in line. I still would do another OCLT just to be sure.

 

[Newdude]

I actually did an OCLT a few times during the SLAM and both times it lost < 1ppm.

How long had it been ? Days or weeks ?

Also, the 5 FC is problematic IMO. I caught my SWG off 7 or 8 times last year during or after heavy rains. It takes a while to mix and if the cell performs a self check in that window, you lose 12 or 24 hours until the next self check (model depending).

Topping off the pool on dry weeks may do it also.

Or a system glitch.

We added a range to the SWG chart for a reason, and the 5 is the bottom of the range.

 

[jmag999]

It's been 4-5 days now since the slam. I have increased the time on the generator yesterday. I usually keep it around 7. I generally check fc daily. I will reply in the morning with the results of the OCLT.

 

[jmag999]

Lost 0.6 overnight. I am not sure what to make of that.

 

[Newdude]

So you passed the OCLT. How old are the carts ? Are they gummed up with flocc or such ?

Also switch to 10ml samples and each drop is 1/2 FC. It saves 2.5X the supplies and is plenty good enough for accuracy.

 

[jmag999]

Filter is 4 years old. They look ok to me, but I could soak them overnight in filter cleaner to be sure.

 

[JJ_Tex]

Lost 0.6 overnight. I am not sure what to make of that.

Was your SWG off during this time?

 

[jmag999]

Yes, it's only on during the day.

 

[jmag999]

I noticed that the returns already had reduced output this morning. The pressure on the filter didn't go up much. After turning the pump off and back on again, the returns had good pressure again. Maybe this is a clue? I only turned the pump off for about 30s.

 

[jmag999]

I also checked the air relief valve on the filter and there was no air coming out, so I don't think it's a suction side problem.

 

[jmag999]

For those that may find this post in the future, I wanted to follow up with the solution. This turned out to be a 2-part solution. The first was a suction side leak coming from the pump cover o-ring. Applying magic lube ii did not help, it needed to be replaced even though it looked fine. Applying water around the cover did not locate the leak, I did this through trial and error. The 2nd issue was the filter cartridges were breaking down and filling with filter material (looked like pulp/stringy cotton). Pool is running good as new now.