High PSI on pool filter

[djkoell]

I could really appreciate expert advice on why my pool filter has such high pressure. I have:


Pentair FNS Plus 60
Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS High Performance 230-Volt 16 Amp 3HP Pool Pump


Equipment has been in for 4 years with no problems. We renter our house out for years 2 nd 3 and have noticed the filter pressure has been high this past year. We see pressure of 33PSI when pump runs at 2800 RPM. I've tried backwashing, cleaning, acid cleaning grids and bought new grids. Just put the filter together with NO grids and pressure was 12PSI. I would have expected it to be lower. When running a freshly cleaned filter I'm already at 20psi.


I notice DE and leaves making it through the returns and blowing back into the pool. Notice all the DE in the pool. Ideally I'd like to vaccuum the pool and then fuly disassemble, clean, and reasemble the filter getting all the gunk out.


Questions:
Is my pump too big for the pool and I simply need to run it lower?
What pressure should I see on the filter?
Do I simply slow pump down until I see a specific PSI on the filter?
Any tips getting all the crud out of the pool with clening/backwashing the filter as feww times as possible?
What's the best way to keep the DE from blowing through?




Thank you so much for any help!

 

[Catanzaro]

DJ:

You have done most of the investigative work yourself. With no grids, your pressure is at 12 PSI. With freshly cleaned grids, you are at 20. Add DE in the mix with other debris and the pressure rises. I really feel this could be normal, but hopefully someone else will chime in shortly. Are you getting proper flow in the pool return jets? You also mention items getting past the filter. Maybe there is something wrong with the grids and/or a combination of other items. I chose a sand filter for the less maintenance part. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[AftonJeeper]

Most people with variable speed pumps run them at the lowest RPM they can, that is where the savings are. So if you have a SWG then you would set the speed of the pump just high enough to close the flow switch on the cell to turn it on.

With new grids there should be no issues with DE or any debris making it back to the pool. Do you have baskets in the skimmer and pump? Is your valve set to recirculate? Could you take a picture of your equipment and valves for us?

There is no specific PSI you should be at, each pool is different.

The best way to clean up the debris without having to backwash would be to vacuum it to waste. By the looks of your pool you will also need to preform a SLAM Process.

 

[Oly]

My pressure is at 20psi with a clean grid and DE. Check your grids for damage or buy new replacements if they are old, they are not that expensive.

Regarding the condition of your pool, you have some work to do. Do you test the water? Have any good test results? How do you sanitize the water? You will need to get the debris out and should avoid getting them into your filter by using an inline leaf canister or vacuum straight to waste if you have that option. Looks like you have an algae issue as well and that can be controlled by using the SLAM method. Now if you have been using trichlor pucks for some time then your stabilizer levels CYA may be very high and in that situation you will need to drain the pool, but it will get your pool clean faster.

 

[duraleigh]

Your pool floor is really dirty with what looks like live or dead algae. You must kill and clean up that algae and get your water clear before you can troubleshoot your psi.

Can you post current test results?