Leak caused by either pump or the filter - what do I do now?

[n00bling]

I have a pool leak which I think is caused by either the pool pump or the filter. Things that indicate this:

1. I've done a bucket test a few times and the water level varies quite a lot after a day. With the pool pump running, there is about a 1.5 to 2cm difference in water levels. When the pump is not running it takes about 2-3 days for the water level to differ about 2cm.
2. The pump and filter drains out to an area that I can look into. I noticed that there is water trickling out of there constantly even when the pool pump is not running. When I turn the pump on then the flow of water out of there goes from a small trickle to a decent flow.

The other thing I noticed is the filter pressure meter (not sure if that's its proper name) is at 0. I have tapped on the window to try unstuck it if the need was stuck to no avail. I'm wondering if this also indicates some possible leak in the filter or maybe the valve that controls where the water flows?

Any advice on what I should do or whom I should call out?

 

[Texas Splash]

More details about your pool (filling out your signature) might help, but it sounds as though you have a filter with a multiport (MPV) selection valve. If water is continuously trickling out to the waste area when in filter mode, I suspect the spider gasket in the MPV is pinched or defective allowing water to go to the waste line. But post some pics of everything and fill out your signature so we can be sure.

 

[Texas Splash]

It's fairly common for filter pressure gauges to go bad. It's a fairly simple replacement. If you have a replacement locally, you can order them HERE.

 

[n00bling]

Yes I do have a multiport selection valve. Thanks for that suggestion about the gasket possibly being pinched/defective. I might start by opening up my MPV and replacing the gasket there to see that it fixes the leakage!

 

[n00bling]

I just talked to my local pool shop, and he mentioned replacing the spider gasket can be high risk considering my filter is very old. If I start the job and am unable to completely replace the spider gasket, he said it might require replacing the whole filter as a result.

Instead, he suggested I add a shut-off valve for the drainage and that way I can stop the leak but keep the filter + MPV in place until later when I decide to replace them.

I was wondering if that sounds like a sensible option or if there are some other factors I should consider.

 

[Texas Splash]

I was wondering if that sounds like a sensible option or if there are some other factors I should consider.

It's a temp-fix but it should work for a while until you are ready to replace the entire unit.

 

[n00bling]

I'm planning to replace the whole filter unit. It seems to be just too old and in need of replacement soon anyway. I'm currently researching whether to get an Astral branded filter or a Waterco branded filter: Waterco vs Astral Pool Filter