Low return pressure

[tommyboy3816]

Hi all,

This is my 11th season with my AG pool and the first time I'm having this low return pressure. my pump runs anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and the return pressure goes from very strong to a trickle. Because of this I haven't run my filter very much and I'm on borrowed time for the water to turn green. I would appreciate any tips you would have.

Here are the key points.
1. hayward 1hp power-flo matrix pump
2. hayward DE EV40 filter
3. pool water is very clear
4. cleaned filter fully 3 times, with 1 time soaking filter tubes in cleaning solution
5. tube are white/clean
6 tried adding only 2.5 pounds of DE (instead of the recommended 4). still had low flow after an hour
7. starting pressure is 16 before adding DE (seems higher than my previous EC40). at 21 PSI, very low flow into pool.
8. ran without any DE, still got low flow after an hour.
9. filter is 2 years old, pump is 11.
10. water seems balanced (tested at pool store, the great escape)
11. suction in vacuum connected to skimmer seems very strong
12. 24 foot round, above ground

thanks
Luke Bernier

UPDATE 1 - 2024-07-28
Decided to install my old EC40 (replaced w/current one as it was blowing DE back into the pool) and see what happened. I removed the pump/filter union and discovered there was NO flow controller (SPX1055) installed on the new filter. Decided to just install the flow controller on the new pump and see what happens. So, now, the starting pressure is not 10 PSI, not 16. But, sadly, the pressure increased to 20 PSI (+10 PSI) and the low flow of water into the pool returned. Also, bummed that none of the pool experts at The Great Escape, Leslie's and In The Swim could point me to the flow controller.

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!

Your instincts on a green pool coming are likely correct. Filter clogging rapidly is a typical sign of organics growing, even if you can't see algae.

One of the foundations of TFP is self testing. I suggest you get a kit ordered and on the way. Link-->Test Kits Compared

I would add 3ppm of liquid chlorine per day until you kit arrives. Nothing else.

Read up on these two articles:
Overnight Chlorine Loss Test
SLAM Process

When you get your kit, post a full set of results, and do the overnight chlorine loss test.

If you fail the test, then follow the SLAM process.

While you are waiting, clean the filter. Note clean pressure. When the pressure rises 25%, clean again...keep doing that.

I'd also get the ladder out of the pool and scrub it INSIDE and out with a 10:1 water:bleach solution. Leave it out, unless you are going to swim, then take it out again.

 

[1poolman1]

Hi all,

This is my 11th season with my AG pool and the first time I'm having this low return pressure. my pump runs anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and the return pressure goes from very strong to a trickle. Because of this I haven't run my filter very much and I'm on borrowed time for the water to turn green. I would appreciate any tips you would have.

Here are the key points.
1. hayward 1hp power-flo matrix pump
2. hayward DE EV40 filter
3. pool water is very clear
4. cleaned filter fully 3 times, with 1 time soaking filter tubes in cleaning solution
5. tube are white/clean
6 tried adding only 2.5 pounds of DE (instead of the recommended 4). still had low flow after an hour
7. starting pressure is 16 before adding DE (seems higher than my previous EC40). at 21 psi, very low flow into pool.
8. ran without any DE, still got low flow after an hour.
9. filter is 2 years old, pump is 11.
10. water seems balanced (tested at pool store, the great escape)
11. suction in vacuum connected to skimmer seems very strong
12. 24 foot round, above ground

thanks
Luke Bernier

You are clogging your filter EC40 filter. It is only 20 sq. ft. and you have about 13,000 gallons of water and, for pool purposes, a very dirty yard with all those trees (I have the same issue).
And, by running the system without DE, you are going to have to tear down the filter and use a very strong water spray (NOT a pressure washer) to get any debris that has now loaded the fabric out of the pores of the fingers. Will likely have to soak them over night in a cleaning solution.