Older pump seems weak?

[ajw22]

Then I'm puzzled why my pressure gauge doesn't work if the cracked face shouldn't stop it. I guess the answer is just put on a new one and see....

They fail in time. Maybe the orifice it screws into got blocked with some sand.

You can find replacement gauges at...

TFTestkits.net

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tftestkits.net

Speaking of the pump/filter system (you folks have me thinking about everything now) - what might be causing traces of sand and dirt to get back in my pool thru the return? If it's relevant it's not a hard plumbed system, it's connected with hoses.

Once you get your system running again you should backwash the filter then open it and inspect the sand.