Pinhole leak on Hayward sand filter
- Thread starter ned8377
- Start date
ned,
The problem is your filter is not just a big bowl that is filled with water, it is under pressure most of the time.
From a safety point of view, it would be unwise for us to recommend anything but a replacement.
I believe that recommendation can be found in the latest copy of "Bomb Repair 101"....
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
The problem is your filter is not just a big bowl that is filled with water, it is under pressure most of the time.
From a safety point of view, it would be unwise for us to recommend anything but a replacement.
I believe that recommendation can be found in the latest copy of "Bomb Repair 101"....
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
griffths
LifeTime Supporter
I have seen a number of posts in the recent past week from folks asking about repairing a leaking filter and all responses have created the impression that the repair of any breach of the filter will result in some form of catastrophic failure which is simply not true and creates unnecessary fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD).
I am NOT arguing that repairing a pressure vessel is the appropriate thing to do and agree that replacement is the preferred route to take. However I also believe that a goal of this forum is to dispel myths/ partial truths surround ALL aspects of pool ownership and maintenance so with that said......
The only way a filter will "explode" and scatter shrapnel throughout the yard would be if the filter was filled with a highly compressible substance (air) that could store significant energy. Water, being almost incompressible, would not have enough stored energy to blow a filter apart in such a way
There is no question that a tremendous pressure (10's of tons even!) is possible within the filter (total surface area inside filter multiplied by pounds per square inch) but if the filter were to rupture and the filter ONLY had water inside, the pressure would drop to zero almost instantly and nothing more would happen other than a giant leak.
This is why it is so important that air not be allowed to collect inside any style of filter (sand, DE or cartridge) and both automatic and manual air bleed systems are normally incorporated in the design of filters so as to reduce the chance of an explosion by reducing/eliminating any trapped air before it becomes a danger.
Regards,
I am NOT arguing that repairing a pressure vessel is the appropriate thing to do and agree that replacement is the preferred route to take. However I also believe that a goal of this forum is to dispel myths/ partial truths surround ALL aspects of pool ownership and maintenance so with that said......
The only way a filter will "explode" and scatter shrapnel throughout the yard would be if the filter was filled with a highly compressible substance (air) that could store significant energy. Water, being almost incompressible, would not have enough stored energy to blow a filter apart in such a way
There is no question that a tremendous pressure (10's of tons even!) is possible within the filter (total surface area inside filter multiplied by pounds per square inch) but if the filter were to rupture and the filter ONLY had water inside, the pressure would drop to zero almost instantly and nothing more would happen other than a giant leak.
This is why it is so important that air not be allowed to collect inside any style of filter (sand, DE or cartridge) and both automatic and manual air bleed systems are normally incorporated in the design of filters so as to reduce the chance of an explosion by reducing/eliminating any trapped air before it becomes a danger.
Regards,
Filters do routinely contain air, especially on startup. Startup is when people are most likely to be standing next to a filter.
Filters have definitely exploded.
Never patch a filter. It's not safe.
Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 Filter Explosion
Filters have definitely exploded.
Never patch a filter. It's not safe.
Pentair Clean and Clear Plus 420 Filter Explosion
Filter explosions can, and have, killed people. Generally the catastrophic blow ups seem to be in 2 piece cartridge filters that 'blow their top' and launch equipment into the air and at people. But a sand filter isn't totally immune.
If the vessel itself is compromised it needs to be turned off and replaced and cannot be repaired. If you have a multiport valve with "bypass" or "recirculate" you can put it in that position and keep the water circulating without going into the filter.
If the vessel itself is compromised it needs to be turned off and replaced and cannot be repaired. If you have a multiport valve with "bypass" or "recirculate" you can put it in that position and keep the water circulating without going into the filter.
Is this a leak in the valve, the tank, or ?. Actual pinhole, or dripping from a joint? Entire new S244T can be had for under $300 shipped....+ cost of sand.
Ok, I'm going to put it on recirculate. From my signature you can see the size pump I have. I've been told that the filter may be too small for the pump. What is a good size of Hayward sand filter or different brand sand filter to match up with the pump size I have? Any help would be appreciated. The filter is an S244T2. Thanks.
Agreed on bigger filter for your size pool...how much bigger is beyond my experience. Hayward does make several larger filters in the same series.
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