Pool not circulating and pressure high

[wireform]

I don't mind off subject To make sure I have everything understood... I looked at the psi gauge on top of the filter and that's what's showing near 40 after showing more like 27ish the past few days. That's the correct place I should be looking, right?

Does the pressure gauge needle rest on the pin when the filter pump is off.

 

[Rouquine]

Does the pressure gauge needle rest on the pin when the filter pump is off.

Yes, when pump is off, it drops down.

 

[duraleigh]

Yes, when pump is off, it drops down.

I still think it needs replacement and I'll stop hi-jacking your original thoughts. I do not think a pool pump can or will exceed 25 (or so) psi.

 

[Rouquine]

We set it to backwash and the pressure is reading 23psi.

 

[Rouquine]

I still think it needs replacement and I'll stop hi-jacking your original thoughts. I do not think a pool pump can or will exceed 25 (or so) psi.

Ok! It’s cheap enough to try.

 

[RLP]

Make sure to relieve all of the pressure in the tank before removing the gauge.

 

[Rouquine]

Ok, will do.

We just did another backwash and the pressure went to 15, then climbed to about 25, and has stayed there and the circulation looks better (just visual observation).

 

[Woody007]

I'm just bringing this up so the experts can provide feedback because I see a couple of valves that aren't all the way in one position or another. I realize this may be by design, but something to consider. Does this setup have a valve to bypass the filter? If so, wouldn't that help to identify circulation problem?

 

[Lilypad]

The Home Depot locations on Parker, 121 & Ohio and, also, The Colony all rent pumps. You can
see the choices on their website. Very sorry for your loss. We can at least help get your Mom's
pool back in shape. Liquid chlorine and muriatic acid is at Home Depot too. Pinch-a-Penny,
Walmart and Lowe's for chlorine as well. Do not buy anything from a pool store other than
chlorine. Get a proper test kit and ask us anything…especially before adding to your pool.
Hang in there!

 

[Rouquine]

I'm just bringing this up so the experts can provide feedback because I see a couple of valves that aren't all the way in one position or another. I realize this may be by design, but something to consider. Does this setup have a valve to bypass the filter? If so, wouldn't that help to identify circulation problem?

I'm very open to thoughts there because I am so unfamiliar with these setups.

 

[dfwnoob]

OP has a slide filter and cannot bypass it, only backwash.

 

[ajw22]

I'm just bringing this up so the experts can provide feedback because I see a couple of valves that aren't all the way in one position or another. I realize this may be by design, but something to consider. Does this setup have a valve to bypass the filter? If so, wouldn't that help to identify circulation problem?

The valve positions are probably OK. Hard to know since no pipes are not labeled.

There is no valve to bypass the filter or drain to waste.

 

[Flboy44]

Circulation issue. Based on what I think I see I have an idea what part of the issue may be. Looking at the suction side you have three valves, A, B, and C. The first valve to the left, appears to control whether you are pulling from the spa or the pool. The next two valves, B and C, I am guessing look like they are controlling how much is to be pulled from the skimmer, and/or how much is to be pulled through the floor drain. Since code requires at least two floor drains, that is why I am assuming the valve to the right controls how much is being pulled from the floor. That valve on the right is almost closed. Therefore, if I’m correct, you are pullin, almost exclusively, through the skimmer!

 

[Rouquine]

Yes we ended up changing that earlier in case it helps. When we backwash, it then runs really well and circulates at normal rate with pressure at 15-20 psi. Then the pressure increases and increases and the circulation slows. I’m trying to see how long it runs well before increasing…after like 5-10 min it’s still moving but pressure has increased to near 30.

 

[Rouquine]

I also just found this leak on the pump…tiny little squirt of water.

 

[proavia]

In reference to the question you asked about power washing.....
Do NOT use a power washer.
Instead use a moderate stream of water from a hose nozzle to rinse the sides of the pool off/down into the remaining pool water as the pool drains. After about every foot of draining, rinse the gunk off the sides. This will help get a bit more stuff out thru the sump pump.
Also, as the water level goes down - wade into the remaining water and remove the leaves and other debris.

Did you get your test kit ordered yet?

 

[Rouquine]

No, I haven’t yet. I’m going back home on Tuesday (I live in Connecticut) and I won’t be able to do the testing. I have to figure out whether my mom or sister will be able to do it.

 

[Flboy44]

No, I haven’t yet. I’m going back home on Tuesday (I live in Connecticut) and I won’t be able to do the testing. I have to figure out whether my mom or sister will be able to do it.

My home state. I sympathize with you!

 

[JamesR]

Tough situation for sure. Very sorry about this. Just one comment…. You mentioned that it’s a DE filter and you’ve been backwashing it and opening it up to spray it down. Unless I missed it, are you recharging back up with the appropriate pounds of DE powder? From your picture it looks like a Hayward model 4800. Your filter requires 6# of DE media once it has been thoroughly backwashed and cleaned.