Hello, I have an above ground pool with a sand filter. I am able to prime the pool on the filter setting and PSI reads about 12 PSI. While that is my normal clean PSI, the pressure out of the return jet seems very low compared to past years. Also when I try the backwash or recirculate setting, my pump loses complete prime (water drops spits out of the pump basket). I don't see any bubbles coming out of the return jet, and almost no bubbles in the pump itself. The only remarkable thing I noticed is that some how a bee was in the backwash viewing glass. Any ideas what could be causing the pressure issue and lose of prime when switching the MPV?.
Pool Pressure issues
- Thread starter Amorphous
- Start date
Hi, welcome to TFP! Have you used any flocc recently? I would open the top of the filter and look at the sand. If you can, reach down into the sand and see if it is clumped or loose.
Hi, I have not used FlOCC. I'll open it and check. Should it it be clumped or loose? What are you thinking? FYI the sand is only 2 years old, as well as the pump/filter.
The sand should be loose. Sand can channel or calcify if you have high calcium levels or if you use flocc and don't vacuum it to waste. Sand that has those issues has compromised filtration potential, as it is difficult for water to move through hard sand. If your multiport valve is a top mount inspect the spider gasket for wear. A bad spider gasket can prevent the valve from completely shifting to another function and it may partially block the path of the water.
Sand is smooth, but now another issue. Turned the pump off last night. When I turned it back on this morning it immediately lost prime (all the water left the pump. Does this indicate a leak somewhere? I don't see any water dripping anywhere. Maybe I should reattach/tape all of the fittings?