Pressure vs. Circulation

[chrispete]

After moving to a two speed pump last year I ended up reducing the size of most of my returns so that the pool would have some circulation when the pump was on low speed.

The side effect of course was to increase the pressure on the return system with my DE filter guage going from 18psi to 25 psi (both readings taken immediately after filter tear-down and cleaning.)

My question is: should I be concerned with the additional pressure and put in a couple of larger returns or not worry since the filter is rated to 50psi max and there's no indication of other issues? The pool is crystal clear so there's no other driver for this question other than equipment wear and tear.

Thanks!

 

[mknauss]

You are getting less water flow at the higher pressure. It is also consuming more electricity.

Up to you.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Chris,

Obviously, on low there is a lot less visible water flow... A 2-speed pump will just not look like a single speed pump. That does not mean there is not plenty of circulation.

What made you think that you were not getting enough circulation?

I run my pump at 1200 RPM most of the timer and don't seem to have any circulation issues...

I doubt the extra filter pressure will hurt anything, but just not sure it is necessary.

Thanks,

Jim R.