Sand filter pressure drifts lower instead of higher

[SgtWilko]

Hello,
My hayward S-244T sand filter pressure now drops instead of rising, as filter gets dirty. This happens on both suction side gauge and filter gauge. Nothing has changed in equipment setup since last year. Backwashing returns pressures to normal.

Clean pressure is around 28psi on the filter and measured flow rate is 35gpm.

I read somewhere that this dropping pressure may be due to channeling in the sand. Never heard of this otherwise.

Filter still works and water is crystal clear. Not too sure if this can eventually cause problems so would really like to diagnose it asap.

Anyone seen this before or have any idea?

Sgt Wilko

 

[Texas Splash]

Interesting. Well, if you didn't have the link already, here it is (below) so you can test that theory.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[SgtWilko]

Hey! Texas Splash. Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am aware of this sticky but since it is not a trivial process (my MP valve is hard plumbed into the system), I was hoping someone might have an explanation for my dropping pressure issue. I'm planning to tackle the filter replumbing and sand cleaning at the end of the season.

Sgt Wilko