Question QUESTION: No matter how many times I have taken apart the pump to pressure wash and put back together correctly, the PSI will not stay any lower than 15 for at best, 30 mins. Before rising directly to its maximum. There is the proper amount of D.E. This is my third year opening this pool and never had this problem. ?
ANSWER: what is proper amount of D.E?
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: For the 28000 gallon pool, the said proper amount of Demicious Earth (D.E.) Is 5 pounds. That is what I have always used without a problem until this year. Please advise on my original question reguarding, "problems with the PSI on my Hayworth Pump."
Thankyou,
Deanna
Answer Or It could be the following
Filter is clogging up rapidly; high pressure very soon: You may have clogged pores in the fabric. First hose grids or hayward Perflex "fingers" very thoroughly clean. Then soak grids in a degreasing solution such a TSP or Simple Nine or commercially available filter grid cleaner. Hose thoroughly and then soak in a 10% solution of Muriatic acid. Repeat if necessary. Hose clean thoroughly again. Use high pressure hose or a pressure washer (below 2000 psi) Reassemble pool filter and add DE filter powder in proper amounts.
This is a repeat question
Expert: Ron Parrs - 8/7/2008
Question
My pool normally has a start-up pressure of about 14 psi. Whenever the pressure rises to about 22-25 psi I backflush the filter and then add about 7-8 lbs of new de per specs of the filter. I will remove and clean the filter grids usually once in April-May and then again in Oct-Nov. The chems are all good, according to the local pool center as well as my weekly checking. I have noticed that the last few days that the pressure has jumped to 25 psi. Today I pulled the grids and hosed them all down and the pressure dropped to about 14 psi. Within a few hours the pressure climbed to about 18-19 psi. I did not add any DE so as to eliminate too much DE being the problem. I backwashed the filter again and the pressure dropped but in a matter of 30 minutes (as I am typing) the pressure has gone to 16 psi. Any suggestions?
Answer
Hi Brian,
Thank you for your question. It sounds as if you are doing everything correctly as you care for your DE filter.
I would caution you on not running the filter without DE. That will only foul the septums and shorten their life. I understand what you are trying to do, but it's actually going to make the situation worse.
The next question for you is: how old is the filter? If it is over 5 years old and the filter is running all year (?, if you're in Florida maybe), those grids are equal to 10 - 15 years or seasons old when compared to us northerners. If this is the case, you need to replace the grids; they're just NOT going to clean up no matter what.
A rule of thumb is replace DE grids about once every 5 to 7 seasons. A season being about 4 to 7 months. This is also understanding that the grids are being chemically cleaned using a filter cleaner and degreaser about every 3 months or so. Don't use straight muriatic acid to clean the filters - straight acid will actually set any greases and oils into the fabric of the grids and shorten their life. Here's a link to some good quality filter cleaners: http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/BioGuard_Cleaners.html
Over the past year, we've been recommending our store customers using natural enzymes on a regular, weekly basis. Enzymes "eat" oils, greases, and unfilterable, "not-shockable" organic and environmental waste that can cloud water and contribute to algae growth. As a side benefit, we're finding that the customers' filters are staying noticeably cleaner and lasting longer. May be something for you to consider as part of your regular pool maintenance program. Here's a link for you: http://www.parpools.com/Page/PoolCare/Natural_Chemistry_Solutions.html
I hope that answers your question. Let me know. Enjoy the pool.
