Dealing with Water Pressure (Spiking) – Filter, Pump/Pump Filter etc.
Filters, Filter Housing, Pump – water cycle ecosystem
On an ongoing basis it’s helpful to keep an eye on the filter housing gauge. The one we are looking at today is a Pentair filter, generic pressure gauge and blow off valve. Keep an eye out for spiking pressures, look for common ‘foe’ when ensuring proper water flow.
Along with the filter gauge, proper filter cleaning is necessary, keeping the pool clean and free of debris is one thing; keeping the debris and ‘gunk’ out of the system is another. Let’s focus in on the main drain(s), pump filter, filter, filter housing and the return. Chemicals aside, simple maintenance is key, keeping the main clear, the pump filter and filter cleaned and free of debris (simple, right). Not to often, but when it does, focusing in on the filter housing gauge, pressure can build when the filter is not along said recommended ‘flow’ back to the pool via the return. The blow off valve there, assume a generic housing, will help eliminate pressure when needing to power down the pump unit to clean the pump filter and clean, remove or replace filter.
Let’s jump ahead to the filter housing issue… unfortunately, this filter housing top gave way, sun, water, contaminates all play a role in the housing filter top degradation. Luckily, this didn’t turn into a lost top, or some other wild ‘cartoon-like’ scenario where the filter top ends up in a neighbors yard. After a brief conversation with the pool folks, indeed, this is common, common point of failure and can be temporarily patched via epoxy (but not recommended for this application). In a pinch maintain what you can, but most of the time, it’s time for a new top. We replace the gauges as well (those are not due for another day or two, as we choose to purchase replacements online).
Back to the filter, solving problems along the way will help you better maintain the equipment you have. At least that has been our approach to working on electronics, tech for 20+ years. Once you’ve learned your lesson, typically speaking, you may not want to learn that lesson again. So, filters, buy the correct filter for your system, prices will vary as you all know. Check the filter core, the gauges, blow off valve, filter screen (if you have one, this system does), and filter. Something is gumming up our filter, looks like algaecide or some leftover water coloring solution. It is washable, but for the sake of time, it’s time to replace the filter. This is not brain surgery, but it has to be inspected, cleaned/removed and replaced as the filter and parts degrade over time.
Anyhow, quick overview, we check all the pieces and parts of the pool pump, visual inspection, clean what can be cleaned, baskets, filter, filter core, filter bottom (housing bottom) and check the water. Then add chemicals to balance out the water where applicable, drop the pool robot and off we go.
