Cloud Of Backwash Coming Up Through Bottom Pool Drain

[Krista530]

Hi everyone,

I have a 16 x 32 in the ground vinyl swimming pool. I'm running with a Hayward De-3620 filter and a Hayward Vari-flo valve. For six years I've been maintaining the pool myself. Every now and again I would get low suction when vacuuming. I brought this up two weeks ago while getting my pool water tested at the local pool supply store. He told me to turn off the valve to the drain at the bottom of the pool when I'm vacuuming to get better suction. Well not only did it decrease my suction but now I have a totally different issue.

Since turning off the valve (and of course turning it back on) I now have decreased water pressure through my return jets. I did a full backwash and when I turned back to filter clouds of green, and what I'm assuming is DE, dust came out from the drain at the bottom of my pool. This has never happened before. I did a quick "bump" on the filter now and again there was a big cloud of green coming from the drain.

The pool had been up and running for three weeks prior to this with great pressure to the jets and no other issues.

Any advice is very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Krista