dagnabit9 Posted May 26, 2009 Report Share Posted May 26, 2009 I have another thread for a problem I thought I was having (system dropping pressure) - maybe this is indicative of a bigger problem. When I ran the filter this season from startup (or after a backwash), it runs fine buts seems to struggle to keep a prime. It seems to lose the prime (low or no water in the filter basket) over the course of about 20-30 mins or so and the pressure goes from just over 10 psi to over 25 psi. I turn the pump off, turn the valve to backwash and the pressure drops to about 9 psi and the water level in the basket is full to the top. The water discharge from the filter does not look brown or look like any DE is being washed out. I alternate between rinse and backwash about half a dozen times or so and then restart the filter. The pressure returns to just over 10 psi and then starts the cycle all over again - loses prime after 20-30 mins and the pressure shoots up like it needs to be backwashed again. I am going to try to put the system on 'circulate' to see if it keeps it's prime and if it does then I am going to remove the filter screens and run it on 'filter' to see if that might be the problem. Any suggestions or help anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. - Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txpoolguy Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 It is likely that your problem is inside the filter and not related to the pump. The increase in filter pressure is the key symptom. You will need to have the filter and it's internals completely disassembled & cleaned. As the filter is a pressure vessel and can do serious damage/bodily harm if not reassembled properly, I recommend you hire a qualified professional to show you how. You should not have trouble with it after that. Read the manual for your filter and do not attempt without proper tools and knowledge, for your own safety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagnabit9 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Thanks, TX...I think I have isolated the problem and it seems to be in the filter itself. I ran the filter on 'recirculate' last night and it ran for hours without any problems. As soon as I put it on 'filter', within 20 mins the pressure shot up and it started losing it's prime again. After switching it back to 'recirculate' the filter basket filled up with water and it ran as before. So the problem is definitely inside the filter assembly. I also had some problems with the 6-position valve on the outside of the filter last year and had to disassemble it. I will take a look at it also. (Maybe something is broken in there?) Before the season starts, I completely disassemble, clean, and reassemble the entire internal parts of the filter. "Qualified" professionals here in Albuquerque is a hit-and-miss proposition, at best. I have found that out trying to get my hot tub serviced. I have run this pool for 14 years and my parents pool in Michigan for quite a number of years. I feel pretty confident in what I am doing, but I refer to the people on this forum to make sure I am going in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txpoolguy Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 It's not likely the valve, because you don't have problems in "backwash" or in "recirculate". Most likely the internals need a good, thorough cleaning, even though you did it recently. If there were damage, you'd see the DE showing up in the pool. You probably understand that the pressure gauge is measuring resistance to the flow of water thru the filter, so I'm sure that's where you'll find the problem. It might be helpful to purchase a cleaning solution to help clean oils off the grids, that spraying with water won't rinse off. Avoid using acid as it makes oils permanent. Didn't mean any offense on the disassembly, I just try to be cautious because on forums like this, we don't know the experience leve of the individual. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagnabit9 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Not a problem, TX. I soaked the entire grid assembly with something the pool store says is for that purpose. However, when the grids were hosed off and dried, they had a sticky, firm feeling - not the supple soft feel they had when they were new. Is it possible they are not getting cleaned? What are you supposed to use on the internal grids of a DE filter? Can you brush them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagnabit9 Posted May 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 I was just thinking of something... We have VERY hard water here in Albuquerque and New Mexico, in general. Is it possible that the grids are clogged with sediment from the water? If so, you would almost HAVE to use some sort of acid in order to remover this sediment, true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txpoolguy Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Possible yes, but I don't like to recommend acid except as a last resort. The cartridge cleaner was probably a combination of mild detergents and acids that should have helped remove most of the funk. You can brush them using a medium soft plastic bristle brush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagnabit9 Posted May 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 29, 2009 I have found success! I acid washed the grids (this is a DE filter, not a cartridge type) and now the filter runs great! In fact, it's been running since yesterday afternoon/evening without a noticeable change in pressure. I'm sure the pressure will go up when I vacuum it, but I expect that. Thanks for all the help - it got me pointed in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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