Foo - Any swimming pool filter experts in Foo-land?

Our pool system is pretty basic (and old). Inflow through skimmer, drawn by the impeller in the pump, into a 3-cartridge tank and out to the pool.

Normal pressure at the filter tank is 20 - 25 psi...and I clean the filters when it approaches 30.

I cleaned the filters (hosed stuff out of the folds using spray attachment on hose) the other day and now I can't get the pressure up above 10-15.

There doesn't appear to be a leak in any of the lines as the water level is remaining constant. All the seals for the filter tank and the little basket filter prior to the impeller all appear to be intact.

The only thing I can think of that I haven't checked is whether there's a hole in one of my paper filters that's allowing the water to just flow through.

I also suspect the pump, only because over the past year, the bearings have started to make more noise...but I'm not sure if that would result in lower pressure...it's the same pump as when we move in 8 years ago...so I'm not sure what the lifespan is of a 1 1/2 hp electric pump.

What say you Foosters?

I'd say you violated your filter medium.

http://x.havuz.org/viewtopic.php?t=511

Check the pump for obstructions.

Thanks guys!

I checked the impeller side of the little pre-pump filter but didn't check the filter side of that filter for some reason. That's the easier check, so I'll do that first. If nothing's there, I will pull the filters again and visually inspect the folds.

If I don't resolve I may start looking at the pump.

Have you checked your impeller directly? Shocking the pool water too much or using too much chlorine/ sanitizer solution to sanitize will actually eat away at the impeller. In time the motor will start to wear. Regular water treatment instead of shocking will benefit the pump mechanism in the long run. It there discoloration on the pool surface? That is the sign of strong acidity in the water.
Ernest

I am gonna say that his wife's bikini top is probably clogged in the intake. just a guess.

Happiest day was when my kids grew up and I got to dis-assemble the pool.It was like a part time job running that thing.

I vote for pricey worn impeller blades and a new expensive filter.Also check for worn o-rings at the filter case and a leaky pressure guage.

I am gonna say that his wife's bikini top is probably clogged in the intake. just a guess.

hoohaa:thumb:

Pools seem like way too much work--even if you can skinny dip and the neighbors won't care.

My grandparents have a pool and watching my grandpa waste so much time with it just so my grandmother can put her feet in a few times a summer--ugh.

My grandmother said I could skinny dip in her pool...now that's just about as creepy as it gets. No thanks!

My grandmother said I could skinny dip in her pool...now that's just about as creepy as it gets. No thanks!

The only thing that could make that creepier is if your grandmother did not have an actual swimming pool.

Pools seem like way too much work--even if you can skinny dip and the neighbors won't care.!

Here in Oklahoma, the pool is wonderful. My wife and I use it almost every day. Nothing better than coming home from a 50mile ride in 100deg heat, and jumping in. It is so worth 20min of work a week.

Fixed. I checked both sides of the pre-filter basket for obstructions and they were fine. I opened the big round filter that holds the three large paper filters and inspected each one for obvious holes...they looked find.

As I started to re-install them on the rods that hold them in place, I noticed that the plastic 3-armed device they mount to rotated slightly. I never knew that this thing wasn't just part of the big round filter tub. I ended up unscrewing it and removing it (since I always enjoy taking things apart), inspected it for cracks, then re-installed it...tightening it beyond the point where it had been.

I re-installed the filters, turned the filter back on and the pressure went up to just above 20 psi. The pool sweep was happy to get better pressure and started doing a better job of cleaning the pool.

It's hard to believe such a small amount of unscrewing the mounting plate caused such a drop in pressure but I won't argue with the results.

Oh...and no bikini top in the filter (who wears bathing suits anyway!)

Seriously, pool temp has finally dropped a bit to be comfortable again. With so many 100-degree days, the pool hits about 90 and provides no relief. Worse...the jacuzzi, even with the heater completely off, hovers around 100.