Filter keeps losing suction power

[dimchandelier]

Greetings. I've had a 24' above ground pool with Starbright sand filter for five years. It was used when we bought it.

I just hooked up the filter last week. It started running fine. But after several hours there was little or no flow through the system. It's not sucking in and not blowing out.
When I backwash it, it goes back to normal. But a few hours later there's no flow again. The pump sounds fine. There doesn't appear to be any leaks in the filter system. The skimmer is not taking in debris. The water is clean when I backwash.

Thanks.

[PoolDoc]

If your filter has a multiport valve on it, put it on "Recirculate", and see what happens. If the same pattern occurs, then the problem is most likely in your pump. If it does NOT occur on "Recirculate", then the problem is in your filter.

[dimchandelier]

Thanks Doc.

I did not have the problem in Recirculate mode.

Is it fixable or time for a new filter?

Thanks.

[PoolDoc]

Is it fixable or time for a new filter?

Sorry, I don't know anything about "Starbright" filters, and without seeing a parts list I don't know.

[dimchandelier]

The o-ring where the valve body connects to the filter was broken. I replaced it. That helped some. It runs longer before losing power. Still not right though.

http://www.inyopools.com/parts_breakdown/pentair_sand_dollar.pdf

[dimchandelier]

I found a hairline crack in the multi-valve top. Put some JB Weld on it. Working fine now.

Thanks.

[Watermom]

Your post may help someone else in the future who has a similar problem. Thanks for sharing your fix.