White powder in pool, need advice for fixing.

[swimswimswim]

Let me preface by saying I know very little about pools, but I am handy and an engineering student. I am home from college and my parent's pool has white powder in it, which they say is entering the pool with the returning water (they saw white powder spewing out of the sides of the pool). In addition, there is powder build up at the bottom of the pool and on the ledge right outside the skimmer. There is also low pressure in the whole system. I think that is why the white powder can just sit there at the skimmer intake. Not sure if the low pressure and the powder are two separate problems or the same.

I am assuming this white powder is from the filter, so there is likely a leak in the filter. I have yet to look at the filter. It is very old, but my mom said she used some silicone to fix the filter, plus replaced the two end grids which were very torn up (she also says she did the same thing two years ago and it fixed this problem). No visible cracks in the plastic either. I am going to open the tank and look at the filter myself, but I doubt I will see anything they didn't. Is my next step buying a new filter? I know that I can buy the grids and the entire plastic holder separately, so should I just buy the grids for now (that option is a lot cheaper)? And before I buy a new filter, is there anything else I can try? I mean could the problem be anything other than a leak in the filter?


Thanks for any advice you can give!!

[BigDave]

It sounds like you have a DE filter, the grids are torn and DE is entering the pool. You are right, inspecting the grids makes sense. Provide as much detail as you can regarding pump and filter make model and size as well as the layout and plumbing of the pool.

[swimswimswim]

I have a new theory as to where the powder may be getting through. http://imgur.com/iHiljXM part number 10, 14, and 4 in that picture. It seems the tube was not well attached at 14. Could the powder be going through there? Also, part number 4 is a small filter, but the holes in it are very large, and powder could definitely pass through that thing unless maybe gravity keeps all the powder at the bottom of the tank? I'm pretty sure there's not supposed to be air at the top of the tank where 4 is located. My parents told me that you are supposed to let all the air out through the top until water comes out.

Also, how does the seal between part 15 and the pipe leading back to the pool work? It looks like part 15 just rests on top of the pipe. Couldn't powder escape through there? Here is a pic of that pipe http://imgur.com/wp3Y5qb
Here's a pic of the grids http://imgur.com/ou9JevO
The system is "Anthony Pools Apollo VA-52 DE Filter". Here are more pics: http://imgur.com/a/3sp6J

[PoolDoc]

I'll post the pics, and reply more carefully later. But before I do, wash off the DE membranes, and inspect them carefully. With an old filter like that, it's to be expected that some have developed holes.

I've never seen that filter before, but I'll answer some of your questions as best I can:

+ Normal function on a DE filter is for DE powder to swirl around inside the tank, after you add DE *or* upon start up after the pump has been off. During this period, the DE will gradually 'plate' itself on the membranes and remain stuck there till the next pump-off interval. During this period, DE will exit the filter through any opening through which water flows EXCEPT the membranes and the air relief filter. Any openings through which water leaks in the piping, the relief line, or in tears in the membrane will result in DE in the pool.
+ part 10 (4, 10, 14) is the air relief line.
+ parts 5,6 seem to reference typical membranes or possibly underlying support grids
+ the membrane assembly seems to attach via friction fit. You might check for an internal O-ring, but I'm guessing there is not one. If it IS a friction fit, it's quite possible the PVC ell has worn enough to allow bypassing and DE leakage.

[PoolDoc]

PS: I'll wait for the results of your inspection before attempting to guess at other causes.