Filter problem?

[Pamsel]

It was recommended that I post here to ask if anyone can give me some advice about my filter. We have a Hayward sand filter, with new sand last summer. I've been trying to clear my green water/algae problem for over two weeks and it seems that no matter what I do, the appearance of the water does not change. There is also always stuff settled on the bottom of the pool, that does not seem to get filtered out, so we're wondering if I have a filter problem.

The other thing is that today my filter pressure guage has gone haywire. It normally reads 18-20 and stays constant there. I backwash regularly, just to clean things out, but not because the pressure has been rising.

Tonight when I went out to check the pool, I noticed the pressure was just over 30, so I backwashed, but the pressure did not drop during the backwash, as it normally does. It stayed over 30 and has been going higher all evening. It is now above 45, but everything sounds normal -would there be any difference in the sound of the filter running if there's a problem? Funny thing is that it was reading normal (18-20) this morning before I left for the day and when I came back this evening, it was over 30 and each time I check it, it's gone higher. Also, it seems to be kind of "spasming" instead of just holding constant at a number. Is this a filter problem or is my guage broken? Thanks for any help!

[Pamsel]

It's now 6:30 next morning. I went out to check the pump and the pressure guage had gone completely around and was hovering back at 0 with a loud humming noise now accompanying it. Can anyone help me with what is going on here?

[Poconos]

IMMEDIATELY...check the flow at the returns. If very low or nothing...kill the pump. 45 PSI sounds awfully high even for a totally blocked flow. I don't think a pool pump can do that. 50 PSI is the specified limit of the filter tank. ALSO feel the pump housing (basket area of the pump) and if warm, kill the pump. That's it for now.
Al

[Pamsel]

Hi Al,

I actually did shut off the pump when I saw the pressure guage all the way around the dial to 0 and heard the loud hum. I will go turn it on and check the flow at the returns but will leave it off because I know something is wrong with it. My guage reads up to 60 and it has gone past that.

-------------------
Just checked the returns and there is good, strong flow there.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Pam,

You should not run the pump for any long period of time 'til you get this figured out. Your pump should be off now.

Place the multi-port valve in "backwash" and turn the pump on. If the pressure does not exceed say around 30, let it run for at least two or three minutes, then shut it back off.

If the pressure exceeds 30 in "backwash", I'd shut it off right away.

Post back your findings and we'll go from there.

[Pamsel]

Just put the port on backwash and turned the pump on. The needle now just jumps backward to the area between 60 and 0 and spasms there. Maybe it's just a broken guage?

Pump is turned back off now.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Pam,

Wow! That is an issue! Al is much better at these things than me but I'll try to help a little 'til he can chime in.

The fact that the guage is responding to the pump makes me think that it is not broken....however, that is certainly the most logical answer. It is also a cheap fix. If there is a pool store near you, you should be able to pick up a new guage (10-15$) and change it out yourself.

Most of them simply unscrew right behind or right below the guage. Wrap a couple of turns of teflon tape around the new threads and screw it in. You should be able to do this with no tools....hand snug is plenty of force.

If you accomplish this, try the backwash again and see what you get. Post back. Others will be along to help you find a solution.

Pam, you did confirm that the guage is moving backward, right?

[Pamsel]

It was not moving backward last evening, but this morning when I turn it on, yes, it jumps backward and hovers there.

[Poconos]

Strange as it may seem sure sounds like something happened to the gauge. First rule of engineering....look for the most obscure and difficult problem first. Just joking.....usually one overlooks the most simple thing. Replace the gauge and rule that out first. Teflon tape is available probably at pool stores but certainly at any plumbing place, Home Depot, Lowes etc. Wrap about 6 turns on the threads.
Al

[Pamsel]

Hello Al,

Well, I did determine that it was the gauge and I got a new one today and all seems to be in order now. The returns have good flow, everything sounds normal and the backwash looks normal so I think I'm back in business. Thank you all so much for your concern and help.

[Poconos]

Pam,
Happy endings are always welcome and appreciated. Expecially when the solutions are simple and cheap. Any further issues, you know we're here to help. Would sure like to dissect the old one and see what really happened to it. Strange failure. The engineering part of me kicking in.
Al

[waste]

Al, you want broken gauges - I'll stop tossing them in the dumpster and send you a box next week :) Pamsel, glad to hear that the pool is working now!!

[ChuckD]

They're not really precision instruments, are they?
I have a twenty year old Hayward EC-60 and the guage could read anything from 11 to 18 after a thorough backwash. So I take my readings as relative, and with a grain of salt.

C.