Pool stored...oversized pump, huge filter, newbie questions

I bought the whole thing as a set, 24' round AG 52" wall 13.5k gallon pool. I have a 75ft DE filter and a two speed pump that says on it 2hp/.25hp. I believe the hoses are 1.5" I run it exclusively on low speed, because there are two connections that are drip, drip, dripping just a bit and it's exacerbated on the high speed. When we started up the system, we mixed and added 4 cans of DE as per the instructions (it was a smallish Folger's coffee plastic can).

Anyhow, on low speed, the PSI seems incredibly low, <10. The return is pretty forceful and the water has been crystal clear. If I turn it up to high power, the PSI jumps to a bit more than 15, I think. Do I not have enough DE in the system? Would adding more increase the PSI -- do I even want to do this? Do I need to open that air bleed valve every time I start up the pump, or should I assume that it's fine once it's been done once (so long as the skimmer doesn't suck air, etc).

I guess 'if it's not broke, don't fix it' since the pool seems to be functioning well on the low speed, but it bugs the heck out of me that I have this high speed I don't 'seem' to need. When I had it on high to vacuum, the pressure actually collapsed one of the hoses where it enters the pump!:eek: When the time comes to replace the DE and I need to cut off the water, I plan to work on those two minor leaking spots. Should I be replacing the hoses to better match the pump/filter (but then would I have to change out something at the skimmer/return to adjust the size there?

You know, I think you are better off than you realize.

First off, my pump and filter (sand) at low speed reads about 8 lbs. So your are fine there. Low speed will save you TONS of money in electricity and if it's keeping the pool clear, GREAT!

As for the leaks: I'm guessing here, big time but this is common. Many pool installers use flexible PVC piping (TigerFlex) instead of hose--it's hard to tell the difference but there is a difference. Then they use internal (barbed) fittings with hose clamps on the TigerFlex--and they inevitably leak.

If that's the case, what can you do? Well, there are 3 solutions I know of:

First, you can add a second or third hose clamp to the fitting. That may help, or even work.

Second, you can replace the TigerFlex with hose. There's even a thick PVC hose. Internal fittings work far more effectively with hose than TigerFlex.

Third, and my preference, is to buy Schedule 40 glue-on fittings, and glue them on the TigerFlex just like you would on hard PVC pipe. I had the same problem when my pool was new--the installers had just driven away and it was leaking!:mad: So I glued on Sched 40 fittings and my leaks vanished.

There are other causes to leaks, like not using enough plumber's teflon paste, as one example.

It sounds to me as if Carl is right and you've got a great pool on your hands. The only thing that sounds fishy is that a 75 sq/ft DE filter would be positively huge for your pool and it would take much more than 4 of the small sized coffee cans of DE to recoat it. I'd bet you've got more like a 40 sq/ft filter, but that's still plenty for the pool. You should check into this because you'll get a much better result from using the correct amount of DE.

Just an FYI - if you use a heat gun on the tiger flex, warm it up some, crank the barbed connector tighter by a little bit, your leaks should disappear, worked on every one of my leaks except those that would be coming from where teh connector screws onto the equipment - teflon tape fixes those.

Thanks for the input. It really is a 75 DE. And so far it's cleaning like a champ. But then, I guess it oughta. ;)

I'm going to wait until the DE needs servicing, probably a couple more weeks and take the opportunity to install ball valves and work on those leaks.

Now, if I could just keep the leaves ON the trees and OUT of my pool....