High pressure in system

Last year I replace my 1hp hayward super pump with a Starite 1hp duraglass pump. I was running at ~8-10PSIG, now I am at 18-20psig normally before backwashing. Sometimes it goes to 30psig than backwashing brings it back down to 18-20. I have a 200lb hayward sand filter. The starite pump had 2" inlet and outlets so I had to bring this down to 11/2" because my piping is 1 1/2 pvc flex piping. At 18-20psig I have excellent suction and flow from the returns. My question is am I safe with such high pressure. I am afraid of busting a pipe or something else. What are your thoughts?

Same set-up as you and the same pressure, even after a new pressure gauge.

Been running that way for years with no negative effect.

Not saying its right, but I dont think its anything to worry about.

I do notice that a lot of 'stuff' pushes through the filter though, such as algae.....then again I'm not sure that would be any different under lower pressure conditions.