Remove pressure guage from filter?

Hi. We have a sand filter and I've read that some people remove the pressure guage from the filter. We've never done this, but should we? Why? Thanks.

Tisha, how are you?:)

Removing the pressure gauge does 2 things: 1) it let's the gauge dry out and not freeze and, 2) it let's the multiport 'breathe' so that the water still in it doesn't do any damage when it freezes. You want to have the multi handle up on any 'in between' position so the the unit can have all ports open and not stick to the gasket.

I hope your closing goes well and that we see you here next spring:)

Hi Waste! I'm doing well. We just had someone close the pool today so of course I checked the forums for any last minute tips and saw something about removing the pressure guage. So, do I just unscrew it and that's it?

To be honest you kinda lost me at "multiport". I want to learn more about the pool so eventually we'll be able to do everything ourselves. I can totally take care of the water thanks to all the help I've gotten here, but the equipment is a little more intimidating to me. I don't really understand the mechanics of it all.

I've also been feeling kind of paranoid since finding out the guy who installed our pool is a complete fraud. Maybe you've heard of them -- Castaway Pools in NJ. The company is being investigated by the NJ State Attorney General and has ripped off dozens of customers. So far we haven't had any problems with the pool, but after reading about the problems he's left so many people with I can't help but be nervous. If you're interested check out complaintsboard.com and do a search for castaway. It's unbeleiveable.

Thanks again for the response. Not only will you see me here in the Spring, but I stay around all winter!

Tisha

The big handle with all the positions on top of your sand filter is the "multi-valve" It has a locking ring about 6-8" in diameter that holds it to the filter. I remove the ring and the whole valve assembly for the winter. The pressure gauge screws into it and is a replaceble item.

You can see the 6-way valve in the picture--the whole black unit on top of the tank, and the locking ring is where the black part meets the beige filter tank. You can see the gauge attaches to the valve.

This year, at the end of the season, I noticed the gauge seemed stuck so I tapped it with my finger--the whole dial inside disintegrated! So when I pulled off the 6-way valve I unscrewed the gauge and trashed it--I have a new one for next season.


[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Carl/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpg[/IMG]http://home.earthlink.net/%7Edashmanc/pool/Filter05.jpg

You can get new gauges at WalMart for under $5--i used to buy a new one every season until I realized I knew my pool well enough to handle things without a gauge.

Janet

CarlD, Tthanks for the photo, I see what you mean. We did take the guage off, but not the whole assembly.

Janet, thanks for the WalMart tip. At least I know where to look when I need a new one. I'd love to feel confident enough not to even need one! Maybe someday.

Tisha