Sand Filter Issues

[chinewalker]

I'm not sure but could it be you didn't wash the sand first? Did you backwash before you set it to filter on start up? how about your multiport is the o ring and the spider gasket in good shape?

I backwashed the filter before using it, but I think that I should have possibly rinsed it longer before putting it into service. The sand flow has diminished to almost nothing after a couple of weeks. I believe that the o-ring and or the spider gasket could be bad because I have to fiddle with the lever every time I move it to stop it from leaking. The unit is quite old and I'm having trouble finding a clear replacement. I hate to tear it apart until I am sure I have the right parts.

I would make sure the borwn stuff (sand?) doesn't go through the solar loop.
I have a 1/2 hp pump that's rated at 40GPM...your filter may be too small. Do you have a valve that you could use to throttle the flow?

I do have a ball valve in the return line that I use to throttle the flow down some.

Thanks for the responses guys!