More DE?

[PoolDoc]

No DE has blown out the returns. It is stuff like bugs and pieces of leaves. As far as I can tell, I don't see anything besides water coming out the returns. The only time I saw something other than water come out the returns was when I apparently put granular CYA in the skimmer too quickly and some of it came out the returns

Do you have a multiport valve? That sounds a LOT like a multiport valve failure.

[Shifty]

Yes, I do have a multi port valve. Do you think the spider gasket needs to be replaced? The reason I ask is because I just saw that moving the position of the multi port while the pump is on will ruin the spider gasket. Wish I knew that 2 weeks ago.

[PoolDoc]

Replacing the spider gasket is tricky. The adhesive used is hard to remove, is not available readily, but works better than the available substitutes. I've done it with moderate success, using a small sharpened screw driver to get the glue out, and silicone to put it back. You could probably try water-pump gasket adhesive, with better success.

Leaves won't go through your DE grids.

[Shifty]

Thanks for the feedback.

I'll open the multiport valve after work and see if the gasket needs to be replaced. If it looks ok, I'll try adding more DE through the skimmer. I think I read somewhere on the forum to put in a little at a time until the PSI rises by 1.

PoolDoc,
Leaves are not going through the grids. The stuff coming out the returns are particles (i.e. dirt and bugs).

On a separate note, I visited the Leslie's closest to my office at lunchtime. After reading this forum for 3 weeks, I felt smarter than the Leslie's workers. HAHA
A worker tried answering a customer's question about the difficulty of maintaining a chlorine level. The worker just tried selling the customer more 3' tabs and didn't ask about CYA levels or if the customer tested their water. I couldn't help myself so I chimed in asking if the person tested their water and what the readings were.

I think I have been reading this forum too much!

[aylad]

Yeah, once you've learned to control your own pool it makes it kinda hard to go to Leslie's and keep your mouth shut

[PoolDoc]

I couldn't help myself so I chimed in asking if the person tested their water and what the readings were.

It's worthwhile to try to zip it -- I've been doing this for over 15 years now, and I can assure you that info from here and PoolSolutions is NOT welcome in pool stores. Since you do want to be able to go back, you might write your item list on a piece of paper, and use Gorilla tape on your lips, before you go in the store.

[Spensar]

You have likely read it, but if you have a visible algae, after you kill it there will be dead algae left over that is very fine and is hard for a filter to catch. I will let it settle and vacum directly to waste/drain.

[Shifty]

Thanks for the suggestion of vacuuming to waste. I do plan on it but I was trying to avoid it due to the water loss. I will need to be quick about it.

I opened the multiport valve yesterday and the spider gasket looks to be fully operational. It wasn't bent or out of the track. It looked rather new.

I guess the next step is to open the filter and take a look at the grids. I don't want to put more DE in the skimmer only to have to blow out the returns. Thoughts?

[Shifty]

How will I know the spider gasket needs to be replaced? Do you have a picture of a failed spider gasket?

[aylad]

When you open up the multiport handle (it's easy to do, and only takes a few seconds), you'll know by looking at it whether it's failed or not. I replace one almost every season, and it's usually torn and scrunched up on one side.

Just turn the pump off, turn the handle halfway between two of the settings to take the pressure off, and then unscrew the screws holding it down. Just pay attention to the orientation of the top of the multiport so you'll know which way to put it back on!

Janet