Filter problem?

[Pamsel]

It's now 6:30 next morning. I went out to check the pump and the pressure guage had gone completely around and was hovering back at 0 with a loud humming noise now accompanying it. Can anyone help me with what is going on here?

[Poconos]

IMMEDIATELY...check the flow at the returns. If very low or nothing...kill the pump. 45 PSI sounds awfully high even for a totally blocked flow. I don't think a pool pump can do that. 50 PSI is the specified limit of the filter tank. ALSO feel the pump housing (basket area of the pump) and if warm, kill the pump. That's it for now.
Al

[Pamsel]

Hi Al,

I actually did shut off the pump when I saw the pressure guage all the way around the dial to 0 and heard the loud hum. I will go turn it on and check the flow at the returns but will leave it off because I know something is wrong with it. My guage reads up to 60 and it has gone past that.

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Just checked the returns and there is good, strong flow there.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Pam,

You should not run the pump for any long period of time 'til you get this figured out. Your pump should be off now.

Place the multi-port valve in "backwash" and turn the pump on. If the pressure does not exceed say around 30, let it run for at least two or three minutes, then shut it back off.

If the pressure exceeds 30 in "backwash", I'd shut it off right away.

Post back your findings and we'll go from there.

[Pamsel]

Just put the port on backwash and turned the pump on. The needle now just jumps backward to the area between 60 and 0 and spasms there. Maybe it's just a broken guage?

Pump is turned back off now.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Pam,

Wow! That is an issue! Al is much better at these things than me but I'll try to help a little 'til he can chime in.

The fact that the guage is responding to the pump makes me think that it is not broken....however, that is certainly the most logical answer. It is also a cheap fix. If there is a pool store near you, you should be able to pick up a new guage (10-15$) and change it out yourself.

Most of them simply unscrew right behind or right below the guage. Wrap a couple of turns of teflon tape around the new threads and screw it in. You should be able to do this with no tools....hand snug is plenty of force.

If you accomplish this, try the backwash again and see what you get. Post back. Others will be along to help you find a solution.

Pam, you did confirm that the guage is moving backward, right?

[Pamsel]

It was not moving backward last evening, but this morning when I turn it on, yes, it jumps backward and hovers there.