Hi all, nice informative forum.

Can anyone help? I’ve read a great deal on this topic, but haven’t found this particular combination of issues...

1. Older American Titan DE filter, 48 sq ft, well maintained.
2. Water is currently very clear after last weeks season opening, BUT

3. After doing a grid cleaning, pressure reads ok (12 psi) AND flow into pool returns is decent, but relief valve doesn’t produce the usual strong stream of water when opened. Very little.
4. After reopening filter to install new band o-ring, and reassembling, filter leaks around band, but not too bad, really.
5. Filter grids seem ok, but I haven’t completely uninstalled.
6. DE powder has not adhered to grids as normal... could it have fallen off? Just added other day.
Measured correctly.

Really wondering why no pressure relief stream. No blockages as far as I can tell, water flowing nicely from pump.

Any ideas, pool wizards? Thanks a bunch.