Is Pressure guage important?

[ePoolUser]

All,
How important is the pressure guage on the filter? When it worked it never reached the 30PSI mark, which I was told means clean the cartridge filter.

The guage quit operating right at end of last season, so I didn't replace it.

Does anyone make a guage that will last? I have a Hayward Voyager cartridge filter.

TIA.

[simsjim]

Hello -

Mine went bad two years ago and I got a very similar replacement at the pool supply store.

I think a pressure guage is important. It's a great indicator of what is going on in that big dark tank that you cannot see into (as well as what comes before and after that tank.)

So, IMHO - dust off a Hamilton and head on out to the pool supply store or WallyWorld and get yourself a pressure guage and a roll of teflon tape and replace it.

BTW - you may want bring your old one with you so you can get the thread size right - but I think they are pretty universal for pool filters.

hope this helps,

Peace

[mas985]

When working properly, it can tell you when things are not quite right. If you had a suction side blockage, the PSI would drop from the normal level. If you had a return side blockage, the PSI would rise from the normal level. I think it is one of those things that is nice to have but probably not necessary.

Usually, people will clean their cartridges when the PSI raises by 5-8 PSI so I am a bit surprised at the 30 PSI comment. That would mean you run at 22 PSI normally.

I oversized my filter by so much that I don't see much of a PSI rise. I just clean my filters at least once a year and maybe twice.

[DavidD]

I live near you and bought one for a sand filter this season at The Pool Shop on 8th Avenue. It was less tan $10. Though it is not a Hayward brand like the original, it looks identical and works just fine.

Dave

[catnip]

Does anyone make a gauge that will last?

You might try an all stainless gauge (inside and out). I just did that after replacing two of the regular $10 gauges in two years. Grainger carries them and mine was $25.25. They normally sell business-to-business but might sell to you directly if you stop by one of their stores. Here's the link to the one I bought:
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/4TA11

[matt4x4]

They're really easy to repair, 2 screws and you're inside, usually just needs to have the needle spring readjusted. once repaired, set it in your pool kit as a spare when the other (new) one goes south, then jus repair it.
They tend to get wonky over the winter if left outside (covered or not), I take mine inside over the winter and it tends to last way longer without needing repairs.

[ePoolUser]

That's interesting. I'll tinker with it. Thanks!