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!

[Poconos]

On those gauges with the two screws in the back, the faceplate will unscrew or snap off and you can get to the guts. However, most cheaper gauges are sealed so they're a throwaway item. I also don't know whether the expensive stainless gauge would be worth it especially in a climate where it can freeze. One freeze and it's ruined just the same as a $6 cheapie.
Al

[catnip]

Just FYI, the stainless steel gauge I mentioned in my post above is liquid filled (with glycerin), so it may be less susceptible to freezing. In addition the wetted parts are 316SS alloy which is reasonably resistant to corrosive environments including salt water, particularly with the level of CH we typically see in pools with the calcium providing a layer of corrosion protection for the metal. I'll try to remember to provide some reliability feedback after a year has passed.

[sevver]

Our hydrostatic pumps that we used to use to test watermain for leaks used glycerin filled guages, we tested watermain whenever we put it in, summer, winter, whatever. The pump sat in the back of the truck, sometimes for days at a time, in even below zero actual temps. The guage remains fine. My only recommendation is that they sell guages that go up super high, while it will still work, you won't get the accuracy of one that only goes up to say 30 pounds, the increments are larger and easier to see. Grainger would have them for sure, or even any good plumbing supply. And yes, you can walk in off the street, and wave cash around, and they will sell to you.