Swimming Pool Filter Problems

Sand Filter Problems

By far the most common complaint I hear regarding swimming pool filter problems is "debris is blowing back in when I vacuum"

1)The first thing to check is the backwash valve,in particular the gasket ans/or spring mechanism may be letting debris get past and flowing right back into pool....also,do you have valve in "recirculate" position?..this by-passes filter.

2)IF the laterals have holes or cracks,sand and debris may pass through

3)If its new sand,perhaps too much sand was added?...the level of sand should go to the widest part of tank.

4)If the sand is old,it may be time to change sand..if you are going to change sand,do yourself a favor and get a good quality media NOT silica sand..there are links at the bottom of this page:

Link to sand filters and quality media

D.E. Filter Problems

1)As above,the backwash valve is on of the first things to check -it may be gaskets or o-rings in a push-pull valve,or a spider gasket/spring assembly in a multiport valve like a sand filter has,or backwash valve seals built into the bottom of filter.

2)The grids-are they in the manifold securely? Are there holes in the grids?

3)The manifold assembly-is the top and/or bottom manifold secure? Does the manifold have crack or holes and what about the manifold's bleed air assembly-are there holes there?

4)Perhaps an air leak is pushing the D.E. backwards out the skimmer after the pump shuts off?.....or,it may go from the skimmer out the main drain on bottom of pool?