Why Your Pool May Have a Low Filter Pressure

One of the regular aspects of swimming pool maintenance that you must keep up with as a pool owner is making sure the filter pressure is at the correct levels. The filter pressure must be within an efficient range if you are to get the best results out of the system.

Your pool filter pressure gauge in New Haven County, CT tells you the pressure inside the filter tank, which is an important reading to help you determine how well your filter is operating. The pressure at which your filter system should be operating is based on the kind of filter system you have—some may run higher than others. This means there isn’t a single overarching pressure measurement you should be looking for. Instead, you need to be able to get the settings just right for the system you have.

Most of the time, systems will be either in the five to 15 psi or 10 to 20 psi range. Clean your filter thoroughly, empty the pump and skimmer baskets and start up the filter. When it reaches its full power level, you can check the pressure gauge reading, and this will give you your starting pressure. This should be the lowest pressure at which your system operates. At anywhere from five to 10 psi above that starting reading, you’ll need to clean out the filter again.

If you find your system operating at more than 10 psi outside of that normal range, then there is something wrong with the system and you’ll need to make the appropriate repairs.

Dealing with low pressure

High pressure often means you simply need to clean out the filter system. But what happens if you have low pressure?

Usually low pressure in the pool filter system in New Haven County, CT is indicative of a flow problem, often caused by something blocking the water flowing into the pool pump. Here are a few examples of some of the most common causes of low pressure that a technician will look for when analyzing your pool equipment:

• Reduced water movement inside the actual pool
• A clogged pump impeller, pump basket or skimmer basket(s)
• A filter valve that allows water to bypass the filter
• A pool cleaner failing to perform its job, likely because it’s either stopped working or simply isn’t moving around the pool well enough
• A pump that’s either not priming or leaves air in the system when not operating
• Eyeball fittings not in their correct place at pool returns
• Clogged main drain covers or skimmer pipes
• A fully or partially closed skimmer or main drain valve
• A bad, worn-out pressure gauge

Each one of these issues will have its own solutions. It might be something as simple as cleaning a part, or it may require some more significant repairs and maintenance, including potential part replacement.

But if you believe you are dealing with low pool filter pressure, it is important for you to take immediate action to resolve the problem. To combat the issue of low water pressure in your pool filter system in New Haven County, CT, contact A-1 Pools & Spas today.

Categorised in: Pool Contractors