Why is the Swimming pool pump low pressure?

Answer 1

YOu probably need to release air pressure or backwash. The pressure builds up because the flow is inhibited. Is the return weaker than normal? It is usually sediment on top of the sand that is impeding the water flow and backwashing will push the water up through the sand and out to waste. this will clear the sand and allow water to flow better.

Good Luck

This does not indicate what type of filter you are using. The above answer assumed a sand filter, so I will address a DE filter.

Pressure will build up in a DE filter when the grids inside the filter itself need to be cleaned. This should be done on an annual basis, but sometimes needs to be done more frequently. For example, when I used flock (an additive that causes small particles to clump together and sink to the bottom where they can be more easily vacuumed), this caused my grids to be clogged. (Note that the lesson I learned here was to use liquid flock not powder).

Another way to reduce pressure is to add more DE. To do this, backwash your filter until the water is completely clear. Turn the pump valve back to filter mode and turn the pump back on. Pressure should be low at this time. Begin adding DE through the skimmer. I usually use 2-3 scoops (my scoop is about size of a small coffee can). Pressure may still rise a bit from when you first turned the pump back on, but it should stay lower than before you added the DE.

Answer 2

A clogged filter? The pressure AT THE GAUGE will drop after the pool is backwashed and also during vacumning. As the filter becomes clogged the pressure AT THE GAUGE will increase. The opposite effect occurs at the inlet eyeball.

Answer 3

Back wash for 5 minutes, then rinse for 10 seconds. if you sand is over 7 years old or you've had water issues, chemically clean your filter, or just replace the sand. if its not a sand filter , try running your system with all the baskets in place and the filter out, if your pressure is much better, than replace the cartridge. I found years ago when I had a cartridge filter that I had calcium build up in the filter material I soaked it in acid (a fairly strong mix) for a few hours to dissolve the calcium. The filter worked much better after that. eventualy I ended up putting an extra cartridge beside it to work in parallel and had no more problems at all after that improved the turnover of water no end and didn't have to clean the cartridge filter as often,

Answer 4

The pressure reading that you see on your swimming pool relates to the water pressure in front of the filter. When the filter is dirty the result is that the water has more trouble getting through, so the pressure reading go's up. The gauges usually have a marker on it where it says clean filter on the high side. So you will probably notice that after a back wash the pressure is low. That is the way it is supposed to work on the other hand if you have low suction and low pressure you have a problem.

If the pressure on the pump is low it could mean several things. A clog in the Plumbing on the suction side. A bad "o" ring allowing air in the lines. A clog or blockage in the impeller. Low water level. Excess debris in the hair and lint strainer. An improperly closed valve. These are the basics.

Answer 5

High filter pressure is cause by one thing. (resistence to flow)

This can be as simple as a dirty filter. Clean filter or backwash,

You may need a new filter element, or new sand and to clean a de grid.

The other reason would be poorly plumbed piping (to small hydrolics)

Answer 6

You will need to backwash the pump, and then rinse out the filter.