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why does my pool filter keep clogging

by Ms. Jena Bailey IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Why Does My Pool Filter Get Clogged So Quickly?

  • Algae. Algae, especially green algae, is slimy gooey stuff. It is best that algae strands should not enter the pool filter.
  • Oil. Every swimmer contributes some amount of oil to the pool. The oil adheres to the sand particles in the filter.
  • Mineral Deposits. Some of the pool chemicals add minerals such as calcium or phosphate to the pool. ...

TroubleFreePool.com explained that when your filter is brand new, water can easily pass through the system without issue. However, as the filter continues to do its job, debris can accumulate over time and slowly clog the system. As a result, pressure builds up within the filter and continues to rise if not cleaned.Jul 6, 2016

Full Answer

Is your pool filter clogging up?

TroubleFreePool.com explained that when your filter is brand new, water can easily pass through the system without issue. However, as the filter continues to do its job, debris can accumulate over time and slowly clog the system.

Why is oil in my Dede pool filter grids?

DE Filter Grids Clogged with Oil Small amounts of oil inevitably find their way into your open air pool. Much is brought in on the wind, or dragged in by swimmers. Pool lubricants and some gel type pool clarifiers can add oils to your pool, which eventually is trapped in the filter grids.

Why is the pressure on my pool pump so high?

High pressure can be caused by having a filter that is undersized for the pump; this means the pump is pushing more gallons per minute than the filter is designed to handle. Another cause is simply a dirty filter with cartridges that need to be rinsed, or sand or DE that needs to be backwashed.

Why is my pool filter lid blowing off?

If after cleaning, you are still faced with high pressure, there could be a clog in the plumbing lines. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off.

Why is my pool filter clogging so quickly?

If the pool is affected by algae, the pool filters can get clogged very quickly. Algae are tiny aquatic plants (or organisms) that grow in pools and in large groups. These plants can clog up the filter easily during pool water circulation.

Why is my pool filter not cleaning the pool?

If the water is not moving through the filter at a normal rate, there is most likely a clog or obstruction before the pool filter. It could be a clogged pump basket, impeller, pipe, or skimmer basket. It could also be a closed or broken valve before the pump.

Why do I have to clean my pool filter so often?

Over time, debris and chemicals build up in the filter. Without proper cleaning, pool filters get clogged and become less effective. This results in cloudy water, bacteria growth, and poor water quality. Filters also play a crucial role in pool water circulation.

Why does my pool filter keep filling with air?

Air bubbles in your pool mean that air is being sucked into the line on the suction side of the pump. It's likely happening because of one of these issues: The pool water level is too low. The strainer pot lid isn't on tight or its O-ring is loose/absent/compromised.

Why does my sand filter keep putting sand in pool?

Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.

How long should you backwash a pool filter?

After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes, or until water runs clear. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. Turn your pump back on and note the lower pressure.

How often do you clean pool filter balls?

How Often Do You Clean Pool Filter Balls? Filter balls can be washed in the washing machine every two or three years as required. Usually, after two washes you would replace the filter balls with new ones.

How often should you backwash a pool?

about once a weekAs a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.

How often should you rinse your pool filter?

A pool needs a clean filter and it needs to be cleaned periodically-usually once a month in swim season and perhaps less frequently in the offseason. If your pool's filter is oversized by design, these filters need cleaning 3-4 times per year by a pool professional.

What happens if pool filter pressure gets too high?

A pool filter requires a certain amount of pressure inside the tank to function. If that pressure gets too low or too high, the filter won't work properly, and it can damage other equipment.

How is air getting into my pool filter?

Air bubbles occur when the pool's suction system pulls in the air instead of water from your swimming pool. The air gets into your system before the point where water enters the filter; that is to say, at the skimmer, pump, or the unions.

How do I release the air from my pool filter?

0:513:14How To Bleed Air From A Pool Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe simply turn it to the left where our pump motor is on and wait until the water comes out and thenMoreWe simply turn it to the left where our pump motor is on and wait until the water comes out and then we turn it to the right to tighten it back up and to give it a good seal.

What is the first step in cleaning a pool filter?

Cartridge: According to Inyo Pool Products, the first step to cleaning your filter is shutting off the pump to stop the flow of water.

Can a brand new water filter clog a system?

TroubleFreePool.com explained that when your filter is brand new, water can easily pass through the system without issue. However, as the filter continues to do its job, debris can accumulate over time and slowly clog the system. As a result, pressure builds up within the filter and continues to rise if not cleaned.

Do sand filters have a valve?

Sand: According to TroubleFreePool.com, most of these types of filters will have a valve that's used for cleaning the debris. Whenever you're trying to change the position of this valve, it's important that you shut the pump off – or you run the risk of damaging your entire system.

What to use to remove oil from pool filter?

Using a degreaser like TSP, or our DE filter cleaner product, soaking to remove oils is a good treatment every year or two, to remove DE grid fabric clogging oils.

How often should I change my Biguanide pool filter?

Such a well known problem in fact, that manufacturers of biguanides for pools recommend a sand filter, and recommend changing the filter sand every 1-2 seasons, or when filter cycles shorten.

How often should I add DE powder to my pool?

You have to add the DE powder after backwashing, and at least once per year you have to open up the tank after backwashing, and spray the grids clean – a messy and wet job.

What is a DE filter grid?

A DE Grid is a fabric covered plastic frame. The thick polyester fabric is stretched over the frame and sewn tightly. Now, here’s an important distinction. The DE filter grid is Not the filter – the ...

Clogging Caused by Algae

Those who own a pool also experience algae that grow inside the pool DE filter. When this happens expect that your DE pool filter will get clogged. If this constantly happens it means that residue from the past algae is still intact in your filter.

Clogging Caused by Oil

Oils are another reasons why DE filters are clogged. It is brought onto your pool by the wind or by the swimmers who used your swimming pool. Once the oil gets in, it can get caught in your pool filter. Oils always find their ways to enter the filter .

Clogging Caused by Scale

The additional type of clogging material aside from oil is scaly. These scales are formed because of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Scaling is a common occurrence in areas with hard water and can be a result of a solution used on your pool for some situations. Moreover, a DE filter grid holds and does not remove the scale.

Clogging Caused by Gel Clarifiers

Different types of pool clarifiers also cause clogging such as Sparkle Plus or MiraClear. Both of these are not compatible with DE filters. They tend to congest the filter grid fabric and prevent them from working or flowing properly.

Clogging Caused by Baquacil

DE filters that are treated with Baquacil or other Biguanide pool sanitizer often experienced clogging. Baquacil sanitizer is a chlorine-free polymeric sanitizer that is effective against a wide range of microorganisms. This sanitizer works in concurrence with the filter to physically eliminate impurities from the water after sanitizing.

Additional Tip

To keep your swimming pool looking fresh and clean, always have a routine schedule for sanitizing your pool. Additionally, you have to choose wisely the sanitation products that you will use on your pool. It would also be best to contact a pool maintenance phoenix az and set a regular pool filter cleaning schedule.

What to do if your pool is clogged with skimmers?

If there is stuff floating in the pool that is getting though the skimmers to clog the filter, you could add a skimmer sock. You'd have to check it and clean it a lot if it was catching stuff like leaves or such but that is less debris into the filter.

How to clean a pool skimmer?

To clean, you first dump any big debris, then get a bucket of pool water and dunk the skimmer & sock upside down to rinse the sock out. You may need to give it a squeeze to release any trapped air under the sock when you replace the basket if the skimmer basket is light enough to float due to that bubble.

What are the disadvantages of cartridge filters?

If there is a disadvantage to cartridge filters, it's that they clog (do their job) quite quickly in a really junky pool. You'll just have to bite the bullet and keep cleaning.#N#As an aside, I hope you are still KEEPING YOUR FC AT SHOCK LEVEL or you will be cleaning the junk from your pool forever.

How many sq ft is a C1200 filter?

Your C1200 filter is only 120 sq. ft. which we would only recommend for pools smaller than 8000 gallons. What kind of pool do you have and what is it's volume?

Filter keeps clogging up??

I have a hayward perflex de filter system (ec65a) with a hayward 1.5 hp pump i just open the pool added earth to it and it "cloggs" up my pressure goes above 30 like instantly so i cleaned the filter again and it was down around 10 and then about after 10-15 mins its back up to 30?? Pool is about 28k gallons?? Help please

Re: Filter keeps clogging up??

Is your pool green? Live algae stops up DE filters almost instantly: kill the algae, and you'll be able to filter.

Re: Filter keeps clogging up??

Pressure washer is not a good idea, from what I've read--garden hose is much better. The green in the pool, as Pooldoc said above, is what's clogging up the filter, so you have to kill off the algae before you can get it filtered out.

Re: Filter keeps clogging up??

I can't check on this now -- Hayward's website has crashed. HOWEVER, in general, DE filters are plugged in minutes by live algae. To solve the problem, you need to kill the algae. Also, I'm skeptical of your gallons figure: an EC-65 would be seriously undersized on a 28K gallon pool.

Re: Filter keeps clogging up??

16ftx 33ft goes from 3ft to 10ft...the only reason im saying 28k cuz the lady and the pool store had the old owners info stored in the computer so..idk..the filter does like kinda old idk..i will be buy a hth test kit tom.

Re: Filter keeps clogging up??

Liner pool, or concrete? (I've never heard of a 16x33 rectangle liner).

Why is my pool tank blowing off after cleaning?

If after cleaning, you are still faced with high pressure, there could be a clog in the plumbing lines. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off.

Why is my water filter not working?

Then you and your filter might have something in common. Some filter problems are caused by excessive pressure build-up inside the tank. High pressure can be caused by having a filter that is undersized for the pump; this means the pump is pushing more gallons per minute than the filter is designed to handle.

Can a pool filter cause stress?

For a piece of equipment that is not electrical, digital, or highly complex, a pool filter can still cause a great deal of pool owner stress. You might be surprised how many questions we field regarding what is essentially a big tank that water passes through. But since that tank is so vital to the operation and safety of your pool, ...

Can high pressure in pool filter cause low pressure?

As mentioned above, high filter pressure is a problem but so is low pressure which usually indicates some obstruction of the water going into the filter. This can negatively impact pool circulation. First step – check your pump strainer basket and impeller. If either one is clogged with leaves and other debris, clean them out to increase water flow.

What does a pool filter do?

Your filter removes tiny debris from the pool water, keeping it consistently clear. But none of this can happen without water pressure. Pressure produced by the pump keeps water flowing through the filter. To keep an eye on the pressure, every pool filter has a pressure gauge. Knowing how your pressure gauge works and how to deal ...

Why does my water filter have air in it?

Sometimes, air can build up in your filter. One common cause is that the water level is too low and air is coming in through your skimmers. It is a good idea to turn on the air release valve, also called a bleeder, every time you turn on the pump.

Why does my pressure gauge fail?

Pressure gauges can fail for several reasons. If the gauge remains at zero when the pump is on, the problem could be simple to fix. The air bleeder assembly under the gauge, which measures the pressure, could simply be clogged. Unscrew the gauge, clean it out, and replace it.

How to tell if a skimmer is clogged?

Unlike high pressure, there is no normal range for low pressure. If your PSI drops more than 5 PSI from the ideal, it’s time to look for a problem. Here are a few common problems to look for: 1 The skimmer or pump basket is clogged 2 The pump impeller is clogged 3 The filter valve is directing water around the filter 4 Skimmer or main drain valves are closed or partially closed 5 Skimmer or main drain pipes are clogged or collapsed 6 Air is pulling into the system at the pump intake, pump lid, or valves

Why does my filter pressure rise?

As the filter gets dirty, the pressure may rise. Other issues can also cause a spike in pressure. As long as the PSI is no more than 10 PSI above the ideal, you don’t have to do much. But when the PSI reaches 10 or more PSI over your ideal, it’s time to clean the filter.

What to do if your pump gauge doesn't move?

Unscrew the gauge, clean it out, and replace it. If the gauge goes back to reading something in the normal range, you’ve found the problem. If the gauge still doesn’t move, it could be broken. Similarly, if the gauge doesn’t go back to zero when the pump is off, you may need a new gauge.

Why does my pool heater have lime?

Lime deposits in the pool heater that restrict water flow. If there is a problem causing high pressure, turn off your pump immediately. If the pressure spikes too high, it can cause a filter to rupture, causing severe injuries or even death.

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