A swimming pool is a perfect escape for summers. Having a pool in your backyard is one of the fortunate and prized possessions of a home owner. You can lounge in hot months, spend some relaxing time, and organize a pool party. However, a dirty pool can spoil all these plans. Being a pool owner, there is nothing that can be more horrifying than getting ready to dive into the pool and realizing that something is wrong with the pool water.

At this point, pool filters come to save you from the dirty pool and its aftermaths. However, even a pool filter causes a great deal of stress to pool owners as they require regular maintenance. Noisy pool filters and pumps, leaks, and equipment damage are some common problems you may face with your pool filters. Pool filters are indispensable for keeping your pool clean and sparkling, and they need to function properly.

Issues with pool filters

There are different types of pool filter problems pool owners often encounter while working with pool filters. Problems may vary depending on the type of filter, however, more or less there are some common issues most pool owners have to deal with on a regular basis.

How to fix the common pool filter problems? We have pulled together the information you need.

Filter media entering the pool

Problem:

This problem affects all types of filters, but is more common in sand filters and diatomaceous earth filters.

Warning signs:

Your pool will become sandy, and you can easily see diatomaceous earth floating in your pool or accumulating at the bottom.

Causes:

This happens when the filter gets broken, worn out which makes them leak and make way to pool water. Other factors that can lead to this problem are - worn out filter grids, damaged o-rings, broken valves inside filter tank. In some cases, it may be due to excessive sand or diatomaceous earth present in the filter.

Solution:

• Open your Pentair pool filter pump parts and take a look inside.
• Do a regular backwash.
• Remove inner grids and check for any damage. If you find any damage, replace the damaged parts at once. You can also order any Pentair pool filter parts
• Complete the cleaning process by removing all sand or diatomaceous earth from inside.
• Replace filter media and let the filter cycle a few times.
• Take care not to stuff filter media inside. Ideally, the quantity should be sufficient to keep the pressure correct. Refer to your filter manual to determine the exact amount to be added.

Your pool filters need cleaning too often

Problem:

Affects all types of filters, but is more frequent in cartridge filters.

Warning signs:

There are a few signs that indicate this problem. Most common one is – pool water getting dirty often. It is a sign that your filter needs to be cleaned. Another sign is─ filter media frequently getting dirty or your water pressure getting too high right after a cartridge cleaning.

Causes:

This problem mostly affects a swimming pool that is too large or is frequently used by too many people and Pentair cartridge pool filter not sufficiently large enough to support the cleaning process. The problem can also occur due to broken or damaged filter parts. In some cases, hard water can cause this problem.

Solution:

• Look for the specification of your pool filter and determine if it is not strong enough for the size of pool you have. Compare the GPM (gallons per minute) of your pool pump compared to your pool filter.  The pump should not be pushing more water than your filter can process.
• Consider how frequent the pool is used and by how many people. If you use it too often, you may need to upgrade.
• Replace filter media with a fresh one and see if it helps.
• You can invest in a pool filter cleaning machine to ease the tedious pool filter cleaning process.
• Pentair pool equipment packages are an easy way to upgrade.

High pressure in filters

Problem:

Can affect diatomaceous earth filters, but is more common with sand filters.

Warning signs:

Check the pressure gauge of your filter system. High pressure means pool filter problem. To know the standard pressure of your pool filter system, go through its manual.

Causes:

Pressure in the filter is jointly maintained by the pump, water levels, and filter media. If anyone of this is not working correctly, it affects filter pressure. This problem can also occur if your pool filters are very dirty and need an in-depth cleaning. A lot of debris and contaminants baking up in your filter media can lead to serious pressure issues.

Solution:

• Turn off your filter and perform a backwash.
• Check your filter thoroughly for any damage.
• Replace the damaged piece if you find one. If you do not find any damage, replace your filter media with a fresh
• Use only sufficient media in filters without stuffing it. Again, check your filter manual to determine the proper amount to add.
• Check for leaks and damage in pumps and lines.

Filter is not cleaning water

Problem:

Can affect any type of filter.

Warning signs:

If your pool filters are not cleaning water efficiently, water gets very dirty. You can easily spot large pieces of debris in the water. In severe cases, pool water can turn very green or slimy. If you find all these signs, your pool filter is not functioning properly.

Causes:

Though there are different kinds of problems that can lead to this issue; most of the tie, it happens because your filter is not sufficiently strong to support pool water cleaning. It may also happen due to some damage to the filter system.

Solution:

• Shut off the filter and check for visible
• Replace broken or damaged pieces inside the filter, if you find any.
• If you do not find any obvious issue, replace filter media.
• If water is not getting clean, you can upgrade your filter, for example, installing a more powerful pump.
• You may also fix this problem by using different or more powerful pool cleaning chemicals.

Damaged spider gasket

Problem:

Can affect DE or sand filters.

Warning signs:

Signs for a damaged spider gasket includes leakage around the valve or water leaking through the waste line.

Causes:

You can find spider gasket inside the multi-port on DE or sand filters. It features a small center ring with spokes which connects the outer ring. Damage to a gasket is usually caused when the valve handle is moved when the pump is running.

Solution:

• Look at the valve and check for damage.
• If you find it damaged, replace it with a new one. Ensure the correct model and cross-refer before purchasing one.

Conclusion – Plenty of things can go wrong when you have a pool filter installed. However, it doesn’t mean end of your swimming pool experience. Whether you install Pentair pool filter cartridges, sand filters or diatomaceous earth, keep these points in mind, especially when you are doing it yourself. If things go out of control and you are facing serious issues, it is advisable to seek professional help or get in touch with swimming pool equipment manufacturers.