why is my pool filter pressure high

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Pool maintenance is an essential aspect of owning a swimming pool. One of the common issues pool owners face is high filter pressure. This issue can lead to several problems, such as decreased water flow and backwashing. However, understanding why your pool filter pressure is high can help you troubleshoot the issue.

In this article, we will discuss the common reasons why your pool filter pressure is high and provide some solutions to fix the problem.

Understanding Your Pool Filter System

To understand why your pool filter pressure is high, you need to have a basic understanding of how your pool filter system works.

Your pool pump pushes water through the filter, which traps dirt and debris, leaving clean water to circulate back into the pool. As the filter traps debris, the pressure inside the filter increases. However, if the pressure becomes too high, it can lead to reduced water flow and backwashing, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Common Reasons for High Pool Filter Pressure

1. Dirty or Clogged Filter

If your filter is dirty or clogged, it can cause high pressure inside the filter. Over time, debris, dirt, and other materials can accumulate in the filter and restrict water flow, leading to high pressure.

Solution: If your filter is dirty, it needs to be cleaned. Backwashing your filter can help clean it, but if it's heavily clogged, you may need to take it apart and clean it manually.

2. Incorrect Filter Size

Another reason why your pool filter pressure is high could be due to incorrect filter size. If the filter is too small for your pool, it can cause high pressure inside the filter.

Solution: Check the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure that you have the correct size of the filter for your pool.

3. High Water Flow

Excessive water flow can cause high pressure inside the filter. Over time this flow will cause the pool to lose water which will lead to dry skimmer baskets and a variety of skimmer issues.

Solution: You can install a flow restrictor or check valve to regulate water flow.

4. Dirty Skimmer Basket

If your skimmer basket is dirty, it can cause high filter pressure. Debris from the skimmer basket can enter the filter, causing low water flow and high pressure inside the filter.

Solution: Clean the skimmer basket regularly to prevent dirt and debris from entering the filter.

5. Faulty Pressure Gauge

Sometimes, the reason for high pool filter pressure is a faulty pressure gauge. If the pressure gauge is not correctly calibrated, it can give a false reading, indicating high pressure inside the filter when it's not.

Solution: Test the pressure gauge readings using a manual pressure gauge, and replace the pressure gauge if it is faulty.

Conclusion

High pool filter pressure is a common problem that pool owners face. However, understanding the causes of high filter pressure and learning how to troubleshoot these issues can help keep your pool healthy and clean.

Remember, regular pool maintenance is key to keeping your pool in good condition. Regularly clean the filter, skimmer basket, and pool walls from debris and dirt, inspect the pool pump, and check water levels for proper circulation. Doing so will ensure that you have a healthy and enjoyable swimming pool experience.