Most swimming pool owners take for granted the significance of one of the simplest gadgets included in their pool equipment, the pressure gauge on the main pool filter. This one instrument is the equivalent of a thermometer to the human body. When the variance from 98.6 is too large, whether high or low, we know our body is sick and needs attention. The same rule applies to the pressure gauge on a main swimming pool filter. Used properly it can be a pool owner's best tool to avoid, diagnose, and solve coarse pool problems.
The first key to using the pool filter pressure gauge as the tool it is intended to be is to organize and document a "normal operating pressure". This reading should be established immediately after the filter cartridges have been cleaned or when new cartridges are installed. Description this reading, in other words write it down, and store it somewhere that is suitable and really accessible during your daily or weekly pool maintenance routine.
Then, simply make sure to consult the pressure gauge each and every time you service the pool. Don't be lazy about checking the pressure. It really only takes a second or two and it could help avoid a hefty pool fix bill and the embarrassment of a green swimming pool. Typically the main filter should be cleaned or backwashed when the pressure rises no more than 10 psi. But as you monitor the pressure gauge, if the pressure seems abnormally high or low, it means the pool needs attention. Of procedure it is all the time possible that the gauge itself could be broken, but for this discussion we will assume it is in good working order.
Pressure Abnormally Low - if the pressure gauge is reading lower than thinkable, it could indicate any distinct problems. Typically it means something is obstructing the water from getting to the filter. Check to make sure there is an enough water level in the pool. If the water level is good, check all baskets to make sure they are not clogged with debris and blocking the water flow. Also check the skimmer weir door to make sure it is not stuck in the done position (up). an additional one coarse problem is debris getting past the pump basket and clogging up the impeller.
Pressure Abnormally High - if the pressure gauge is reading extremely high, it most likely means the filter media is clogged and needs to be cleaned. an additional one coarse imagine for a high pressure reading is a valve to one of the return lines has been accidentally moved to the done position. When this happens the water is obstructed from intelligent back into the swimming pool, which leads to back pressure to the filter and a abnormally high reading.
Unstable Pressure Readings - if the pressure reading is not stabilizing and permanently intelligent from low to high and back to low, it regularly indicates an insufficient water level in the pool or a skimmer weir that is getting stuck. In whether of these cases, there isn't enough water to consistently supply the pump. When there is enough water supply the pressure goes up and when the pump starts drawing air the pressure goes down. This is known as "cycling" and should be avoided because it will inevitably lead to damage to the pump motor.
Out of all the tools used to vocalize your swimming pool, the main pool filter pressure gauge can be your best friend and save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Monitored properly, the pressure readings will really tell you a story of the status of the pool in just a few seconds. It is worth the time to document the readings on your main pool filter pressure gauge and start listening to the story it's trying to tell you!