Troubleshooting a Pool Cleaning System
- 1). Chances are if you've got sand shooting back into your pool from the return jet, one of the lateral fingers in your sand filter is damaged. Laterals are cylinders with slits cut in them that allow water to filter through the sand but keep sand in the tank and out of the plumbing. The laterals screw or snap onto the center pipe, and if they're cracked or broken, sand will mix in with the water and return to the pool. To check or change the laterals, shut down your filter system, drain your tank and scoop out the sand. If your laterals don't detach, you will have to replace the pipe and laterals in one piece. Once you've made the repairs and replacements, replace your sand with new and put your filter back together. Turn your system back on to make sure the problem has been resolved.
- 2). When your pressure runs high, you backwash the system. When your pressure is low, you have bad circulation and your water doesn't move correctly. The first thing to check is your O-rings. They should be tight, lubed and clean. Just about any place plastic meets plastic has an O-ring or gasket. If you think you're missing one, consult your local parts department. Check your pump lid for cracks and make sure your hair and lint pot (pump basket) is clean. Check your entire system for cracks, leaks or any place your system could be sucking air.
- 3). If your water is cloudy and your chemicals check out perfectly, you might want to consider running your filtering system longer. A rule of thumb is to have your pump and motor running about half the time. If your water still isn't clear, you might need to replace or clean your filter media. Opinions vary as to how often the sand in sand filters should be replaced--every five to eight years is usually recommended. Cartridge filters can be hosed down, soaked and dried several times before replacement is needed. To get the most life out of your filter, maintain your filter media of choice with regular cleaning treatments and backwashing.
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