High & Low Pool Filter PSI

 PSI is: Pounds per square inch a standard unit for measuring pressure and the most common factor used in determining when to backwash or clean a pool filter.

A filter pressure gauge is used to measure a filter's PSI and every filter should be equipped with one.

The most obvious reason for high PSI is that the filter is dirty. Simply cleaning the filter or backwashing it if you have a D.E. Or Sand Filter will usually lower the PSI down to an acceptable range. The clean starting filter PSI will vary from filter to filter, some hover around 10-15 PSI but many cartridge filters start at 20 PSI. The best way to know in your case is to clean the filter and then mark on the gauge the clean PSI for your particular filter.

A general rule of thumb is that if the PSI goes up by 10, if it is at 15 and goes up to 25, then a cleaning or backwashing is due. This is the best way to lower high filter pressure and get the pool circulating again.

After cleaning the filter or backwashing it the filter pressure should drop. If it goes back up within a day or week there could be a few reasons for this. One, the grids or cartridges are worn out and need to be replaced. If you have a Sand Filter the sand could be really dirty and you will need to clean it or replace it. Also, if the pool was recently green or cloudy, the filter could be getting filled up quickly with organic matter. Cleaning the filter again usually will solve the issue. If the D.E. Filter grids have a tear or the top manifold is cracked, the filter pressure can rise rapidly after cleaning.

If you have a Return Side cleaner connected to your pool like a Polaris 360, the PSI may rise while it is connected due to the back pressure created by closing off a return line and by the cleaners connection itself. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. The pressure may also be higher by as much as 10 PSI when you switch the valves to spa mode. The back pressure created by the spa jets will cause the filter pressure to rise. A water feature may also cause the filter PSI to rise.

So these are the reasons why your pool filter pressure will rise.

If you have low pool filter pressure several things may also cause this. The most common reason is some debris is stuck in the pool impeller, restricting it and causing the pump to pull less water. A suction leak like a worn pump lid o-ring will also cause low filter pressure. A problem with the pump's diffuser can also cause this.

Some obvious causes are also a clogged pool pump basket, a clogged skimmer basket, and low water in the pool. Too much suction at the side port towards a suction side cleaner can also cause lower pool filter pressure. A clogged inlet line can also be the cause of low filter pressure. If you have a variable speed pump and you are running it at or below 1400 RPM, the filter pressure PSI will also read low.

A broken filter gauge can also create a false PSI reading – either too high or too low, so make sure the gauge is in good working order. They are easy to change and it will only take you a couple of minutes to do it.

I mention that a flow gauge like the FlowVis would be a good investment and if you want to get the best idea of your pool's actual flow, I suggest you install one. That way no matter what the PSI on the gauge, you can see from the flow meter how much water is flowing into the pool. This is the best way to monitor your pool's actual flow.

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AquaStar Pipeline VS Pump

The AquaStar Pipeline VS pump line-up has some very nice features. It is AqauStars first generation of VS pumps and it was designed to complement their Pipeline Filter. If you purchase the Pipeline Pump and Pipeline filter together as a combo AquaStar will give you a 3-year warranty for both!

Here are some of the features of the Pipeline Pump:

•  App capability Google & Apple

•  Connect to Pentair automation via the PLCM

•  Permanent magnet motor (PMM) drive system

•  Two sizes, variable speed 1.5 HP and 3 HP

•  Four programmable speeds from 800 to 3400 RPM

•  Noise reduction vibration dampening rubber insert

•  RS485 communication port

•  Automation capability, programmable start and stop times

•  Integrated 2.5" and 2" (socket) pump union connections

•  Ergonomic lid handles with quick-release quarter-turn 4-point locking lid

•  High-capacity self-aligning HDPE ultra-durable basket

•  High-efficiency volute design, patent pendingPart #PLP300S - 3 HP, Variable Speed, Smart 

ModelPLP300S-SVRS - 3 HP, Variable Speed, Smart Model, With SVRS

Part #PLP150B- 1.5 HP, Variable Speed, Base ModelPLP150S - 1.5 HP, Variable Speed, Smart ModelPLP150B-SVRS - 1.5 HP, Variable Speed, Base Model, With SVRSPLP150S-SVRS - 1.5 HP, Variable Speed, Smart Model, With SVRS

Although there is room for improvement this 1st generation VS pump has some very nice features. I like the overall design of the pump and the High-efficiency volute design will allow for greater flow and velocity. 

In my opinion, the primary application of this pump would be for simple equipment pads without automation. To be used as a stand-alone VS pump with the app control. Since AquaStar will give you a 3-year warranty if you purchase both their pump and filter it might be a smart idea to get both. 

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Swimming Pool Skimmer Issues

If your pool pump doesn’t seem to be working, the problem could be at the pool skimmer. The first thing I check is obvious. Is the water level at the right spot in the pool, usually halfway up the tile line, or if you look at the skimmer opening the water should be filling the opening halfway?  Low water can of course cause the pool pump to lose its prime. Next, is something blocking the skimmer? A pool toy or pool float maybe or there may be a twig or debris stuck in the weir gate keeping that in the closed position. The weir gate is the white plastic device in the front of the skimmer and if it is in the closed position when the pool is running it will prevent water from getting to the pump.

I then check the skimmer basket to make sure that is free of debris. If it is full of leaves that will prevent the pump from priming also. Nest, check the pump basket to make sure that is free of debris as well. If the pump basket is full of debris the pool pump will not prime. If all of those issues look fine we then move on to some other common issues. 

One common problem is that most skimmer baskets do not have a built-in weight. They tend to float up when the pool turns off and this can allow leaves and debris to get under the basket. When the pool turns on this debris will go into the skimmer and get sucked into the pool pump basket. Worst case the pool pump basket gets full of debris when this happens. A terrible case scenario is that the skimmer line gets clogged with debris. This means you will need to blow the line with a drain bladder or hire a plumber who uses C02 to blow the lines. 

A simple solution for the floating basket would be heavy rock. River rocks work best because you can find flat rocks that are wider than 2” in diameter. Why such a large diameter? The skimmer hole is 1.5” in circumference so if by some accident the skimmer basket were to tip over the larger rock won’t fit into the opening and won’t get sucked down into the skimmer line. The basket is unlikely to tip over but you can never be too careful. Always use a larger rock than the skimmer opening. 

Particle debris like St. Augustine grass can also get through the skimmer basket and into the pump basket as well. A good way to prevent that is with a Pool Skimmer Sock or a Filter Saver Sock. This is a panty-hose type material insert that will trap all small debris and prevent it from passing through the skimmer basket. I use these on most of my service accounts. You would also leave the rock in the skimmer basket under the Skimmer Sock.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XS63TWJ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=swimmingpooll-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=4758202e785564e24e7eb10aebc3a4fc&creativeASIN=B06XS63TWJ

If you have a suction side cleaner connected to your skimmer in the past you would need to run your pool without a skimmer basket. There was just no room for both in the skimmer. The Hole in One Basket solves the problem of your pump basket clogging up with debris when you attach a Suction Side Automatic Cleaner at your skimmer. The idea is simple. The hole in the bottom allows the cleaner hose to slide through the basket and connect to the skimmer line. All surface debris is trapped in the Hole in One Basket just like a standard skimmer basket. A simple solution to a big problem. Keep the flow.

http://holeinonebasket.com/

You would use the same skimmer adapter or regulator that came with your cleaner. So, installation of the Hole in One Basket is easy. No complicated adjustments to get the right fit. No Vacuum Plates to adjust or install. Just line it up so that the hole is over the automatic cleaner’s skimmer adapter and put the lead cleaner hose through the hole.

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How to Manually Vacuum a Swimming Pool Step by Step

 Manually vacuuming your swimming pool and spa with a manual vacuum head and pool hose sounds like something very simple and easy to do. Simply attach the vacuum head and hose and you are good. But it can be a little more complex than that. I will be going over some do’s and don’ts in this article for you so that you can avoid making some typical mistakes.

Let me lay out some of the most critical don’ts so that you won’t damage your pool or equipment. When you submerge the vacuum head and pool hose make sure all the air is out of the hose. This can be achieved by using a hand-over-hand motion and pushing the hose down into the water.  You want to connect the hose to the skimmer suction line without any air in the hose. Air can cause the pump to lose its prime and if you let it run for several minutes without water in the pump basket area known also as the wet end, this could cause air leaks to develop in the system. Air leaks then lead to water leaks and a loss of pool suction.  Making sure there is no air in the pool hose when you connect the vacuum is essential and while you are vacuuming try not to lift the vacuum head out of the water when you are moving around obstacles or getting around the vacuum hose. When you lift it out of the water it will suck large amounts of air in causing the pump to lose prime.

The next thing you never want to do is place the vacuum head directly over a main drain cover. What could happen is that the suction from the pump along with the vacuum head attached to the top of the drain cover could cause it to get stuck on top of it. If you try to pull it off the drain cover, you could crack the plastic around the screwed-down area and inadvertently break the cover off. This will turn into a very expensive repair so if you accidentally set the vacuum head on top of the main drain cover, do not try to pull it up and off. Instead, turn off the pump and then move the vacuum head off the main drain.

Using a cheap hose and vacuum head can also contribute to vacuuming frustration. A cheap hose will cavitate due to the pump’s powerful suction which will cause the pump to lose prime. You will know this is happening when you see the walls of the pool hose twisting and collapsing in on itself when it is attached to the pool skimmer. If this is happening, I suggest upgrading to a professional quality pool hose like a Smooth Bor brand or another professional hose.

If your vacuum head is constantly getting stuck on the pool bottom it could be that you are using an old or cheap vacuum head. A professional quality vacuum head is designed not to get stuck on the pool surface and is a worthwhile investment. I think the key to a successful experience is using professional-grade equipment.

To purchase the vacuum head in this video: https://lesliespool.com/pro-grade-vacuum-head/70173.html

The best way to vacuum the pool is to follow these steps:

1. If the pool is off turn it on. Make sure all the suction is directed at the skimmer which means turning off the main drain if possible.

2. Skim the pool surface at least two times around the entire pool and attached spa. Any leaves that fall to the bottom during skimming can be vacuumed up.

3. Submerge the vacuum hose and vacuum head and evacuate all the air from the hose.

4.  Use an in-line leaf canister for best results and connect the canister and pool hose to the suction line (usually the back hole in a two-hole skimmer or directly to the skimmer hole if there is just one hole).

5. Vacuum the pool in an easy-to-follow backward and forward motion, like when you vacuum your carpet or floor in your house. If you have good suction and a good vacuum head, you should be able to vacuum up the sides of the wall and steps. Try to vacuum the walls as high up as you can.

6. If there is an attached spa you can quickly lift the vacuum head out of the pool in a swift motion and drop it down into the spa. The pump will lose suction briefly so wait about 30 seconds before you continue to vacuum.

7. When done remove the hose from the skimmer and replace the basket and lid.

8. Use a pool brush to brush down the walls and step areas to remove any streaks of dirt that you may have missed. The pool will have a very uniform clean look to it now.

Here are some things to also note before you vacuum out your pool. If the pool has a large amount of leaves or larger debris, manually vacuuming out the pool may be difficult. Sometimes it is better to skim out the large debris and leaves and then vacuum another time when there is less debris. The opening on the vacuum head is small and can get easily clogged.

If the pool pump is running poorly or if the pool filter is very dirty, vacuuming the pool will be very difficult. You will have very little suction or no suction at all. Clean the filter and get the pump running correctly before attempting to manually vacuum the pool.

. This will stir up the dirt and is counterproductive.  If you brush the pool first you will need to wait 20-30 minutes for all the dust to settle properly before you start to vacuum. This is not a recommended method.

Manually vacuuming a pool takes some effort and there is a learning curve. If you follow these tips here, you will have a successful experience.

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Best Automatic Cleaner choices 2023

Suction Side Cleaners:

This is the most familiar type of cleaner to most consumers and the most popular type. A suction cleaner works off your pool's existing pump and is attached to the skimmer or a side/ vacuum port in your pool. Depending on the pool and type of debris this can be the most effective and cost-effective cleaner type for you. Most suction-side cleaners retail for $500 or less.

The Suction side cleaner is the one most popular on my pool route as they are affordable, effective and there are a lot of different models to choose from. In most cases, I will suggest a good suction side cleaner since they are also easy to set up and easy to repair when something breaks.

Pressure Side and Return Side Cleaners:

Pressure Side cleaners are extremely effective. They have a large debris opening and a large bag on top of the debris. They can clean a large pool in 2- 3 hours or less. The drawbacks are that they need a separate booster pump installed and a dedicated return line. So usually Pressure Cleaners are installed when the pool is constructed or remodeled.

I have several pressure cleaners on my pool route and they leave the pools spotless each week. If you are having your pool built or remodeled maybe, consider a Pressure Cleaner.

The Return Side cleaner is a great option if you have a newer pool with 1 1/2" threaded return lines. This cleaner connects right to your existing return lines and works much like a Pressure cleaner with the exception that no booster pump is needed. I have these on several accounts and love them.

The only major drawback is that since you need to restrict one or more return jets to generate enough pressure the skimming action of the pool is reduced. It is not a deal breaker but something to be aware of. So, if you have lots of large debris in your pool and think a Pressure Side cleaner would work, try a non-booster pump Return side cleaner as an alternative to remodeling your pool.

ROBOTIC POOL CLEANERS:

My opinion of Robotic Cleaners has changed over the recent years and now I would suggest them along with Suction Cleaners and Pressure Cleaners. One reason is that robotic cleaners are more reliable, and the manufacturers signify this by offering up to a three-year limited warranty, some offer a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty if purchased from a retail pool store. The overall design of robotic cleaners has improved so the motors, belts, and drives all are longer lasting.

 

Cord or cable tangling used to be a big issue with robotic cleaners. It is very annoying to have to untangle the cord every hour and the engineers of these cleaners have heard your cries. Now many models come with cord swivels or alternate ways to prevent tangling. Now with several cordless models, you don’t even need to worry about a cord at all!

Robotic Cleaners can generally pick up larger debris than many suction Side Cleaners. Their debris chambers are large in capacity, so they are great for pools with a lot of dirt and debris. The Aquabot cleaners featured here filter down to 2 microns.

Another great benefit is that running a robotic cleaner in your pool costs less than $1.00 a day as it converts 120 volts of power down to 12 volts, so they are the most affordable cleaner to operate. Since they also pump anywhere from 60 to 80 gallons of water per minute, you can run your filter less as the robotic cleaner circulates your pool water. For a larger pool, this is a great bonus.

Of course, with any product, there are some drawbacks also. The first one is that robotic cleaners can be heavy to remove from the pool for some people. I like to pull it up and lean it on the pool coping and let it drain out before lifting it. The dry weight of the cleaners has also gotten lighter over the years - most now weigh under 20 lbs.

Another drawback is the maintenance of the cleaner. The tracks, brushes, and drive belts are easy to change but if something goes wrong with the motor and electronics you will have to send it out to a service center.

With a suction or pressure cleaner you can usually fix everything yourself.

And last, the price point though lower is still high when compared to a suction-side cleaner. Although there are some $400 robotic cleaners without a lot of bells and whistles, a robotic cleaner is still a big investment.

One distinct advantage is that robotic cleaners are self-contained units. They operate separately from your pool's filtration system. So that means your pool filter stays cleaner and all the dirt and debris is trapped inside the robotic cleaner. Also, if you have old or undersized pool equipment a robotic cleaner would be a way to keep the pool clean in a more effective manner than a poorly running suction side cleaner.

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Hayward TracVac Suction Side Cleaner

The Hayward TracVac is Haywards first new suction side cleaner in several years. I think it is their first new suction side cleaner in decades if you are not counting the fact they purchased the rights to the Hayward Aquanaut and it did not technically come in-house. 

The TracVac is a combination of the Hayward Aquanaut with of course some new patented technology. You will find the gearing and cam similar to the Aquanaut but then things diverge considerably. The tank tracks, turbine, and overall body of the cleaner are all original. 

In testing what I like about this cleaner is how well it scales the walls and main drains in a pool. Set at just 2600 RPM with the side port open to 75% the TracVac has no trouble climbing to the waterline. It is also amazingly balanced so it will scale the walls at different angles and with the hose float set at 20” it rights itself whenever it falls off the wall at an awkward angle. 

If the gearing is anything like that of the Hayward Aquanaut this cleaner should last for years to come. The tracks also look very robust and the feel of this cleaner is very solid. It has an easy-to-open buckle in front so if anything gets jammed in the cleaner you can easily remove it. The turbine itself has large gaps between the vanes which should allow large debris to pass through easily. 

It comes with 12-1 meter hoses so this is ideal for a small, medium, and large pool. 

INGROUND POOL CLEANER: TracVac suction pool cleaner is suitable for inground pools with various finishes, including concrete (gunite), fiberglass, vinyl, and tile.

EASE OF USE:  Easy to assemble and lightweight design features a comfortable handle that makes this pool cleaner suitable for any owner.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE:  Designed with rugged tracks to effortlessly maneuver over drains, ensuring comprehensive coverage from the floor to the wall and accessing hard-to-reach areas.

POOL SIZE: Guarantees a thorough cleaning experience for pools up to 20 x 40 ft.

INCLUDES: Hayward TracVac Automatic Suction Pool Cleaner, adjustable hose, and essential accessories such as a hose float, regulator valve, hose cone adapter, flow gauge, hose clip, and regulator valve cap.

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Zero Chlorine Level

One of the biggest problems that you can run into with your swimming pool is that it stops holding chlorine. We refer to this in the industry as the chlorine zeroing out. There are several reasons for this and it is more noticeable in the Spring and Summer when the weather starts heating up and the Sun’s UV Rays become stronger. I will touch on the most common reasons why your pool is not holding chlorine week to week.

One of the first things to look at is the pool’s filtration system in run time. This is often overlooked and is crucial to the pool holding chlorine. If the skimmer basket is clogged with debris or the pump basket is clogged the pool will not circulate well. The filter is just as crucial so if it is dirty or the cartridges or grids have tears in them, chances are the pool will have a zero-chlorine reading due to the organic contaminates not being filtered out properly. First, check your pool filtration and your skimmer and pump baskets and make sure they are running efficiently.

If you have a Salt Water System (Salt Water Generator) and you do not run your pool long enough, the salt cell cannot produce enough chlorine each day to reach a sustainable level. You can also have the pool running long enough but you may have the salt output set too low. Set the salt output to 100% and then decrease it if it is producing too much chlorine. Not the other way around.

 Algae, Organic Debris, Phosphates, and Nitrates can all affect the chlorine in the pool also. If your pool has visible algae chances are the chlorine is being used up fast as it tries to fight the algae. Phosphates and the less common Nitrates can also quickly destroy the pool’s chlorine level. If the pool water is cloudy or there are visible algae, then there is a water quality issue. One way to solve this is to bring the chlorine level up to shock levels of 20 ppm and run the pool for 12-24 hours. You may also have too little Conditioner (CYA) in the pool. Test the CYA level and make sure it is at least 30 ppm, otherwise, the Sun will burn off the chlorine within hours.

You could also be using bad chlorine. What I mean by this is chlorine that is expired, especially in the case of liquid chlorine. Over time the power of the chlorine gets weaker. Just like leaving a gallon of bleach in your laundry room and not using it for several months. When you do use it you will notice that it is very weak and does almost nothing when added to the washer. Liquid chlorine also will get weaker over time. So if you purchase it at your local Walmart or Home Depot don’t be surprised if it is ineffective because they failed to rotate their stock. Shock in a bag has a shelf life of about 2 years but that too can get weaker over time. Keep your chlorine fresh by purchasing what you need when you need it and try to buy it from a local pool store versus the big box retail or hardware stores.

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Dolphin Liberty 200 Cordless

Cordless Robotic Pool cleaners are probably the future of this technology. The Dolphin Liberty 200 by Maytronics is their first cordless cleaner and it is a very good entry into this sector. It is loaded with features and is also very reasonably priced.

This cleaner is made for a small to medium pool which I would say is a 15,000-gallon or less body of water. Any pool 30 x 15 in length or less would be ideal. The main reason is that the Liberty 200 only runs for 1.5 hours on a full charge. I am sure later models will have larger batteries and longer run times.

The cleaning pattern is quite effective given the short run time and I wouldn’t worry about it not leaving your pool spotless each time. The debris basket is rated at 70 microns and you can also order the Dolphin Genuine Replacement Part — Fine Filter Panels (4PK) — Part Number 9991463-R4 which will filter down to 20 microns.

CORDLESS & HASSLE-FREE: No more tangled cords! The Dolphin LIBERTY 200 robotic pool vacuum cleaner features a new cordless design and incredible cleaning technology. Your Dolphin robot automatically self-parks at the nearest wall after its cleaning cycle or when the battery is low. Three LED status indicator lights let you know the Dolphin’s battery health!

SIMPLE INDUCTIVE CHARGING: With Magnetic-Connect, non-corrosive inductive charging, you get a super easy magnetic connection for walk-away charging. The powerful lithium-ion battery gives you 90 minutes of efficient cleaning for a remarkably clean pool.

IMPRESSIVE WALL CLIMBING: The LIBERTY 200 robotic pool vacuum cleaner’s powerful wall climbing capability ensures your pool floor and walls are scrubbed for an ultimate clean. Get more pool enjoyment and do less work.

ACTIVE SCRUBBING: The powerful active scrubbing brush works hard on the pool floor and walls for an incredibly clean pool. The durable brush is gentle on your pool but tough on debris.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE: Dolphin pool cleaners have been effortlessly cleaning the world’s pools for over 35 years, empowering pool owners with hassle-free pool maintenance solutions. With unmatched performance, durability, and cost savings, all our Dolphin products help you get back to what matters in life — enjoying your pool with family and friends.

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