UNDERSTANDING THE POOL FILTER PRESSURE GAUGE

The pool filter is one of the most important yet often overlooked pieces of equipment within your circulation system. A filter doesn't require electricity, and there aren't many moving parts, but what it does have is pressure. Every pool filter has a pressure gauge. By understanding how to read the pressure gauge, you will be able to see a snapshot of how your pool system is doing as a whole.

WHAT IS A POOL FILTER GAUGE?

A pool filter pressure gauge is the little dial usually located on top of the filter that reads the amount of pressure building up inside your filter. A typical pressure gauge is round, with an indicator needle and a range from 0 PSI (pounds per square inch) to a maximum reading of 60 PSI.

WHAT IS A NORMAL PRESSURE READING?

This is a hard question to answer because every swimming pool is different. The size of the pool, the plumbing of the pool, and the system set-up are a few things that affect the PSI of your pressure gauge. Usually, you record what's known as your "baseline reading" when you first install your pool filter, and everything is running as it should.

INCREASE IN PRESSURE

As time passes, and your pool filter is doing its job, the filter media starts to accumulate more and more dirt, oils, and impurities. When this happens, the water being pushed into the filter will begin to have a difficult time passing through the filter media, causing pressure to build inside the tank.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH

Again, this is where knowing your baseline reading comes in. The industry standard is - once the gauge reads 10 PSI above your normal baseline, it's time to clean the filter.

DECREASE IN PRESSURE

Generally, if your pool filter pressure gauge shows a decrease in pressure, this indicates a problem with the water flow outside of the filter. Before the water gets to the filter, it flows through the skimmer basket, pump basket, the pump itself, and the main drains. Most likely, the decrease in pressure is due to some kind of blockage in one of those areas.

AIR RELIEF VALVE

The filter pressure gauge works together with the air relief valve. The air relief valve is a valve that releases any air trapped within the filter system. Air easily gets caught in the system, for example, every time the pump basket is cleaned and emptied or whenever you backwash the filter. Over time this trapped air builds up inside your filter and increases the overall pressure. It's a good idea to vent your filter regularly. So use your air relief valve whenever you notice a slight increase in pressure.

Now you should understand what a significant role the humble little pressure gauge plays in the overall well being of your pool. By understanding these essential readings, you will be able to recognize when it's time to clean your filter helping you keep your water safe, clean, and clear.

\ HAPPY SWIMMING \