what happens if pool filter pressure gets too high

What Happens if Pool Filter Pressure Gets Too High?

When it comes to maintaining a pool, keeping the water clean and crystal clear is vital. One of the most crucial components of making that happen is the filter. Pool filters work by pulling water through a porous medium that captures contaminants, allowing water to circulate back into the pool. However, sometimes the pressure in your pool filter can get too high, indicating that something is not quite right. This article will explore what happens when pool filter pressure gets too high and how to prevent and fix the issue.

Why Does Pool Filter Pressure Get Too High?

Before we dive into the topic, it's essential to understand why pool filter pressure gets too high. A high-pressure reading typically indicates one of the following issues:

1. Dirty Filter: Over time, the filter media gets clogged with debris, causing the pressure to increase.

2. Incorrectly Sized Filter: If your filter is too small for your pool, it may struggle to maintain proper flow rates, leading to high pressure.

3. Malfunctioning Equipment: Sometimes, there could be an issue with the pool pump, plumbing or valves that cause high-pressure readings.

4. Closed Return Valves: The return valves that release the circled water into the pool can be partially or entirely closed, which obstructs the water flow and causes increased pressure.

What are the Effects of High Pool Filter Pressure?

High pressure in your pool filter can have some severe consequences for your pool. Here are a few of the effects:

1. Shortens Equipment Life: A high-pressure reading can be an indication that your pool's filter components are being strained, eventually causing early deterioration and a shorter lifespan of the pump, plumbing, or filter media.

2. Lowers Water Circulation: Water circulation is essential to maintaining a healthy pool environment. When the pressure is too high, water circulation is reduced, stagnation occurs, and harmful bacteria and algae growth can flourish.

3. Increased Electrical Costs: High-pressure readings often cause pool filters to work harder to overcome blockages, leading to higher electricity consumption.

4. Poor Pool Water Quality: When the pressure is too high, the filter cannot remove contaminants effectively, and your pool's water quality will deteriorate. Particulate matter, debris, and dirt will accumulate, turning your pool cloudy, murky and uninviting.

How to Fix High Pool Filter Pressure

It's essential to address high pool filter pressure immediately to avoid long-lasting damage to your pool's equipment and water quality. Here are some tips on how to fix the issue:

1. Clean Your Filter: The first thing you should do if your pool filter pressure is high is clean your filter. This involves backwashing, which is a method of reversing the water flow to remove dirt and debris from the filter media. A clean filter will help reduce pressure and improve water circulation.

2. Check Valves: Ensure that all return valves that release circled water back into the pool are open and allow for free flow.

3. Replace Filter Media: Check your filter media and replace it if necessary. Media replacement is often necessary after several seasons because the filter media can deteriorate, causing blockages.

4. Check the Pump: A malfunctioning pool pump can contribute to high filter pressure. Check the pump strainer basket and impeller to see if any debris is causing issues. Replace the pump or filter motor if the problem continues.

5. Pool Professional Inspection: Sometimes, it's best to call in the experts, and a pool professional should inspect your equipment and plumbing. They will ensure that your pool's equipment is correctly sized and functioning properly.

In conclusion, when your pool filter pressure is high, it's likely that your pool's health is in jeopardy. It's important to address any high-pressure readings immediately to prevent permanent damage to your pool's equipment and water quality. By acting quickly and taking the above steps, you can preserve and maintain a healthy and enjoyable pool for years to come!