what pressure should a pool filter run at

What Pressure Should a Pool Filter Run At?

Keeping your pool water crystal clear and safe for swimming is essential for any pool owner. But to accomplish this, the pool must be properly maintained, and the pool filter plays an important role in this. The filter removes impurities and debris out of the water. However, for the filter to work efficiently, it needs to be run at an appropriate pressure. In this article, we will discuss the ideal pressure for pool filters and why it is crucial to keep it in check.

Understanding Pool Pressure

Before we delve into the ideal pressure for pool filters, it's essential to understand the pool pressure first. Pool pressure result from four major components: the pump, filter, pipes, and valves that circulate the water around the pool system.

The pump creates the pressure that drives water through the pipes until it reaches the filter. The filter media, whether it is sand, cartridge, or DE, removes impurities from the water as it passes through the filter. The intensity of the pressure drop across the filter is a good indication of whether the filter is working correctly or not. When the pressure drops, it indicates that the filter is beginning to accumulate dirt, and when the pressure is too high, it means the filter is clogged.

Ideal Pressure Range

Now that you know how pool pressure works let's look at the ideal pressure range for your pool filter. The optimal range for swimming pool filters typically ranges from 10 to 20 psi (pounds per square inch). However, this range depends on the filter type, size, and manufacturer's specifications.

Sand Filters

Sand filters are an excellent option for pool owners who want a low-maintenance and easy-to-operate filtration system. The ideal pressure for sand filters is between 10 and 15 psi. With this pressure range, the water will pass through the filter media evenly and alleviate clogging.

Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters typically offer finer filtration than sand filters and are more effective when it comes to removing smaller particles from your pool water. The ideal pressure range for cartridge filters is 10 to 15 psi, just like sand filters. If the pressure exceeds 15 psi, it's time to clean the filter elements.

DE Filters

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters provide the best filtration performance of the three types of pool filters. They trap even the smallest particles from the pool water, resulting in crystal clear water. The ideal pressure range for DE filters is 10 to 15 psi, similar to other filters. A high pressure of more than 15 psi indicates that it is time to backwash or clean the filter.

Why is it Important to Maintain Proper Filter Pressure?

Now that you understand the appropriate pressure range for your filter, it's essential to maintain it. Running your pool filter below the recommended range is detrimental to the filter mechanism's operations. The filter will not clean the pool water properly and will also lead to the motor overheating, which may result in costly repairs.

On the other hand, operating your filter at a pressure higher than the recommended limit will damage the filter itself. The high pressure can cause split seams, allowing unfiltered water to flow back into the pool.

How to Check and Maintain Pool Filter Pressure

Checking and maintaining pool filter pressure is relatively simple. You need a pressure gauge that attaches to the filter's air relief valve to measure the force exerted by the water on the filter. Don't forget to check the pressure gauge whenever your pool requires cleaning, and backwash or clean your filter when the pressure is about 5 to 10 psi higher than the range mentioned above.

Conclusion

Overall, maintaining proper pool filter pressure is vital to keep your pool water clean and safe for swimming. Whether you own a sand, cartridge, or DE filter, the ideal pressure range is between 10 to 20 psi. Ensure to clean or backwash your filter as required to maintain the appropriate pressure range. By following these simple steps, you will enjoy crystal-clear pool water all season long.