My Pool Pump Doesn't Seem to Have As Much Pressure Anymore

Filter Gauge

• Pool owners have a tendency to determine pool pump pressure based on the return jet. When they see a strong flow of water bursting from the return line, everything seems fine and good. On occasion when the return line appears as if there's no pressure, that means circulation inside the filter is suffering from a dirty or clogged filter. The pressure gauge on your filter should always be monitored. When it rises 8 to 10 Ibs. per square inch (psi) above its normal operating range that means it needs to be cleaned.

Backwash

• Poor circulation resulting from a dirty filter means it must be backwashed and cleaned. Backwashing a sand or diatomaceous earth filter involves different processes that most pool owners have already performed before. Cartridge filters are remedied by removing the cartridge from the housing in order to clean it. Sand and diatomaceous earth filters have multi-port valves that are turned to backwash and filter settings. Circulation pressure suffers if these valves are not locked into their respective position. When a valve is halfway opened, the filter will not operate correctly.

Water Level

• The water level is pivotal for optimal filter efficiency. The filter pressure will be low to non-existent if the water level is too low. The filter needs an adequate amount of water to filter correctly with the suction power the motor is trying to provide. In addition, if the water level is low then you run the risk of damaging the pool pump motor. Keep the water height at no lower than the halfway point of the skimmer's vertical height.

Baskets

• Clean the skimmer and pump baskets routinely. The skimmer basket is the one that can heavily block circulation and water flow to the filter. These often get filled with leaves and twigs rather fast, especially if your pool is near a nagging and shedding tree. A few strategically placed leaves over the top of the skimmer basket can wreak havoc on water pressure. Clean the pump basket regularly as well. This is where the large pieces of debris reside after you vacuum the pool bottom. This basket should be cleaned after you have vacuumed a pool that is littered with debris, leaves, dirt and other things that would fill the basket.