If your pool filter is not working, you may be wondering what could be the problem. Pool filters are a key part of keeping your pool clean and healthy, so it is important to get them fixed as soon as possible if they stop working. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common reasons why a pool filter may not be working properly. We will also provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem yourself, or how to hire a professional if necessary!
Check If Your Pool Filter Is Working
The first step is to check if your pool filter is actually working. This may seem like an obvious step, but it is important to make sure that the problem is not with your Pool Filter itself. There are a couple of ways you can do this.
Add dirt to the pool skimmer
If your pool filter is working properly, the dirt should be sucked into the skimmer basket. You can test this by adding a small amount of dirt to the skimmer basket and seeing if it is sucked in. If it is not, then there may be a problem with your pool filter.
Use your pool vacuum to test
Another way to test if your pool filter is working properly is to use your pool vacuum. If you have a suction-side pool vacuum, you can attach it to the skimmer and see if it has good suction. If not, then there may be a problem with your pool filter.
Most Common Reasons Your Pool Filter Isn’t Working
Now that you have checked and confirmed that your pool filter is not working, it is time to troubleshoot the problem. Let’s look at some of the common reasons while the filter might not be working properly.
High Pressure
One of the most common reasons why a pool filter is not working properly is because the pressure gauge is reading high. This means that there is too much pressure in the filter, and it needs to be relieved. To do this, you will need to open the air relief valve on the filter. You can find the air relief valve on the side of the filter tank. It is usually a small knob that you turn to open or close the valve. Once you have opened the valve, you should see a stream of air coming out. This will help to relieve the pressure in your filter and make it work more efficiently.
Low Pressure
If the pressure gauge on your pool filter is reading low, it means that there is not enough pressure in the filter. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a clogged filter or dirty pool. To fix this problem, you will need to clean your filter and make sure that there are no obstructions. You may also need to add more water to your pool.
No Pressure
If the pressure gauge on your pool filter is not reading any pressure, it means that there is a problem with the pump. This could be caused by a number of things, such as a broken impeller or a clogged strainer basket. If you think that the pump is the problem, you will need to hire a professional to fix it.
Leaking Water Around Clamp
If you notice that there is water leaking around the clamp that holds your pool filter together, it means that the O-ring needs to be replaced. The O-ring is a small rubber ring that seals the two halves of the filter together. To replace it, you will need to unscrew the clamp and take out the old O-ring. Then, you will need to put in a new O-ring and screw the clamp back on.
Blowing Dirt Back Into The Pool
If you notice that the dirt and debris from your pool is being blown back into the pool, it means that the Laterals in your filter are dirty. The Laterals are the small tubes in the bottom of your filter that help to catch and remove dirt and debris. To clean them, you will need to take out the Laterals and soak them in a bucket of muriatic acid. Once they have soaked for a few hours, you can rinse them off and put them back in your filter.
Pool Filter is Leaking Out of the Backwash Line
If you notice that water is leaking out of the backwash line, it means that the valve is not seated properly. The backwash line is located on the side of your filter and is used to clean the filter. To fix this problem, you will need to unscrew the backwash line and make sure that the valve is seated correctly.
Not Clearing The Pool Water
If your pool filter is not clearing the water, it means that the filter media is dirty and needs to be replaced. The filter media is the material inside your filter that helps to remove dirt and debris from the water. To replace it, you will need to take out the old media and put in new media. You can find replacement media at your local pool supply store.
Damaged Spider Gasket
If you notice that your pool filter is leaking, it could be because the spider gasket is damaged. The spider gasket is a rubber ring that seals the two halves of the filter together. To replace it, you will need to unscrew the clamp and take out the old gasket. Then, you will need to put in a new gasket and screw the clamp back on.
Replace Cartridges or Grids
If your pool filter is not working properly, it could be because the cartridges or grids need to be replaced. The cartridges are the cylindrical pieces of paper that help to remove dirt and debris from the water. The grids are the metal frames that hold the cartridges in place. To replace them, you will need to take out the old cartridges and grids and put in new ones. You can find replacement cartridges and grids at your local pool supply store.
Making Loud Noises
If your pool filter is making loud noises, it could be because the motor is going bad. The motor is the part of the filter that helps to circulate the water. If it is going bad, you will need to hire a professional to replace it.
Won’t Turn On
If your pool filter won’t turn on, it could be because the power cord is not plugged in. Another possibility is that the circuit breaker has been tripped. If you have checked both of these things and the filter still won’t turn on, you will need to hire a professional to repair it.
Leave It To The Pool Pros
If you are having problems with your pool filter, it is best to leave it to the professionals. Pool filters are complex pieces of machinery and can be very difficult to troubleshoot. If you hire a professional, they will be able to quickly diagnose the problem and get your filter up and running again in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Filter Not Working
How do I know if my pool filter is clogged?
If your pool filter is clogged, you will notice that the water is not as clear as it should be. Another sign of a clogged filter is if the pump is making a loud noise.
Why is my pool not circulating water?
If your pool is not circulating water, it could be because the pump is not working. You will know the pump is not working if there is no pressure on the pressure gauge. Another possibility is that the filter is clogged. The biggest indicator of a clogged filter is that the water doesn’t look clean and clear.
Why is my pool filter humming but not working?
If your pool filter is humming but not working, it could be because the motor is going bad. The motor is the part of the filter that helps to circulate the water. If it is going bad, you will need to hire a professional to replace it.
