POOL FILTER PRESSURE Too High Or Too Low? Troubleshooting Tips | Swim University

Your pool filter pressure gauge is one of your most valuable pieces of equipment. Just like a check engine light, it can alert you to a potential problem with your filter system before things get out of hand. But how do you know if your pool filter pressure is too low or too high? And if there IS a problem, how do you fix it? Here’s everything you need to know about how to fix your pool filter pressure.
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to How To Fix Your Pool Filter Pressure
00:45 - How Does Pool Filter Pressure Work?
01:30 - What Is Normal Pool Filter Pressure?
02:33 - Pool Filter Pressure Too HIGH Troubleshooting
04:26 - Pool Filter Pressure Too LOW Troubleshooting
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Swim University has made swimming pool and hot tub care easy for more than 10 million homeowners. And each year, we continue to help more people with water chemistry, cleaning, and troubleshooting. We know taking care of a swimming pool or spa can be difficult. And it’s hard to find a trusted source of information. We get it! This is the reason we created Swim University.
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[@SwimUniversity]

We hope this helps you fix your pool filter pressure! Remember, LOW filter pressure usually means a blockage before your filter (i.e. your skimmer or pump). And HIGH pressure usually means your filter needs cleaning or there's air in the system. If you need more help with pool maintenance, grab our free Pool Care Cheat Sheet at www.SwimUniversity.com/cheatsheet 👍

[@Jacob-D]

Thanks Swim University - love your videos. I have an issue though that I can't seem to figure out. My Pressure is constantly at 30psi with horrible skimmer suction and jet return. When running the pool without the filter its reading 15psi but flow and suction is great. 1. My filter is like new 2. Only a minor air leak (I believe) as I see small bubbles in the valve. 3. All diverter valves are open (in and out) 4. Pool :15,000/16,000 gallons, pump 1.5hp, filter cartridge w. 90 sqf. Biggest issues is the minimal flow and suction at 30 psi with a new filter in it. Hope you can help or guide me in any direction!

[@lynneching4664]

Hey Matt, Hopefully you can help me. I have a Pentair FNS 36 DE Filter and Sta-Rite Max-e-Pro pump. My normal PSI is 13-14 upon installation of new Filter 1 year ago; but now for about 3-4 months, my PSI keeps going high. After backwashing it will be normal at 14 PSI but by the next day and every day thereafter, the PSI steadily goes up till it reaches 30. I've done what the pool experts told me to do: backwash, take filter apart and clean manually and buy new grids and I installed a brand new pressure gauge as well. Installed new grids yesterday. Took me 4 hours as I am handicapped and elderly. I felt relieved after just to see the 13-14 PSI. YAY! But this morning the PSI has already climbed to 17 and now it's afternoon time and it's near 20. Ugh! Any suggestions?

[@user-ql4gn8kd6u]

I truly thank you. Such a great explanation and video. You helped my diagnostic time to be just 10 mins. Cleaning the DE filter took about 2 1/2 hrs. ( getting that supply manifold back on the individual filters was frustrating. ) But then again, this was my first attempt. - I put the difficulty range equal to reinstalling a thrown track back on an excavator. Simple in concept, but a bit difficult for one guy. Yet doable. --------- Now I know what I did wrong. The whole assembly is a cartridge with top and bottom, that hold the individual filters in place. ------ I'm such a fool!!!!!

[@lindak6669]

Thanks for this explanation. We have a Hayward EC 40 DE filter. For years we had a 1 hp waterway pump. Our pressure was always around 12. It died two years ago. We replaced it with a Hayward Matrix Flow 1 hp pump. At that point the pressure on the gauge was 18. Our pool filter return flow is great and we have no complaints.

[@Mionix.]

Nice timing. I just got an Intex sand filter and I've been recently researching about pool filter pressure. Thanks for the help!

[@terrymorales7943]

Thank you so much for your videos. Lots of information and clear to understand. Had to take over the care of our pool when dad passed. RHANK YOU!!

[@holliebuff958]

Your videos have saved me so many times the past 3 years and I can't thank you enough!❤

[@dtrain1476]

Awesome video and information. Thanks for sharing!

[@junrath72]

Perfect timing! I just cleaned my DE filter this morning, because repeated backwashing hasn't been working to lower my pressure. I didn't notice anything broken inside, do here's hoping for better filter performance. 🤞🏻

[@manstuff612]

Did it fix it?

[@MegaPhillz]

My De filter starts out strong and then minutes later it's down to nothing? Please help me 😭

[@tiffanyaddicott7218]

Our de the first year we had it was terrific. Tje last 2 years we had it it was awful. We switched to a sand filter this year as we have a lot of algae and it was plugging up our de filter way too fast. I'm glad we made the switch and think it will work best for us. 😊

[@sebastienmartinez2002]

Very good content, as usual. Thanks again

[@SimpleDesertRose]

I love your videos they are always do helpful on the basic level. They have helped me lear a lot about the care and maintenance of my Coleman pool. Last year I had an issue with weeds pushing up through may pool liner. It got so bad that it got to the point where I lost 6 inches of water in a day. Can you do a video on choosing a pad for the ground to protect your above ground pool from weeds?

[@TheBaltherion]

Thank you for the video! I was curious as to when i should replace grids and other media at work and this gave me a few tips on knowing the difference in pressures.

[@montimarquez3385]

Awesome! My pool guys out here in Katy TX said I needed a bigger filter with 4 cartridges. He stated my one cartridge for a small pool was not big enough and that why my PSI was low at about 2PSI. Saw your video and checked the skimmer where behold it was packed full of shock, chlorine tablets, and pieces of concrete. As soon as I cleaned it out with my hand and a spoon the PSI went up to 18. Thank you guys and keep up the great work!

[@SwimUniversity]

Wow! Good problem solving. And glad the video could help!

[@lloydtiwari8999]

You'd figured the pool guys would know about that... goes to show, they're no different than the other homes service crooks. shame on them. I'm sick of the dishonesty and people taking advantage of others for a buck!

[@a191015]

Great tips. Thanks again it’s time to check the pool❤

[@osamahappyface695]

Thank you so much, you are a lifesaver

[@jjsquirdlesupastar3875]

Best video op you tube! Thanks so much for posting this excellent informative video!

[@nasrishamsaldeen9787]

thanks for all videos

[@sheilapresson2621]

Wonderful information!

[@seansbrew]

Thanks so much. I couldn't figure out why I had low pressure in my pump. My impeller was clogged with pulpy debris. A big thumbs up.

[@concernedkid3262]

Thank you!!

[@lizdimmitt3898]

Very help full

[@petemoya3416]

I'm a new owner of old pool.....this was exactly what I needed ...my psi was 5lb

[@Dcc357]

We have an old Sta-Rite System 3 with fairly new aftermarket cartridge filters. The pressure never changed even when they became completely clogged in dust, sand and other crap. The original filters never did this and always increased pressure when dirty. Guess these new filters flow and filter extremely well.

[@Homesteadgirly]

Thank you Swim University, we are new pool owners and all of your amazing video's are so helpful! Thank you very much :)

[@SwimUniversity]

You're so welcome!

[@taffyb4007]

Very helpful

[@cHVF]

I tend to overthink and tinker waaay too much, your videos save me from spending too much time on complicated theories and instead focus me on checking the basic stuff first. Sometimes the answer is right in front of me (like, the jandy valve is sucking in air) but my brain felt taking apart the pump was a good first step. Thank you for making these videos, I appreciate it.

[@SwimUniversity]

Glad we can help keep things simple for you!

[@thndercat1]

Informative

[@agwasdin4608]

Hi. Thanks for posting this helpful video. I would like to ask, how do I know when my Hayward DE4820 filter needs new grids. I've examined them and see no damage. They are fairly new and I wasn't expecting to find anything. The filter always clogs again and again upon initial opening, but it seems to be happening at a greater rate this year. I don't simply backwash, but remove the filter entirely from the housing and hose it off completely. The water is getting cleaner, but I'm going through DE like water. Thanks.

[@darrinscruggs4959]

Helpful

[@hansrajmishra3762]

Brilliant

[@Sweetflo13]

Good video

[@Tothewhip57]

The pressure gauge values will obviously vary depending on the RPM of the pump. What would be the recommend PSI for a pump running at 2400 RPM.

[@janineschuster2398]

For a Hayward S144T pump, is a 10 psi ideal for vacuuming heavy debris from the bottom using the circulate feature of the pump? We don’t have the pressure release sleeve on the top of the unit.

[@badseed5555]

Dumb question…. Should I be reading the pressure level while the pump is running, or when it’s turned off? I’m obviously new to this pool thing. Awesome videos!! Thank you!!

[@summerc1036]

While its running

[@stephaniemorgan2862]

Can you block the backwash Valve with a clear tube to make it stop leaking? Or will that cause air to get in the pool Pool pump

[@glendaparrish7135]

I have a perma salt filter which takes a cartridge filter. I have been having trouble with my cartridge filter busting. I went through 3 cartridge filters last season. I assuming the pressure is getting too high causing the plastic at the top of the filter to crack?

[@adanilenko7065]

What if I have a small glass instead of the pressure gauge ? Should I just replace it with the pressure gauge?

[@TheDOS]

I’m seeing low pressure. I also see sand going through my system after I run the rinse setting (it doesn’t seem to appear otherwise). I’m going to finish checking the points in the video but should I suspect sand channeling and/or cracks in my filter internal piping?

[@C3M2024]

My filter pressure is at 50lbs. I’ve backwashed multiple times. About to replace the gauge to see if that is what’s wrong. Other than that, not sure what else to do…replace the sand?

[@CB0915]

Im in the same boat. Its up towards 50 and 60 no idea. I know one of my hoses has a leak replacing it tomorrow.

[@allsandiego1294]

Thanks for the tips. My pressure was at 5 PSI and couldn’t figure out the problem. No leaks at the pump or filter , no leaks at any pipe connection, clean baskets and skimmer and filter- at the point you got to the impeller I paused and said what? and BOOM there it was all clogged up. A minute later problem solved 👍🏽👍🏽

[@SwimUniversity]

Glad it helped!

[@tafida44]

If my pump water was dirty what I should do please? Also I have a problem with the pressure to move my Vaccum

[@tonyadams7444]

When using my brand new Vingli pool sweep connected to my skimmer, I frequently have to let air out of the filter. All the hose connections are tight as can be, I’m at a loss as how air is getting into the filter. This only occurs with the vac attached. When I disconnect the vac, no air in the filter. My previous Barracuda and Jacuzzi brand pool sweeps did the same thing. Any advice would be appreciated. Tony.

[@KainBatik1939]

What if there is no change in the filter pressure meter ? And the filtering process is not happening? Thanks

[@cindysanders1124]

Thank you! You helped me out!

[@MudholHound]

My regular pressure is 5psi with 5hp motors and 1200 dia filter is it low?

[@chrisfox3933]

Pressure also depends on where your filter is in relation to the pool. A filter that is 10ft below the pool will have a higher pressure than a filter that is above the pool.

[@jamiekaban9221]

Do you happen to know by how much? My filter is about 10ft below the pool and after backwash usually runs around 26-28psi.

[@ericn8442]

is it normal to have the drain pressure at 10psi with the skimmer close and switch the jandy valve to drain and skimmer to open pressure at 20psi?

[@LubaLuba1]

Question I get a lot of bubbles in the chamber where basket is when my pressure is 10 psi but when I change return nozzle to a more resistance my pressure is 25psi and I don’t get any bubbles just clear water

[@bethmiranda5375]

How do I figure out my baseline psi? I have a speck e71-11 VHV pump. Should my baseline be when I am priming at 1000 watts or on maintenance circulation watts? How do I know what the watts should be on the different level settings? At 1000 watt priming mode I always measure 12 psi and after a day I’m between 20-30 psi. I’ve tried cutting back on D.E. thinking I was using too much but I’m not quite sure. HELP

[@kentthorsen458]

I have good water flow back to the jets, have pressure at the sand filter of 8 psi on Backwash but 1-2 psi on Filter. This scenario doesn't really fit those you covered in the video. Help Please!

[@dre.runz.5891]

i know this isn’t relevant to this video but i have a question on why my pool pump turns on then turns off. It was working perfectly fine but it was turned on and off too fast then it stopped working. it turns on makes a humming sounds then shuts off. any thoughts?

[@ioana938]

Last year, I installed a new sand filter with fiber balls media (Hayward 21"). I did not care too much about the gauge, which had water inside, because I read the readings would be unreliable anyway with the new media. This year, however, I installed a new gauge -- no readings. Opening the filter to clean the balls, it's clearly doing its job. The water in the filter is dark brown, water in the pool is crystal clean. So... what's going on? Is the new gauge defective, or should I actually expect a low reading with this media? And, short of emptying the filter, will backwashing actually get rid of the yucky water inside the filter?

[@1Reganf]

My hayward sand filter rattles?? Can I fix this?

[@deem9275]

Where would the air release valve be on my Hayward pool San filter

[@troydefond2307]

I'm still a bit confused. have a 1hp pump and a 22inch sand filter that read about 11psi then it goes from that to a 150sq ft cartridge filter that reads around 7psi. hard plumb of 1.5 inch flexible pvc. water pressure is great in pool but after rainstorm I can't get my water clear. it's cloudy. just backwashed and cleaned filter. amd pressure for both never changed but they were definitely dirty. this is a 2month old system and first time cleaning it. why didn't my psi change to indicate needing a cleaning?

[@mihaelachiscovici]

It's easy to assemble. Great directions. Works decently well. However what WASN'T clear initially was that it requires 4 of these for a 3000 gallon pool. :-/

[@willytwo53072]

My sand filter shows about 10 psi after backwashing. When it gets to about 13-14 psi it needs to be backwashed again (low flow shuts off pool heater and vacuum doesn't work). This filter is about 25 years old and never had sand changed. Do you think this is the problem?

[@DebbyZ76]

I just backwashed my filter. Replaced the DE and now my pressure is up and down and it does this over and over and over again in a very short time. I have added some water, checked the air pressure relief valve. Help! I can’t find anything online.

[@willytwo53072]

I have a sand filter in my inground pool. After backwash I get about 10 psi. When it gets to 13 to 14 psi, my vaccuum doesn't work (no suction) and my heater shuts off with low flow warning. Is this an indication of a sand dam in the filter? I have not seen any sand on the bottom of the pool, but I haven't changed the sand in a long time. When I change the sand will I find damaged laterals? Should I get spare laterals before I start? Lastly, it's a Sta-Rite filter. Do you know if that's made by someone else? I don't see much information on it for parts (laterals etc). Thanks for your help with my issues.

[@janineyannessa2602]

I have an inground gunite pool....My pressure is low this year and I seem to be losing water quicker than normal. I think there is a leak somewhere within the pipes.iteite

[@jaydee3046]

Pool pressure seems to have got strange since switching to cellulose from DE. I used the included scoop from the package and followed the chart on the package. About 2 months later, my polaris 360 lost a lot of speed, and the pool pressure went to 32 psi from 28. I could hold my hand over a pool jet with no problem. Back flushed until the water looked clear and things were normal at 28 psi. Three days later, the same problem. Backflushed again even though the water from the filter was clear and now back to normal. Is cellulose to blame?

[@poolmonkey7479]

Cellulose is lousy, your grids are done

[@joannestephens7456]

Filter was working fine yesterday. Backwashed after filtering yesterday. Turn it on today and gauge is bouncing continuously between 10-20 psi.. it usually stays between 12-15. Its only 1 year old. Where do I start???

[@MarcCote77]

Water flow is weak. Backwash brings it back 100% bur within 24h its weak again and in need of another backwash. All chemistry is on point. No excessive dirt or any algae. Any ideas on what to check.

[@dharris85]

Why would I have good pressure in resurculation mode, yet have lower pressure in filter mode. I've backwashed so the sand filter is clean

[@DebbyZ76]

We backwashed our Hayward and now the pressure is up and down and up and down in a minute.. cause? And how to fix??

[@babs92dbw8evsms]

My pool is crystal clear but the filter keeps getting dirty very quickly, causing high pressure. Any reason why it would be getting dorty so quickly?

[@Anonymous.User.0419]

At what RPM do we measure the pressure? 2400 RPM?

[@peacesearcher4598]

Im at 12 Backwash Rinse

[@actZR900]

My gauge was fine last summer upon closing. I looked at it prestart up and the needle is opposite the 0 peg(basically it went the whole way around. I started everything up and its all working fine except the gauge hasnt moved. Bad gauge? Something else??

[@sandramilo5769]

That's why I'm here. Everything is brand new. My old pool did the Same.

[@ParadoxZer0]

I have a in ground pool, pentair de filter and my gauge has been reading much higher than normal 18 psi is typically normal. Had 30 psi Saturday and backwashed back down to 18, was around 26psi by the end of the day. Backwashed again Sunday and down to 18 and up to 24 by the end of the day. I'm guessing next step is to clean the actual filters out....?

[@poolmonkey7479]

30lb will destroy grids…they are done

[@SwimUniversity]

If you have a DE filter, you should also be spraying down or soaking the fingers/grids (in addition to backwashing). You'll also need to add more DE powder to your filter system afterwards.

[@sharranclay8341]

I have a new Crystal Clear filter tank and the gauge stopped working. Pool guy put a new one yesterday and that doesn't work. He blames it on everything else so is replacing the pump to a variable pump. I feel nervous about this new gauge not working. If the new pump doesn't help, will I have options to replace the Crystal Clear tank?

[@poolmonkey7479]

Get a new pool guy…guessing at issues is a noob move

[@joystanley4710]

Thanks I haven’t checked my impeller. 😅😅😅

[@denisedenise8535]

I have a low pressure … water coming out not as strong as usual🙄time to go to work

[@SwimUniversity]

Good luck!

[@hix9306]

My pressure gauge dosnt change at all and I’ll have no pressure after a couple hours of running the pump

[@goldenst8ofmind102]

My sand filter leaks this has to be the reason I can’t get above 5psi I’m assuming?

[@SwimUniversity]

That would definitely cause low pressure

[@ameensnipez]

Hey swim university, I have a quick question. My pool keeps leaking and stops below the skimmer. I checked all my pipes and couldn't find any leaks and I also checked the pump and filter and there were no leaks. Can you please help?

[@SwimUniversity]

Here's a little help on how to find a pool leak: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp3PmJaJhc6ojK8 You may need to try the "leak finder dye" technique.

[@jimkline6285]

Check the skimmer throat where the tile meets the plastic skimmer, bottom and sides, patch with underwater epoxy putty sold in pool stores or online

[@Danfrd]

My gauge always reads about the same. It checks all tests that say it's working properly. It's new, on a new heyward sand filter with crushed glass media. I never get any debris in my pool as it sits pretty much away from everything and far from trees. Should I still backwash if my gauge barely raises? usually it only raises a pound or 2 in a week... but never really 10# higher.

[@jimkline6285]

@@Danfrd no need to backwash a clean filter, backwash when filter pressure increases 8-10 psi over clean starting pressure

[@eliaolivo5924]

My DE filter was backwashed and cleaned, when the pool guy left it was at 15psi, however rapidly it increased to 30 psi, What can be wrong? 😢 motor was replaced recently, my pool is in ground and my filter is Pentair

[@ParadoxZer0]

Any luck? My pressure has been rising lately after a algae bloom and we backwashed twice this weekend, filter pressure going back up again both days.

[@lawrence5211]

How do I check if there is no guage

[@SwimUniversity]

Check your return jets. If the water isn't flowing well back into your pool, that's a sign

[@chadobomber]

I just had a new pool installed. Original pressure was 10PSI when running at 2700rpm (variable speed motor). We ran at 2700 RPM to clean debris from pool caused by construction. Now pump runs at 1,400 rpm all day. Filter pressure sits at 3 PSI. Is this normal?

[@SwimUniversity]

Have you cleaned or backwashed your filter since cleaning debris?

[@chadobomber]

@@SwimUniversity I cleaned it a month after the install. The filter wasn't too bad, it's fully cleaned now. If I run pump at 2,700 the PSI is at 10. When I run it down at 1,600 it drops to 3 or 4

[@SwimUniversity]

@@chadobomber You should be good so long as you see good water flow from the return jets!

[@jimkline6285]

The slower you run the pump the lower the filter pressure will be

[@chadobomber]

@@jimkline6285 thanks, makes sense to me

[@rudianger123]

Before cleaning filters, had PSI of 14 on my Pentair CCP 420 (for 19k gallon pool). I soaked filters in solution over night and rinsed them out big time. Now my PSI is up to 17. So this is normal?

[@ray.a7343]

Mine rusted off 😢

[@hamletrivero]

Cannot download your cheat sheet

[@minimumtiara]

My psi is wayyy too high it’s reading 40. In back wash but it still showing 40. What now? I have a DE filter

[@SwimUniversity]

Have you also rinsed your DE grids/fingers? That will help, too. And if you're running your DE filter a lot (like 24/7), that can lead to high pressure.

[@minimumtiara]

@@SwimUniversity I have no clue what DE grids are

[@monetluckey8670]

A price of my pool vacuum broke without me know so the pool ended up turning a little green were trying to shock the pool but there’s no suction inside the pool that attaches to vacuum . I checked the sand filter and it there’s no pressure. And I also checked the other skimmer basket and the water in it was boiling hot and bubbling Could this be a clog ?

[@markcole883]

My gauge has water in it.

[@LubaLuba1]

This is not entirely correct if you put a more resistance jet nozzle can raise pressure and it doesn’t mean filter is not dirty.

[@readysetretire]

Three filter explosions in 30 days! Three pool guys have no idea. 😢

[@cryspotts9614]

Yikes, have you tried contacting an electrician? Could be why pool guys can't figure it out. Good luck man that's rough!

[@kc6442]

The More You KNOW🌈✨️⭐️

[@Mosquito-balls]

I am a aquatic engineer