Is your pool filter not working? It shouldn’t be difficult to tell — either the unit itself is behaving strangely or you’re noticing a lot of cloudy, dirty water in your pool. Your filter is one of the most important elements of your backyard swimming pool, keeping the water crystal clear and clean enough for regular use. Any signs of your filter breaking down or losing performance should be dealt with as soon as possible to prevent issues with the safety of your pool and save you money on costly repairs. What are the most common reasons for a pool filter to stop working properly, and what can you do to fix them? When is the time to call a professional? How can you tell if your pool filter stopped working? Read on for the answers to these questions so you can ensure your pool continues to be the sparkling oasis it should be.
Identifying Common Pool Filter Problems
If you’re noticing issues with your pool’s appearance and/or performance, there’s a good chance the filter is to blame. Some of the most common problems that you could encounter include:
- Murky water: Water that appears cloudy or dirty is one of the biggest indicators of pool filter problems. This likely means the filter has stopped functioning or is experiencing a blockage.
- Unusual noises: If your pool filter is suddenly creating strange noises, it usually means there’s an issue. Buzzing, whistling, rattling or grinding sounds that appear out of nowhere are not normal and should be investigated as soon as possible.
- Low pressure: When the output from your filter becomes much weaker than normal, that means there’s a blockage or a leak somewhere.
- Leakage: If you notice water pooling around the filter equipment, that’s a bad sign. It means there’s probably a problem that is causing a leak in the pool filter.
DIY Fixes for Common Pool Filter Issues
In many cases, you may be able to solve your pool filter problems on your own with a little know-how and a little patience. If you’ve noticed any of the issues noted above, here are some ideas for DIY pool filter fixes you can use:
- Check the pump and skimmer baskets: The baskets are there to catch any debris that may have collected in your pool. If they’re filled up or blocked, it can impact the filter’s performance. Turn off the pump and look inside for any signs of buildup or damage to the baskets themselves.
- Ensure the water level is correct: If the water level in your pool is too low, it can affect the performance of your pump and filter. Add water to the pool, making sure it reaches about halfway up the opening of your skimmer.
- Verify the filter pressure: The pressure gauge on your filter tank should read within the range specified by the manufacturer in the owner’s manual. If it’s too high, there may be a blockage. If it’s too low, you may have a leak somewhere in the system.
- Check for air in the system: Turn off your pump and open the filter’s air release valve, which should be noted in the owner’s manual. If air escapes from the valve, it means you may have leaks in the system.
- Clean out the filter: Perhaps the easiest fix for many common filter problems is to clean out any dirt and debris that may be blocking it. Refer to your owner’s manual, as there are many different types of pool filters and the process for cleaning them varies.
Preventative Maintenance Tips for Pool Filters
The best way to solve pool filter problems is to prevent them from happening in the first place. This means you should conduct regular maintenance on your filter to keep it in good working order. This should include:
- Inspections: Take a look at your filter on a regular basis, including checking the pressure gauge, looking at the baskets and inspecting for cracks or leaks.
- Replacing parts: Any parts that appear to be broken or worn out should be replaced. In particular, the rubber O-rings and seals should be replaced whenever you see them looking misshapen or cracked.
- Cleaning: When you keep your filter clean, you can avoid a wide range of problems. This removes any debris and contaminants that could impact the filter’s performance.
When to Call for Professional Pool Filter Repair
If you’ve followed all these tips and still don’t see an improvement in your filter’s performance, it’s time to call the professionals. Pool Troopers has fully trained and qualified technicians on staff who are ready to help you with any and all problems you might be having with your filter. Get in touch with us today and let us help you get everything back to working as it should.
