Sand filter without pressure gauge

[Atlmrperson]

Hi All,

My dad had the pump and filter replaced last fall and the same company came by a week ago to open the pool. I visit on weekends, and noticed the return jets were pretty weak. I figured maybe the sand filter was dirty, so I tried checking the pressure and couldn't find a pressure gauge anywhere on the filter housing or on the multiport valve.

They also didn't install any pipe on the waste port so I was reluctant to backwash since it'll shoot water everywhere.

My question is, is it normal for a filter to not have a pressure gauge? Is it a red flag about the quality of the installers?

Thanks

 

[PoolStored]

Welcome to TFP!!!, happy to help...

Normal, no. Particularly on a new filter. Do you have any information on the make/model of the filter? That would help us with quality and potential next steps...

If you can, pictures help, and so does filling out your signature:

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You can help us help you!!!

 

[Atlmrperson]

Thanks for the quick response! So to give some background, my dad had been using the pool as a koi pond for the last 7 years or so, and last summer decided to turn it back into a pool. It's a 20k gal plaster pool with the spa at the top overflowing into the main pool.

The guy that fixed up the pool replaced the pump, filter, and heater. I'm attaching photos of the labels on the pump, filter, and multiport valve.

 

[PoolStored]

Wow! Thanks for the pics. A broader picture of the pad and the equipment would help, but yes, that filter should come with a pressure gauge (see below). What is in the hole that the gauge should be in? That is odd. You are good son, looking out for your pops.

 

[Atlmrperson]

There isn't a hole for the gauge at all. Not even a port to install the twist-in one. It's pretty much round all around. I think there's also a small leak where the pipe connects into the filter from the pump because the vertical pipe goes too high before the elbow towards the filter. I also noticed one of the 2-way diverted valves dripping water and it looks like he tried stopping the leak by slathering pvc cement on top of it.

Another potential problem is that water is not getting to the elevated spa area, and there are no diverters on the return pipes, so I think there just wouldn't be enough pressure to get water to the higher jets. He also never put any jet nozzles/eyeballs on the end of the return pipes, just pipe with the threads still exposed. I'm heading home in a bit and will be back next Friday, but I'll grab more pictures of everything.

 

[Atlmrperson]

Grabbed these pictures before I left.

 

[PoolStored]

The plug on the front of the multiport can be removed and a gauge inserted.

 

[PoolStored]

 

[duraleigh]

Is it a red flag about the quality of the installers?

Absolutely! A decent sand filter without a guage might be similar to a car without a speedometer. A working gauge is essential.
TFTestkits has a good one

 

[Atlmrperson]

View attachment 407937

Ah thanks a lot! I was reading about how there's usually a separate pressure relief plug in addition to a pressure gauge, so I didn't think to use this hole for the gauge.

 

[Atlmrperson]

Absolutely! A decent sand filter without a guage might be similar to a car without a speedometer. A working gauge is essential. View attachment 407965
TFTestkits has a good one

That's what I was thinking after reading up on pool maintenance. I'll call another pool service company out to check the setup and make any necessary improvements.