Pool Filtration

Archive for the ‘Pentair Pool Products’ Category

You did have your calcium hardness checked and how warm are you keeping the water? It is entirely possible to have a calcium build up in both the plumbing AND the heater, then have those particles eject out the returns. It is after all, past the filter and I assume that filtration equipment is doing double duty for both pool and spa.
I question the operation of your salt system though. Most are supposed to be self cleaning in that they reverse polarity at intervals to shed any minerals or metals that are clinging to the plates in the cell. If you’re having to manually clean every 90 days because they are choked up, something is amiss there in either your chemistry, the cell or both. The Pool Pilot system is not one that is popular here so I’ve not ever come across one but they all operate on the same principle and have similar features. I really can’t trouble shoot any codes it displays without a manual.
Question here: You say the particles are getting past the filter. Are you saying that when you vac…they just blow back out the returns as you vac? You’re not very clear there. Until I know the answer to that I doubt very much it’s a filter issue, although if you haven’t done a sand change in the last 9 years, you will be due for one soon. If the water is clear and sediment free, that usually indicates the filter is indeed working and not channeling through the sand bed to the laterals because of calcification.

Edit, ok, the Petairs around here are all sand, I just assumed without looking it up. No holes in the elements, you can rule that out as a problem. Especially with a cart filter. They filter down to 20 microns. Calcium is bigger than that.That water is 54 F all the time? You have a spa there and yes..pvc plumbing can collect calcium build up, especially at fitting joins.
About your cell: Salt level sounds fine, most units by any manufacturer run between 2500-3200 ppm. If the polarity is reversing it should be self cleaning itself. That shouldn’t be the issue there then.
Let’s clarify this. What leads you to believe that this is indeed calcium? Is it flaky or is it dusty? I’m also questioning why you changed your water out every year? The norm is to either wait until the TDS (total dissolved solids) peak or every 8 years or so, whichever comes first for a concrete pool ( this is concrete, correct and if so..is it by chance painted?) Did you dump because of a TDS issue every year?
One last thing I can think to ask with what I now know. Are you using any additional sanitizers in that pool such as adding the occasional dose of calcium hypochlorite?

2nd Edit:Every two years dump? That’s still extreme unless for a TDS issue and VERY expensive. I wouldn’t expect filter damage other than freeze damage or from a solid smack. The plastics in use for pool equipment are pretty tough and with a cartridge filter, the water flow is from out to in. You’d be able to see any cracks at the bottom where the element mates with the bottom of the filter body.
I’d actually be taking a sample of that “white stuff” in for examination. Calcium will flake as a rule right off the bat, not as it dries. It forms as a crystal and doesn’t congeal. If you leave the pool alone after a vac…does this stuff come back gradually, immediately or does it show up after some other event like a temperature change? Where in the pool does it show up? Below the returns or everywhere? And..as I asked before, do you use any other additional sanitizer in that pool, like toss in the odd dose of calcium hypochlorite?

41-Inch ProVac Flexible Pool Vacuum Head

Rating: List Price: unavailable Sale Price: $299.99 Availability: unspecified

Product Description

DESIGNED TO PERFORM ON LOW FLOW SUCTION.

An exclusive chamber increases vacuum velocity and pulls debris equally from both ends, as well as front and back. The adjustable wheels can increase and decrease suction and special strips guide debris into the suction chamber. The vacuum head is built with short leg in. strips for leaves and large debris. Suitable for vacuuming sand, silt and other fine debris. Fits both 1-1/2-inch and 2-inch vac hoses.

Details

• 41 in. wide
• Chamber increases vacuum velocity and pulls debris equally from both ends,as well as front and back.
• Wheels can increase and decrease suction and special strips guide debris into suction chamber.
• Suitable for vacuuming sand, silt and other fine debris.
• Fits both 1-1/2-inch and 2-inch vac hoses.

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