Above Ground Pool Filter Questions

by Barbara Aughtmon

Filter Loosing Suction

The water return into the pool is insufficient. The pump is only two years old but does not seem to be pulling in enough water and I can't get any suction on my vacuum hose. I have a sand filter, the sand is maybe four years old.

Hi Barbara.

You need to check a few things. Make sure the baskets are empty, the skimmer and the hair and lint pot. Next make sure the lint pot is not drawing in air. They are prone to sucking air in through the lid.

Check the whole system for air leaks and anything else that might be obvious. If nothing seems wrong it could be junk on the impeller causing the problem. The front of the pump needs to come off and it can be cleaned.

Sand From Filter is in Pool

We have had a great summer with our pool until recently. My husband backwashed the filter, then when the pump came on a little later sand was blown into the pool. What could cause this? I cleaned it all out, then a little more came out later. Help!

Hi.

I would need a lot more information about the filter to be able to say for sure, but is sounds like you need to replace the spider gasket in the rotary valve assembly. When these begin to wear filter sand can blow into the pool. You may also notice the backwash port drips when the valve is in the filter position.

Filter Size

I currently have a 21" sand filter and may need to replace it. I can't find a replacement standpipe lateral assembly that will fit it. I understand they don't make 21" sand filters any longer.

My question is: what is the minimum size sand filter I need to have for a 27' round pool? Thanks

Hi.

For a 27' above ground pool I would use a sand filter that holds at least 150 lbs of sand with a 1 or a 1 1/2 hp pump. A two speed pump is even better. These pages about filters might help also.

Above Ground Pool Filters

Above Ground Pool Sand Filter

No Return Fitting

by Lisa Johnson
(Philadelphia)

Good morning, I have a doughboy 10x16x52 pool and I am in the process of installing the pump and filter however; I only see a (in-put) hole in the pool for skimmer. Please let me know the location of the return hole. Or, if there isn't one, because I can not locate it. Thanks

Hi Lisa.

Most above ground pools have a skimmer mounted on the wall and a smaller fitting called the pool return. If you do not have a return fitting the return hose can just get bracketed over the side wall. PVC pipe works good for this, or flexible hose with brackets.

Leaking Out Backwask Port

Filter is leaking through backwash port when in filter position.

Hi.

This usually means you need to change the spider gasket in the valve assembly.

Return Eyeballs Diameter

by Kathleen
(PA)

Are all return eyeballs the same diameter in above ground pools?

Hi Kathleen.

The ones made for above ground pools are mostly the same. The most common returns on pools are Haywood and they do make different size returns. The return openings get smaller to make a stronger stream of water for use in hot tubs.

Filter Not Forcing Water Into Pool

My filter will not force water through the jet into the pool. What could be wrong? Also, the threads to the filter seem to be stripped since the pump will not screw on fully and it is creating a leak.

Hi.

Any kind of leak around the pump could easily be causing air to get into the system and killing your water pressure.

Bubbles in Pot Basket

by Jami
(Northumberland, PA 17857)

I have a DE hayward above ground pool filter/pump...DE is entering the pool when I start the filter and the pot basket is filled with bubbles. I lose pressure very quickly and am having trouble clearing the pool water because of this.

Hi Jami.

The problem is probably just air leaking in through the hair and lint pot. This happens a lot. Try changing and lubing the lid o-ring. If it still leaks the basket could be warped and in need of replacement.

Losing Pump Flow

by Brenda Divers
(Roanoke, VA)

I have a 4' x 24' pool w/ a sand filter. When I backwash water flow is strong but after a few hours there is hardly any flow at all.

Hi Brenda.

You may have an air leak either in the lint pot lid or the hose going from lint pot to skimmer. It's also possible your sand needs changed. This should be done about every five years.