Improper engineering and design. Then, take your new O-ring seal and lubricate it with a generous amount of silicone grease. The first step is to identify the crack. "width": "611", Replace the cracked tube sheets and D.E. These are the smallest cracks found in pools and are typically superficial and caused by cement shrinkage or flexing of the supporting structure. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off. 1. Once you begin to notice a high-pressure or consistent stream of water then the cause is most likely a bad o-ring or gasket. With it being in the wrong position, the flow could go the wrong way causing the cartridge to blow out. One common cause of plaster deterioration is improper pool-water chemistry. There are seven common reasons why concrete cracks develop in swimming pools. Here are the steps to doing that: Step 1: Power off the pump from the source electricity supply. Checked air bleed filters and hose. Chlorine and stabilizers are added to your pool to keep the water clean. Above ground swimming pools dont last forever. How We Fix It Sometimes it's possible to clear the impeller by spinning it by hand while down siphoning water from the filter. This amplified flow increases pressure throughout the system (let alone the greater electricity demand and co$t). Two cracks in the plastic housing caused the filters lower section to crack. Eventually something has to give. Davie, FL 33324. A cracked or loose hose can cause a leak on the floor of the pump room. Thats all for now and just in case youre wondering, fortunately no one was injured in the incident. Filter Leak When I checked this closely, it looks like there is a crack in the filter body but am not sure. You can always look it up online. "@type": "BlogPosting", "@type": "ImageObject", Even a small leak will force you to refill your pool regularly, which could affect your water conditioning. If you need to replace the spider gasket, look at the valve body itself (not the filter tank) for a model or part number. But since that tank is so vital to the operation and safety of your pool, I wanted to share the some of the most common issues our techs encounter and how you might troubleshoot some basic problems. With the proper care, both of these problems can be prevented, keeping your pool looking great. It is possible to fix a cracked pool pump, but it will require some work on your part. The gasket maker is not always effective, but it is far less expensive than replacing the top or bottom filter tanks. Your pool pump creates a vacuum to draw water from the pool to the pump and even a small crack in the pipe or the . If used on plastic, the product can damage the pump. To know all the solutions to each of these causes, keep on reading. Here, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to deal with a cracked filter casing. Carefully insert the O-ring seal into the groove on the tank, making sure that it is seated properly. The skimmer isnt working at all. My Hayward DE fliter dome developed a hairline crack (5 inches long) when the pool pump turns on and the vessel perssure exceeds 20psi. A new housing for a pool filter can be an expense that you may not want to incur at the present time. Hardware store supplies, along with tools that are standard in most homes, are required. A pool that is not properly designed or engineered is at a much greater risk of cracking. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off. Using only one piece of plastic, melt the crack together with the soldering iron. Even debris stuck in the draining hose and motor might be the reason. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions; in the absence of an owners manual, a general rule of thumb is 1 lb of DE per 10 sq ft of filter area (this refers to the square footage of your filter, not your pool). Although your pump may operate as usual, sometimes air can be sucked in. In this case the filter tank cracked and completely ruptured. Is it worth it to replace the pump as well, its variable filter but at least 7 years old, if not more. Check the filter design flow rate on the label and compare it to the flow chart for the pump you have. "identifier": "" Filters should never be ignored because they almost always result in additional problems if left unattended. JB Kwiks dry time is 24 hours, whereas JB Welds is 15 minutes. A pump delivers water from the pool to the filter and back to the pool (Figure 2). The standpipe, which is the vertical pipe connected to the laterals through which water flows back to the pool, can also crack, but because this pipe is . Cant really keep the pool clean. Do you know why the bottom cracked? Do pump motors get too weak to pull water or should I keep checking for air leaks? If the leak is coming from either of the pipes that lead out or into the filter, the o-ring or union seal should be changed with ease. 3. To seal it, a second epoxy mixture was applied after the first one had dried. If you develop a crack in the plastic housing of your pool filter, water can leak through the crack. When the laterals on the sand filter are broken or bad, the sand returns to the pool. The two most common causes of pool tiles cracking are the shifting of the earth after the pool has been finished, and leaving the tiles of the pool exposed to dryness and sunlight. For sand filters, one or more cracked laterals or a broken standpipe is typically the culprit. When the end caps break or crack, you can tell that the cartridge is no longer capable of completely filtering the dirt and grime out of your pool. Because pool pumps are required to keep your swimming pool functioning and clean, you should select the right pump for your needs. That is, in theory. Soils high in clay content can cause a great deal of issue. When the media is clogged and the water flow is restricted, the pumps are forced to operate at a high differential pressure. Call for Free Professional Estimates (800) 667-5996 | Email: info@poolsbysignature.com. Not surprisingly, this pool has an in-floor system. For every square inch of filter housing, the force is 15 pounds. settling or lifting may cause the pool to be unleveled, but typically does not cause any further problems. In order to figure out what's wrong, you'll need to shut down the pump and release pressure in the filter. The sand filter crack can be easily cured by applying epoxy resin over it using a plastic putty knife. Advertisements, surveys, and solicitations, as well as pyramid schemes, are not permitted in the Forum topics. Potential causes of fiberglass pools crack # Uneven surfaces # Suppose pool contractors put in place fiberglass pools on a rugged landscape, a crack can occur. I would also ask about the tightness of the grid assembly, and the spacing of the grids between the holding wheel on top, any odd spacing that may cause some gaps, where the grids enter the manifold? If your pool is not level and has cracks, there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Frequently, the filter manufacturers place a label or plate on the filter tank that lists all the different filter sizes for that particular model. "@type": "Organization", Can you repair a cracked sand filter? powder will not go into your swimming pool any longer. Essentially this pool system had high blood pressure and the filter tank had an aneurysm. Anything less than that is likely caused by evaporation. Combined with sanitation, and you have clean & clear swimming pool water. "dateModified": "1/21/2020", Any pool technicians reading this already know what Im about to say: in-floor systems require bigger pumps for more flow to get the in-floor heads to pop up. If you have a cracked pool pump housing, you will need to replace the entire housing. A leak of a gasket or o-ring is most likely caused by a steady or high-pressure stream of water. It is worth noting that some manufacturers include the spider gasket only as part of the diverter. Its worth noting that a broken pressure gauge can give a false reading, high or low. It is most common to see this type of crack form if pool construction was completed on a hot, dry or windy day. So for DE grids, you would measure the length and width of the full and the partial grids. If there is a crack on pipes or joints, sand and dirty water will reach your pool. Cracks may appear vertically or horizontally, as well as on the sides or bottom of the pool. Often when the pool is closed for the winter some pool filters are left outside with water in them.During the winter season the temperature goes below freezing and will crack the pool filter tank. Three main causes for pool cracks. Damage to this gasket is commonly caused by moving the valve handle while the pump is running. There are a few ways to fix a cracked sand filter, depending on the severity of the crack. It can also be the reason for a cracked tank or even more dramatic, the filter lid blowing off. Surface cracks don't usually run through the shell of the pool and cause leaks. It is far more susceptible to soil movement, especially if the pool is on or near a hillside. "thumbnailUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", I will give you a list of things to try as well as a list of what I believe to be the most effective ways to stop the leak, so you can try them all at once. In addition, a clogged skimmer line can cause pump damage if it runs totally dry. If it's too low, you might be experiencing a blockage caused by debris, air leaks, a broken valve, or maybe the filter is simply too small for your pool. Backyard Pools offers a season-round maintenance service that assesses, analyzes and procedures all the necessary . Tell us all about it and we will help you with a personalized solution. Some filter problems are caused by excessive pressure build-up inside the tank. Click here to shop our store. The first thing to know is that any crack in the pump, body or connection points, will cause the pump to not prime. With the screwdriver, scrape the crack out thoroughly to get as much debris out as possible. The main question being how much sand do I need for my filter? This will be in your owners manual but if yours has gone missing, feel free to contact us here as we have specs on many filter models. Structural cracks occur in the shell of the pool and are often found in several different areas. pool filter problems. I have a Hayward S270T Sand filter purchased by my earlier owner about 7 years back. Both ok. They remove particulate matter that would make the water cloudy, and pathogens that would make us sick. Taking shortcuts or ignoring construction plans when building a pool will often lead to premature cracking. For cartridges, measure the length, the outside diameter of the cartridge, and the diameter of the hole. If your pool is losing more than of water every 24 hours, its likely due to a leak caused by cracking in your pool lining. After melting that line crack, the plastic will melt to the sides and then all sides will melt to the inside of the crack. This is something I would need a picture of to be sure of the filter parts you are referring to. As a result, the bacteria in the pool may grow, resulting in an imbalanced water chemistry. It's important that you deal with these small cracks as soon as you see them. With a variety of experienced specialists at hand, our service is guaranteed no matter the issue. Moreover, there might be air in the pump system causing this! We may be able to track down a parts diagram for you though. The welding of the crack while the JB Kwik was still dry or not made a difference to me. I had a technique that worked well and went over the areas where I had previously started with ease by the end of the welding process. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Use protective wear when doing this to avoid inhaling too much dust. Push it down into the crack as far as you can, then wipe off any excess. Another cause is simply a dirty filter with cartridges that need to be rinsed, or sand or DE that needs to be backwashed. A scrubbing brush. This person is in charge of circulating your water, ensuring that everything is properly filtered and that all pool chemicals are thoroughly mixed. Pool pumps with higher specifications typically come with more features, but the labor costs to install them are usually lower as well. If the crack is leaking water, it is important to fix it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. One of the most common causes of pool filter leaks is a faulty spider gasket or worn o-ring on a valve. Pool Filter Parts - http://bit.ly/2uU83YgWant to chuck your old filter altogether? A heavy duty Shop Vac or other similar device is very helpful. MailOnline - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from MailOnline, Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers. The filter housing is made of two halves (top and bottom). Solution There are several reasons your pressure might be off. PVC can be glued to the surface with PVC pipe cement (solvent thinner or carburetor spray can be used). This form of algae commonly enters a pool inside the swimsuit of a person who's recently been to the ocean or from a contaminated pool. In this case, you would need to purchase the entire diverter assembly. When the media is clogged and the water flow is restricted, the pumps are forced to operate at a high differential pressure. Specialties: Backyard Pools is a dedicated service company that specializes in pool repairs, equipment maintenance, and customer-oriented services. The crack barely weeps water but I'd guess would be getting worse fast. If a pool has cracked, for example, the first thing I do is compare the actual waterline with the grout lines in the waterline tile to see if the structure is out of level or has rotated. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", If either of these things is true, replace the o-ring or lid. Filters at the lowest pressure have a pressure of 15psi on average. Occasionally a protrusion beneath the pool floor, such as a tree root, rock or hard clump of dirt, exert enough force against the underside of your fiberglass pool shell to cause a crack. Often the first flaw of engineering a pool is failure to test the soils and engineer the pool based on the soil load bearing capacity and stability. Eventually something has to give. Identify the Crack. Cracking A pools plaster may crack for a number of reasons. Settles down when run under 3000RPM. Spot and open the hydrostatic relief plugs. Theres a slight possibility you stretched out the gasket while lubing it. A good-quality above ground made in North America should last between 10 and 20 Oh, do we hear it all when it comes to pool parts! Spread urethane epoxy resin over the crack on the sand filter . Epoxy and fiberglass wrap around the outside of a cracked propane tank would also be counterproductive. For a piece of equipment that is not electrical, digital, or highly complex, a pool filter can still cause a great deal of pool owner stress. After water is pushed into the laterals, it is directed up a pipe, on its way out of the filter. If a pool is not properly designed and engineered, then the likely hood of the shell to crack increases. "@type": "ImageObject", First, you will need to find the source of the leak and then determine the best way to repair it. Broken or Bad Laterals. The likely suspects for this issue are an already cracked inner core, sub-standard cartridges, or a cartridge that was too small. 3.checked Backwash noryl rotary valve., no leaks, goes ok from filter to backwash and back. 3. The latter commonly occurs when a pool owner buys the incorrect cartridge size but installs it anyway. Check to make sure the gauge needle returns to zero as it should when the pump is off. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. In this case the filter tank cracked and completely ruptured. Do you think I have an air leak? Flat lots with expansive soils are also at a greater risk of cracking. If you want to try something else, epoxy is always a good option. Shattered laterals Broken seal Shattered laterals Now you know why your pool has sand in it and how you can fix the issue. Mine is over 15 years old. Then you and your filter might have something in common. Anything from a cracked lid to a split or overstretched o-ring could be causing air to enter here, especially since suction is strongest right there at this point. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Most DE filters have seven full grids that are the same size and one partial (shorter) grid. Fixing an O-ring requires sealing the lid cover's edges to ensure its airtight when pressure is applied. Another cause is simply a dirty filter with cartridges that need to be rinsed, or sand or DE that needs to be backwashed. Something has to give and has: first the shaft seal failed (typically a hair line crack) which allowed water to travel to the bearings in the motor, which caused the bearings to fail which led to the motor being replaced. The tank bottom holds a filter cartridge that cleans water as it passes through the system. When it comes to plastics, the use of epoxy or super glue isnt effective, but NBond may offer an alternative. First, assemble your tools: A flat-head screwdriver. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. My pool filter cartridge is stuck inside the housing, and will not pull out. One of the most common issues we see is failure to test the soil. any tricks you know of to get it out? Protect the longevity of your pool by fixing pool cracks as soon as you notice them. If this is the case, your filter won't function as it should and your pool will become murky or cloudy. Vacuum to Waste if the pool has an overload of Algae & Solid Debris. It is always best to contact a professional if you are unsure of the scope of the repairs. Appearance- dark black or blue/green spots, usually the size of a pencil eraser tip, up to the size of a quarter. If you read my blog regularly you know Im not a fan of the manufacturer of this filter. Replacement laterals can be purchased individually or as part of a standpipe assembly. All your filter might need is new cartridges or grids but good luck trying to figure out which ones you need. If after cleaning, you are still faced with high pressure, there could be a clog in the plumbing lines. }, Normal wear and tear issues you can expect, and rare failures that you probably wont, but should aware of. We do not carry the parts for this filter, but this is a diagram for it, you can see the corresponding part numbers. Sand blowing into the pool, around the returns, could mean a cracked lateral. But here are a couple of guides you may want to try troubleshooting with: How To Determine Why a Pool Pump Wont Prime & How to Identify and Correct Air Leaks, I have a Astralpool ECA650 sand filter (2 years in service). The average cost of a pool pump ranges between $1,000 and $1,300, but pumps can range between $700 and $1,300. Step 2 Put rubber gloves on your hands and thoroughly clean the crack in the fiberglass pool filter using acetone and a scrub sponge. Less serious cracks, known as check cracks, can form for a wider range of reasons. There can be two primary reasons for that. The filter oil on the o-ring can aid in pulling the top and bottom halves of the filter tank closer together. "datePublished": "1/21/2020", To ruff it up, I used sand paper. Your email address will not be published. This will ensure your family will continue to enjoy impromptu cannon balls! Filling in a crack is all that separates the two pieces of metal back together. A crack in your pool filter can cause your pool to lose water and can also cause your pump to overheat. Definitely possible. I have a bestway 1500 pool pump and broken white plastic pieces are at the bottom where the filter goes. Protect the longevity of your pool by fixing pool cracks as soon as you notice them. Pools By Signature is here to help! This type of cracking usually does not leak. This amplified flow increases pressure throughout the system (let alone the greater electricity demand and co$t). For a small, simple part, it can be the source of quite a few filter headaches. It affects the proper filtration of water. This can negatively impact pool circulation. Have you ever seen what kind of problem this valve causes? I see consistent problems with their equipment and it came as NO surprise when I received the phone call for a filter explosion and that this was the brand involved. The bottom half of my pool filter Pentair 4000 series just cracked when I turned on my pump to heat the jacuzzi. In others, chemistry is disrupted when a large amount of water gets added to an existing poolusually to address loss due to . The easiest solution in this case is to measure the actual media. Then, use the scrub brush to remove any algae, bacteria, and dirt left behind. First, remove the old O-ring seal by carefully prying it out with a flathead screwdriver. The filter elements were so dirty and impacted that barely any flow was moving through the filter before it blew up and drained 1/4 of the pool before the issue was discovered. . Any ideas, or is it time for a new filter? Unfortunately, I cant diagnose much from that description. Replace the valve/diverter or c. Replace the entire Sand filter? You will want to check on the recommended sand type as well which is typically #20 or #30 silica sand but does vary per manufacturer. Three common reasons cracks form include poor craftsmanship, improper engineering, and soil issues. If the filter is only 7 years old, and the rest of the parts are in relatively good condition, Id just replace the tank bottom. Soil movement is a common contributor. Common Causes of Pool Leaks in Fiberglass, Vinyl & Concrete Pools, 7 Interesting Facts About Salt Water Pools, Tips to Keep a Cleaner Swimming Pool All Year Long, Pros and Cons of Stamped Concrete vs Pavers Around Your Pool. If you notice a tear, you will need to replace the broken part. "headline": "Pool Filter Problems: Common & Catastrophic", Looking for pool parts? Generally, a filter comprises a two-piece tank - a bottom and a top - molded from heavy-duty plastic. If the crack in the tank is on the smaller side you sometimes can repair the tank with some two part epoxy. If you are not sure how to fix the leak, you may want to consult with a professional. If you need to repair a leak in your pool pump, we recommend using a product such as Master Plaster or Liquid Nails. This makes for an awful lot of returns during pool season so I highly recommend doing it right the first time. Pool stays on the green side due to algae due to filter not working 100%. All Rights Reserved. 10404 West State Road 84 What is left: Thinking about replacing the rotary. If youve been a pool owner for any length of time, you will not be surprised if you run into other filter problems not covered here. Frozen pool pump - If you experienced freezing weather and your pool system was not closed and winterized then you might have experienced some damage to your pump. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" This blog post is about both, the most common, and the most catastrophic Sand, Cartridge and D.E. was cleaning filter basket at the pump and decided to lube the gasket now cant get it back on, seem like its to big. Usually when this occurs, it is the finish surface cracking, not the Gunite shell. Out-of-balance pool water chemistry. "image": { The manufacturer can also be a resource for the proper sand amount for older, more obscure filters. You can use epoxy to seal the filter housing without having to replace the pool filter altogether. Filter will discharge DE into pool thru all 3 returns upon high motor RPM. Causes- improper filtration, low and inconsistent sanitizing levels. In addition, earthquakes can cause a pool to crack, especially if the pool is built on top of expansive and/or non-compacted soil. Dont know if its worth it. However pool filters can malfunction, and they sometimes do this slowly, and sometimes all at once with catastrophic failure. Then they put a check mark or punch out a hole next to the actual filter size. Copyright 2020 INYOpools All rights reserved. "address": "", It would not filter very efficiently either. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Pentair SMBW 4048 Filter issue. Reduced water levels can also cause low pressure. Hard to say if that happened before or after the blowout. When vacuume at 3000RPM or more DE discharges back into pool. What do you think is the easiest way to make that possible? Look for a suitable place to keep the water. Cut a piece of mesh with scissors to overlap the crack by 2 to 3 inches on each side. Solution: Shut off the filter and check for visible. Cracked Laterals: The laterals, a series of six or eight plastic pipes splaying out in a concentric pattern, are critical to the operation of the filter.If any one of them cracks, sand can enter the return pipe and blow back into the pool. What Causes A Pool Filter To Crack Plugged or restricted filter media, as opposed to excess, is the most common cause of cracked end caps on used cartridges. To prevent pool filters from getting clogged often, make sure to. "wordCount": "1172", Feeling the pressure of pool ownership? You want the crack as clean as possible. Seems odd for a filter to bust like that at that age. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Broken Laterals: Sand filters use small pipes in the bottom of the tank, which have small slits in them, to allow the water to be pushed through, but not the sand. I dont see a pool filter crack very often and I dont think Ive ever seen one rupture like the one in my photo so its an opportunity to post something rare. Plugged or restricted filter media, as opposed to excess, is the most common cause of cracked end caps on used cartridges. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Some filter problems are caused by excessive pressure build-up inside the tank. If after cleaning, you are still faced with high pressure, there could be a clog in the plumbing lines. How To Determine Why a Pool Pump Wont Prime. Look in the center of the tube sheet and you will see spider cracks in the tube sheet. If the leak is coming from either of the pipes that lead into or out of the filter, it is relatively simple to replace the union seal or o-ring. }, The construction process of your pool plays a big role in how well it holds up and if cracks develop in the surface over time. Replacing sand can also present a challenge or two. { High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/pool-filter-problems-common-catastrophic/", This patch can be applied while the pool is still full of water. If you prefer, you can use fiberglass cloth and resin instead of plastic or fiberglass to repair it yourself, regardless of whether it is plastic or fiberglass. Probably the most ironic of filter problems is sand or DE powder flowing back into the pool. As customers often tell me, Its always something! But rest assured, were happy to help you troubleshoot filter problems, find replacement parts, and get you on your way to enjoying that pool. In some cases, the repairs will be more extensive, and you will most likely need to bring in a professional. https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/astral-test/Spare_Parts/ECA__CA_MEDIA_FILTERS_SPARE_PARTS.pdf. The first rule of the Bomb Disposal Manual is that no cracked filters can be repaired. High pressure can cause laterals to crack and leak sand into the pool. A swimming pool filter cleans water of debris. In the summer of last year, this occurred. As a result, the end cap will bend and crack. Bank Bill Pay Payments> Issued does not = Received and cashed, Mike the Poolman voted Best Pool Service- again. Water starts to gush as a result of the pump. You can post a dropbox, google drive, or Imgur share link. You may also notice cracks in areas where the concrete overlaying the rebar or piping is not sufficient. If the filter housing is leaking it can waste water as well as reduce the efficiency of the filter.