Hayward Pool Products - Contact Us - Frequently Asked Questions

Filters

	Why is my filter noisy?
	Why does my multiport valve leak out of the backwash line?
	Why will my pool not stay clean/clear?
	Why does my filter run at a high filter pressure and has reduced water flow to the pool?
	DE Filters
	Why does my filter pressure rise very quickly, even after backwashing?
	When I vacuum, the filter pressure rises quickly, why?
	Will backwashing thoroughly clean my DE filter?
	How do I add DE and how often do I need to change my DE?
	Why is DE leaking into the pool?

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Why is my filter noisy?

Excessive water flow due to an oversized pump or undersized backwash valve may be the problem. To test, partially hold you hand in front of any return fitting or partially close a valve after the last piece of equipment. If the noise quiets down, this will confirm that the problem is excessive flow. Depending on the situation this can be solved by downsizing the pump, upsizing the backwash valve, or installing smaller eyeball fittings on the returns in the pool.

Why does my multiport valve leak out of the backwash line?

The valve seat gasket inside of the valve may have become worn or loose. If this is the case, you will need to replace the gasket. With the pump off, remove the cover screws of the valve. NOTE: Mark the top and bottom of the valve with a marking pen. It's very important that you do not change the location of the cover when re-assembling. Some newer valves will have a flat spot along side one of the cover screws. When re-assembling, align the flat spots.
GENLTY remove the old gasket and glue, ensuring the channels are clean and clear. Use 3M adhesive, part number SPX0710Z9, or crazy glue**. Lay a bead of adhesive into the channel where the gasket sits. Place the flat side of the gasket into the channel. Apply pressure to firmly seat the gasket and let dry for 24 hours or contact your Authorized Hayward Dealer for repair. **Crazy Glue – Use caution when using crazy glue. You will have only ONE chance to seat the gasket

Why will my pool not stay clean/clear?

Out of balance pool water can permit algae to grow or make water cloudy. Take a pool water sample to your local Hayward dealer and have it tested to ensure that your pool water is properly balanced.
If your filter is dirty, the flow of water through your filter may be low causing your pool water problem. It might be necessary to backwash or disassemble the filter for a thorough cleaning. If the filter has just been installed, check to ensure the plumbing was installed correctly.
Filter operation cycle may not be long enough to thoroughly clean the pool. Try running the filter for 24 hours, then readjust the running time to a shorter cycle. The circulation time required to keep a pool clean and clear varies due to bather load, water temperature, sunlight and proper pool chemistry. It might take some time to find the appropriate circulation time for your pool based on these variables. Go to the Hayward website and refer to the section “Pool Capacity” and “Turnover Rate” to calculate how many hours to run your filtration equipment so your pool’s water turns over one time per day.

Why does my filter run at a high filter pressure and has reduced water flow to the pool?

A dirty filter maybe the problem. When the filter pressure rises 8-10 PSI over the clean starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter
If there is algae in the pool, it maybe clogging the filter, keeping the pressure high. The filter cannot kill algae. Contact your Authorized Hayward Dealer for proper chemical applications.
If the filter pressure continues to run high with reduced water flow to the pool, the pump may be moving more water than the filter is designed to handle. Check the flow ratings of both the pump and filter to ensure they are sized correctly.
You may have a blocked or plugged return line. Contact your local Hayward dealer for service.

DE Filters

The Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filter contains filter elements that are either curved grids or Flex tubes (long finger-like tubes). They are covered in a fabric on which the DE forms a coating. The DE acts as a filter by permitting water to filter through the DE and leave the impurities behind. The DE filter has the ability to filter out microscopic particles.

Why does my filter pressure rise very quickly, even after backwashing?

D.E. filters filter the water down to 1-3 microns, every time the water passes through the filter. Maintain a balanced clear pool and this will reduce incidents of rapid pressure rise. One possibility is that the filter grids or Flex tubes are clogged with minerals or oils. You should clean your grids once a year, or season, with a degreaser and if needed an acid bath. Minerals and oils embed themselves in the fabric of the filter and reduce the available surface area used for filtering.
If too little DE is added during pre-coat, debris and particles will embed in the fabric. Cleaning with a high-pressure hose, NOT A POWER WASHER, may be needed to remove the grids. If cleaning does not work, then replacement is the only option.

When I vacuum, the filter pressure rises quickly, why?

You may need to backwash more frequently or for a longer period of time. Debris can quickly clog a filter, especially if there is algae. Backwashing should be done whenever the pressure rises 8-10 PSI over clean filter pressure and should continue till the water runs clear through the sight glass on the multiport valve.

Will backwashing thoroughly clean my DE filter?

When a DE filter is properly backwashed you will be removing about 80-90% of the DE. Remaining DE may be clumped in the corners of the filter or caked in the middle. This is common. After backwashing, new DE must be added to the filter. Add the entire amount of DE the filter recommends. If you see DE returning to the pool, vacuum it to waste, after it settles. The next time you backwash and recoat, decrease the amount by 1 pound. This will avoid DE going back into the pool.
The only way to remove the entire DE is to disassemble the filter. The next time the filter is disassembled and cleaned, pre-coat with the entire quantity of DE.
Remember, the filter should be taken apart and cleaned at least once a year.

How do I add DE and how often do I need to change my DE?

DE is added through the skimmer with the pump running. Each filter has a different requirement of DE. At initial start up or after a thorough cleaning, the filter will need to be pre-coated with DE. The filter label will state the amount of DE required. Start the pump and once the pump is fully primed, measure the DE using a DE scoop, part # EC10SC. Slowly add the DE into the skimmer. The pump will draw in the DE and send it into the filter, where it coats the grids or Flex tubes. Once all the DE is added, take a reading of the filter’s pressure gauge. This is the clean starting pressure of the filter.
When the pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter. After the filter is backwashed or thoroughly cleaned, by taking it apart and hosing it out, you will need to pre-coat the filter again with the entire amount of DE stated on the filter label.

Why is DE leaking into the pool?