Pool Filter Water Flow Trouble

Hello all. I thought I would post my problem here since I am at the end of the rope with this problem.

Problem: When the Zodiac MX8 Elite mouse is connected to clean the pool, the water flow through the mouse is too slow causing the mouse not to move or move extremely slowly.

Troubleshooting I have performed:

  1. There was air leakage in to the pump prefilter. I changed the suction hose from the pool to the prefilter, I changed the prefilter housing, and the prefilter lid. All of which had air leaks.

  2. I changed the discharge side hose from the sand filter to the pool. This connection was dripping water (as it should since is the pressure side of the setup).

  3. I changed both suction and discharge isolation valves as the old valves were no longer isolating when closed.

After the above, I am still seeing very low water flow when the multiport valve is aligned to “filter” through the sand filter. The pressure at the multiport valve, when the sand has been backwashed/rinsed, reads 10psi. Normally, I let it get up to about 14psi, then perform a backwash/rinse cycle on the sand filter which causes the pressure gauge to go back down to 10psi, indicating a clean sand filter. Also, I see a very little amount of bubbles in the lid of the prefilter but can hear air/cavitation inside of the multiport valve. I do not hear any cavitation in the pump.

When I place the multiport valve in backwash, rinse, or bypass, with the mouse connected, the mouse runs like it should. Only when placed in the “filter” position does the mouse not move.

I am thinking that the sand is need of replacement. The sand is ~8 years old. I believe the sand should be changed every 5-7 years. Would something in the sand cause a low flow condition while showing a “normal” pressure indication after backwashing and rinsing?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Hi ArizonaPool,

Yes, I would suggest replacing your sand, as the sand gets older the edges of the sand gets dulled and less porous causing lower water flow. Here is a link to a Video we put together on How to Replace Sand in Your Pool Filter once you do this please report back and let us know if this fixes your issue.

Hi. Sorry for the late response. I was waiting on the rebuild parts for my multiport valve.

I changed the sand and also installed the newly rebuilt multiport valve. I can now say that the sand (or maybe a combination of sand and multiport valve) is what was causing the low flow condition. With the new sand and valve, there is more than enough flow through the filter to keep the mouse running.

One a different note, I have an above ground pool and use 1.5" hoses to connect both suction and discharge between the filter and the pool. Due to the increased flow through the fitler (along with increased suction/vacuum), I am now seeing the suction side hose wanting to collapse on itself in the middle. I picked up this hose from my local pool store. It is the type of hose that is supposed to be cut in 3 foot increments (where it is not longer sprial, but flat) but I need my hoses to be in 6 foot lengths. So, in the middle of the suction hose, I have the place where it is not longer spiral but flat (where you put hose clamps). This is the place where the hose is wanting to collapse on itself and restrict flow.

What hoses do INYOpools recommend for an above ground pool that uses 1.5" hoses for suction and discharge?

Hi,

That’s great about the increased flow! We have this 1.5" x 8’ Filter Hose in which I would suggest for your situation.