Adjusting your Pool Filter Pressure Gauge

The pressure gaug is located on the top of the filter housing and has a black needle that tells you how much water pressure is running through the filter (PSI =e pressure per square inch) and when it needs to be cleaned.

After cleaning or replacing any of the above filters, turn pump on and when ramped up, make a mark on the pressure gauge with a black marker where the needle sits. Typically, your filter needs to be cleaned when the needle is 10 points higher than the mark you made. Some pressure gauges have green and red needles, which can be adjusted once the pump is running. They cost a little extra but are a worthwhile investment. NOTE: If the black needle fluctuates when pump is running, there may be a problem in the system.

If the black needle does not move when you turn the pump on, you need to replace your pressure gauge. To remove your old gauge, turn it counter-clockwise. With a new gauge in hand, wrap white plumbers tape on it in a clockwise motion 3 - 5 times (more than 5 may crack the housing and less than 3 may cause a leak). Before putting the gauge into the filter, clean out the debris from the screw socket. Gently insert new pressure gauge by hand while turning it clockwise and then tighten with open-end wrench - do not overtighten as you may strip the plastic in the housing, an expensive item to replace.