Is it normal for the return jets to feel weaker right before it’s time to clean the filter?

[Joe Smith]

I’ve started noticing a pattern with my pool lately. When the filter is freshly cleaned the return jets feel pretty strong and the water movement across the pool is noticeable.
But after a week or so the jets feel a bit weaker and the circulation seems slower. Once I clean the filter again everything goes back to normal. The pressure gauge does rise a little during that time, but not a huge amount. Just wondering if weaker return flow is a normal sign that the filter is getting loaded up or if there might be something else affecting circulation.

 

[John Knight]

I’ve started noticing a pattern with my pool lately. When the filter is freshly cleaned the return jets feel pretty strong and the water movement across the pool is noticeable.
But after a week or so the jets feel a bit weaker and the circulation seems slower. Once I clean the filter again everything goes back to normal. The pressure gauge does rise a little during that time, but not a huge amount. Just wondering if weaker return flow is a normal sign that the filter is getting loaded up or if there might be something else affecting circulation.

Yeah that’s pretty typical. As the filter collects debris it creates more resistance for the water passing through it. Even a small increase in pressure can reduce the flow you feel at the returns. I usually notice the same thing a day or two before it’s time to clean mine.

 

[Warren Dale]

I’ve started noticing a pattern with my pool lately. When the filter is freshly cleaned the return jets feel pretty strong and the water movement across the pool is noticeable.
But after a week or so the jets feel a bit weaker and the circulation seems slower. Once I clean the filter again everything goes back to normal. The pressure gauge does rise a little during that time, but not a huge amount. Just wondering if weaker return flow is a normal sign that the filter is getting loaded up or if there might be something else affecting circulation.

I’ve seen that happen when the skimmer basket is starting to fill up too. Leaves or bugs in the basket can slow the water down before it even reaches the filter. Might be worth checking that along with the pump basket.

 

[Danny Meerman]

I’ve started noticing a pattern with my pool lately. When the filter is freshly cleaned the return jets feel pretty strong and the water movement across the pool is noticeable.
But after a week or so the jets feel a bit weaker and the circulation seems slower. Once I clean the filter again everything goes back to normal. The pressure gauge does rise a little during that time, but not a huge amount. Just wondering if weaker return flow is a normal sign that the filter is getting loaded up or if there might be something else affecting circulation.

Another thing that can affect it is the return jet direction. If they’re pointed more toward the surface you might not feel the movement as strongly even though the pump is running normally. I adjusted mine slightly downward and the circulation across the pool improved quite a bit.

 

[Joe Smith]

That makes sense. I didn’t think about the extra resistance building up in the filter over time. I’ll keep an eye on the baskets too and maybe play around with the return jet angles. Appreciate the help.