Why does my filter pressure jump right after cleaning?

[Freddie]

I cleaned my cartridge filter yesterday and put everything back together. As soon as I turned the pump on the pressure was higher than it was before cleaning. The water flow looks fine but the gauge is confusing me. Did I mess something up or can this actually happen?

 

[Zephyr]

I cleaned my cartridge filter yesterday and put everything back together. As soon as I turned the pump on the pressure was higher than it was before cleaning. The water flow looks fine but the gauge is confusing me. Did I mess something up or can this actually happen?

If the cartridges were cleaned really well they can swell a bit when first getting wet again. That sometimes bumps the pressure temporarily.

 

[syedsam]

I cleaned my cartridge filter yesterday and put everything back together. As soon as I turned the pump on the pressure was higher than it was before cleaning. The water flow looks fine but the gauge is confusing me. Did I mess something up or can this actually happen?

Also make sure the cartridges are seated correctly. If one is slightly off it can restrict flow even though the filter looks clean.

 

[Manikshaw]

I cleaned my cartridge filter yesterday and put everything back together. As soon as I turned the pump on the pressure was higher than it was before cleaning. The water flow looks fine but the gauge is confusing me. Did I mess something up or can this actually happen?

Double check that nothing is blocking the return side. A closed valve or partially closed eyeball can raise pressure fast.

 

[Freddie]

Good call on the cartridge seating. One wasn’t lined up right. Pressure dropped back to normal after fixing it. Appreciate the help!

 

[Daniel Adams]

I’ve had this happen too and it turned out one cartridge wasn’t seated right. Once I lined it up and reinstalled it, the pressure dropped back to normal. Small things like that can make the gauge look weird.