Pool Filter Pressure Gauge Not Working - How To Fix It?

Your pool filter pressure gauge is a critical part of your pool. It is an instrument that indicates the amount of pressure building up within your pool’s filter canister.

If your pool filter pressure gauge is reading zero, it could be broken, creating inaccurate pressure readings and removing your warning system for dangerously high pressure in the filter unit.

In this article we will talk about the causes of pool filter pressure gauges not working and how you can fix your pool pressure gauge. We also talk about other issues related to your pool’s filter pressure gauge that may be indicative of other problems.

Causes Of Pool Filter Pressure Gauge Not Working

Clogs In The Pressure Gauge

The most common cause of a pool filter pressure gauge reading 0 is clogs in the air bleeder, which lies below the pressure gauge.

The air bleeder contains narrow tubes which allow for air to press against the gauge’s sensors, but because these tubes are very narrow, they can easily become blocked with debris.

When this happens, your filter pressure gauge is likely to read 0, but could also show otherwise inaccurate readings.

Pressure Gauge Is Damaged

Another common cause of a pool filter pressure gauge not working is that the pressure gauge itself is damaged or broken. The elements in canister-style pool filters tend to be somewhat cheaply made, so they are prone to breaking far before your filter reaches its full lifespan.

Common damage to pressure gauges include bent or stuck indicator needles, warped dial faces, and stripping of the screw joint where the pressure gauge attaches to the filter. Each of these problems can lead to inaccurate pressure gauge readings.

How To Fix Pool Pressure Gauge

Clearing Clogs In The Pressure Gauge

To check for and clear clogs in your pressure gauge, you will need to disassemble it. To do this, turn your pool’s pump off and unscrew the pressure gauge from the top of your filter canister. Depending on your model of filter canister, you may need to use pliers or a wrench to assist with the removal process.

The hole that is exposed when you remove the pressure gauge is the entrance to the air bleeder. Gently insert a small stick or screwdriver into this hole in an effort to dislodge any debris that has accumulated there.

After you have cleared out any clogs in the air bleeder, reattach your pool’s pressure gauge and turn the pump back on.

Fixing Damaged Pressure Gauge

Pressure gauges for swimming pool pumps and filters are cheaply made instruments.

They are so prone to breakage that many experienced pool owners will keep a replacement pressure gauge on hand so that they have an immediate replacement when their gauge starts to experience issues.

Because these units are relatively affordable to purchase, it is rare that fixing broken elements of your pool’s pressure gauge is worth the time or effort.

Occasionally, bent needles or face dials can be replaced, but the amount of money you would save replacing elements of this gauge as opposed to buying a brand new one is negligible at best.

Other Related Issues

If you have unclogged, fixed, or replaced your pool filter’s pressure gauge but are still getting worrisome readings, there may be other issues with your pool filter system that are not related to the pressure gauge.

Occasionally, low pressure readings are caused by restrictions on the amount of water entering the filter unit. Clogged skimmer baskets, pipes leading to your filter, or issues with the pump’s impeller can all lead to low pressure readings.

Additionally, if air enters your filter system this can be a sign of a leak and will cause similarly low pressure readings.

If your pressure gauge has abnormally high readings, there may be clogs in the pump system’s water return pipes. These are typically caused by debris, but certain broken equipment such as filter valves can also lead to high pressure readings.

High pressure readings on a filter canister can be very dangerous. Pool filters with high pressure readings have been known to explode or blow their lids off; this is typically done with a large enough force to injure any bystanders, so it is important to keep your filter shut off and seek to remedy the problem if your filter pressure begins to build to abnormally high levels.

Conclusion

If you are getting inaccurate or otherwise concerning readings on your pool’s filter pressure gauge, it could be a sign of a more serious problem.

While pressure gauges that read low are typically experiencing some type of clog in the air bleeder that can be easily fixed, high readings on your pressure gauge can indicate a much more dangerous problem.

Do you have any questions about your pool’s filter pressure gauge not working or how to fix it? Reach out to us in the comments section, we’d love to help in any way we can!