Are you one of the many people who regularly enjoy clean, clear water from a Hayward brand swimming pool filter?
Are you happy with your filter even though it might encounter some issues every now and then?
Wouldn’t it be nice to know how to fix your filter’s common problems without having to pay a lot of money for repair technician or for a brand-new filter when something goes wrong?
If you’ve ever wondered how you can improve the quality of your Hayward filter and extend its life, you’re in the right place. In this article, you’ll learn all about common Hayward pool filter problems you’re likely to encounter at least once during the operation of your filter. Best of all, you’ll find out the easiest ways you can go about solving these problems and what you can learn to take care of on your own before you ever have to call a repair tech.
Just in case you need a little crash course in the Hayward company or in swimming pool filter maintenance, we’ve got you covered there, too. You’ll find a little information to help you better understand the products you’ll be working with and the commitment to high-quality filters the Hayward company provides.
We’ll be covering a lot of information to help you learn how to operate your Hayward filter no matter what problems might arise. So let’s get started!
The Hayward Company
Before looking into all your cartridge, DE, or sand filter maintenance swimming pool needs, it’s a good idea to understand a little bit about the company you’ll be working with. The Hayward company is widely recognized as one of the best pool filter companies out there, and it continues to supply pool owners with high-quality products and incredible customer service year after year. Although their products do tend to be a little more expensive than some of the other brand names available in the pool product market, most customers are happy to pay these prices for the amazing products Hayward continues to produce time and time again.
The Hayward company has been around for over eight decades, and they continue to remain incredibly popular. They strive to create products that require very little input from you, so all you have to do is turn them on and let them do their work.
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Although the company produces several different types of filters, they also make many other pool products including heaters, pumps, cleaners, and much more. No matter what you might be looking to install as part of your swimming pool setup, you can rely on Hayward to provide you with the best quality products on the market and plenty of great help getting them started.
Best of all, Hayward remains at the front of the line in terms of technological advancements in swimming pools. These products are always developed with improvements in mind, and they’re designed to be better than the models that came before them. This is just one of the many reasons why Hayward continues to be such an important part of the backyard swimming pool world.
No matter what size pool you have or what type of filter you’re using, Hayward is sure to have you covered.
Hayward Pool Filter Benefits
Although all pool filters have their benefits, there are a lot of great reasons why you should choose Hayward specifically for the products you install. You can’t go wrong with this company, so keep the following in mind when you’re trying to decide who to go with the next time you’re shopping for pool filter products.
- Hayward filters are easy to install. Because Hayward is concerned with the happiness of its customers, their filters are designed to be easy to install even if you don’t have prior filter installation experience. Even without understanding much about plumbing, as long as you have a basic idea of how the filter hooks up to your pool, you should be able to put in your own filter when you buy from this company.
- These filters are also easy to take care of. Hayward pool filter maintenance is very simple and easy, and many of their filters are designed with special valves or gaskets to help make access to the filter media even simpler than ever before. This company prides itself on listening to its customers and paying attention to the changes that need to be made to improve the ease of operations with all of their filter products.
- All of the materials used in Hayward products are high-quality. When you buy a Hayward filter, you’re getting a product that’s not only high-quality itself, but also made from durable, long-lasting materials that are sure to last for a long time to come. You can expect a much longer lifespan out of your Hayward filter than you would from many of the other brand name filters on the market today.
- There are many different options available from Hayward. Of course, when you’re looking for a pool filter, options are very important. If you don’t want to deal with sand filter pool maintenance, for example, but you don’t mind working with cartridge filters, Hayward can help you find the perfect filter for you. Best of all, you’ll be able to buy any other parts you might need to make it work with your swimming pool all from the Hayward company.
Why is Regular Filter Maintenance Important?
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Maybe you’re wondering why you need to worry about regular filter maintenance in the first place. You might feel like your filter will continue working properly no matter what, and all you have to do is make sure to change the filter media when it’s time. That’s a great start, but it’s also a very good idea to understand a little more about why filter maintenance is important. Check out our list of reasons why regularly cleaning and maintaining your filter on your own can help you.
- Your pool can’t operate correctly without your filter working right. The filter is the most important part of any swimming pool. When it isn’t functioning the right way, this means your pump is also not working the way it should. This can affect your heater, your cleaner, and even the pipes that move water throughout your pool. Many modern swimming pools won’t run at all without the filter working, and will instead become a stagnant body of water almost immediately.
- You can save a lot of money on repair techs and replacement pieces. Keeping your filter running properly means you won’t encounter nearly as many issues overall. You won’t have to buy expensive pieces to replace damage because the damage will be less likely, to begin with. You also won’t have to call someone to fix your pool when there are fewer chances for it to have a problem in the first place.
- You can save money on replacement filter media as well. You’ll be able to save a lot of money on cartridges, diatomaceous earth, or sand if you’re regularly cleaning your filter. Keeping your filter media clean on a regular basis means it will have a much longer life.
- You won’t have to worry about safety concerns with your pool water. Pool water can get very dirty and very dangerous pretty quickly, but keeping your filter in good working order is the best way to prevent this.
Why is Basic Troubleshooting Important?
Now that you know a little bit about why regular pool maintenance is important, you might want to know why being able to take care of small problems on your own can also make a big difference. When you’re able to troubleshoot small issues without having to call someone to help you, you’ll be able to better enjoy your swimming pool for much longer without interruption. When you combine basic troubleshooting with a commitment to cleaning and maintaining your pool, you’ll have an amazing experience that’s sure to make you happy every time pool season rolls around.
- Once again, you can save money. For many of the same reasons as those listed above, you can save money in the long run when you learn to fix pool problems on your own.
- You don’t have to wait for a pool tech to come out to fix your filter. When something goes wrong with your pool, wouldn’t it be nice if you could just fix it yourself in a day or two and be back to swimming in your pool almost immediately? When you have to wait for a tech to show up, it can be very inconvenient and even impossible to schedule something that works for both of you within a reasonable time frame.
- Many of these issues can be easily resolved with just a few simple actions. Most filter troubleshooting issues can be resolved in no time. You might not even have to buy new parts to fix some of them, but even if you do, it shouldn’t take you long to solve most of these problems.
- Many other parts of your pool rely on your filter working the right way. You can prevent damage to your pool pump as well as to the rest of your pool by fixing problems with your filter as soon as they come up. This way, you won’t be operating a faulty filter that can eventually lead to much more significant (and harder to solve) problems.
11 Helpful Hayward Tips
In this section, you’ll be introduced to 11 of the most common Hayward pool filter troubleshooting issues you might encounter during the life of your pool. Be sure to take a look at each one, even if you don’t think it’s a problem you’re dealing with currently. The more you learn about what to expect from potential issues, the better off you’ll be, and the more capable you’ll be of responding in a positive way to any troubles that might come up. Be sure to take a look, too, at our tips for further steps you can take to either prevent the problem or reduce the risk of it happening.
1. Check your water circulation every week.
Check on how the water is moving through your whole pool system on a weekly basis. This is more than just taking a look at your filter. It includes checking on your pump, your heater, and all of your pipelines. Although you probably won’t need to regularly open your swimming pool’s innards and listen for any problem areas, it’s still a good idea to stay mindful of anything strange you might notice going on with your pool. This is a simple weekly check that can go a very long way toward helping you catch any troubleshooting issues before they get out of hand.
- If you notice a problem with your filter, proceed to specific filter troubleshooting listed below.
- If you notice a problem with your pump, heater, or cleaner, the core of the issue very likely is still related to your filter. Proceed to the troubleshooting listed below.
- If you hear something wrong in one of your pipes or lines, it’s still a good idea to start with your filter. However, if it sounds like something that could be causing damage, shut off your pool system before it can do any more harm.
2. Shock your pool as needed to improve the life of the filter.
Does it seem like your filter isn’t doing the job it used to do? One of the first steps you can take is to give your pool a weekly chemical shock. This includes chlorine as well as any other pool treatment chemicals you might use as part of your regular maintenance program. Keeping up with this weekly is a great way to ensure that your filter is doing the best job it possibly can.
- Test your water’s pH weekly to see if it’s necessary to add any more chemicals. Sometimes you might not need to.
- If you don’t use your pool very frequently or if your water isn’t terribly off-balance, to begin with, weekly shocks are probably too frequent. Even so, you may want to perform weekly tests to catch any problems ahead of time.
3. Regularly brush the sides of the pool and skim the surface of the water.
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Every week to two weeks, you should brush down the sides of the pool and use a skimmer to remove debris from the water’s surface. Don’t worry—you don’t have to drain the pool completely to take care of this! While it is important to eventually scrub down the whole pool without any water in it, for regular weekly or bi-weekly cleanings, you can use a pool brush to scrape the sides and floor and then push the loosened debris toward your filter basket. Do the same with any small debris like dead insects, but don’t let larger debris like leaves and sticks get into the filter or pump.
- If you have a pool covered by a screen or canopy, you may have fewer issues with debris, but it’s still important to check once a week to be sure your pool is as clean as possible.
- Many filter problems, such as clogged lines, can be prevented by making sure this type of debris never makes its way into the pump.
4. Clean your filter at least once a month.
With your Hayward pool filter pressure may become an issue. Keeping your filter clean and sticking to a firm schedule is a great way to prevent this problem. No matter what type of filter you have, you’ll want to perform a deep cleaning once a month. You may also want to consider adding smaller cleaning routines into the mix more frequently than this, but a regular monthly cleaning is a sure way to prevent many of the most common troubleshooting issues you may run into with your Hayward filter.
- If you have a cartridge filter, rotate your cartridge media once a month and clean the old cartridge to extend the life of your filter.
- If you have a sand filter, backwash and clean the manifolds monthly.
- If you have a DE filter, backwash and replace the DE as necessary monthly. Once a year, empty the DE completely and replace it with fresh media.
5. If your water is getting cloudy, replace your filter media first.
Although it might seem like a simple fix, replacing your filter media is often all it takes to get your Hayward filter working properly once again. If this doesn’t do the trick, it’s a step that certainly can’t hurt. Sometimes, depending on the type of media you have in your filter, you might not be able to tell if there’s a problem. For example, if there’s a tear in your DE filter manifold, you might not see it during regular checks because of the DE coating the manifold fabric. Replace the manifold grids and the DE inside to see if this solves your problem. In many cases, it will.
- Regularly replacing your filter media can keep your filter from clogging and may keep your water from ever getting cloudy.
- This can also keep your water free from contaminants and potential waterborne diseases much more effectively.
- Replacing your filter media can sometimes cause a “broken” pump to start working again since the pump and filter are so closely linked.
- Be sure to let your filter cycle at least once and, if possible, twice to see if the media replacement took care of the problem.
6. Pay close attention to algae that could clog your filter.
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It’s common to deal with algae in your pool at least every once in a while, but although this is a frequent problem, it can cause a lot of trouble in a short amount of time. Algae grows in your pool when your pH is out of balance, so the way to solve this problem usually lies in the treatment chemicals you use for your pool. Your filter cannot handle algae. If there’s algae in your pool, turn your filter off while you work on balancing the chemicals in the water.
- If your filter has already started trying to clean water with a lot of algae present, you probably won’t be able to salvage the media inside. You’ll likely need to empty the tank and replace your filter media.
- If you have a cartridge filter, you may be able to soak away the algae from the cartridges. However, it’s important to be sure you remove it completely or it will re-introduce the algae into your water when you use the filter once again.
7. Don’t forget to backwash your sand or DE filter regularly.
Many filter problems, especially those related to pressure, can be solved by regular backwashing. This isn’t a problem for cartridge filters, but it’s very necessary for sand and DE filters. It’s important to remember to backwash your filter at least once a week if possible. Although missing it every now and then won’t cause any serious problems, in the long run, you can extend the life of your filter media and even the filter itself by making sure you stick to a regular schedule.
- If your pressure in your filter tank is too high or too low, backwashing is almost always the way to fix it.
- If you find that backwashing is causing your filter media to wash into your swimming pool, there may be a problem with the valve on your filter.
- Sand and DE in your pool may also be a sign that it’s time to fully clean your filter instead of just backwashing it.
- Your Hayward filter will come with an easy-to-use backwash filter or multiport valve built in. All you have to do is set the valve to the right position to perform your regular backwash. It shouldn’t take you more than about 20 minutes to get the whole process finished.
8. Don’t forget to add more DE back into your DE filter after every backwash.
Each time you backwash your DE filter, you’ll lose a little bit of diatomaceous earth from inside the tank. Although it might seem tempting to just continue operating your filter without the right amount of DE, you’ll soon run into problems if you choose to do this. You might be able to get away with a few cycles before an issue arises, but why risk it? Eventually, you’ll need to fix the pressure inside the tank, and the best way to do that is just to be sure you have enough DE in place at all times. If you don’t, the pressure problem will keep the filter from cycling when it should.
- If you’re losing a lot of DE—more than a couple of tablespoons—during your backwash, you may need to see if there’s a more serious problem going on. Your valve may be leaking, or you might be putting it in the wrong position for backwashing.
- If your filter pressure is still not right after adding DE back into the tank, it might be time to clean the whole filter instead of just backwashing it.
9. Regularly check the valve gasket inside your multiport valve for leaks.
If you have a sand or DE filter from Hayward, your filter probably has a multiport valve on top or maybe on one side. Over time, as you open the filter to clean it and replace any filter media that might wash out, this valve’s internal gasket will stretch out and become loose. This will make it difficult to close the filter without causing a leak. If you notice a leak starting to form around the valve, it may be time to replace the gasket with a new one. Any local hardware store should sell the right type of gasket you need to replace this piece with.
- To install the new gasket, you’ll need to choose some type of adhesive. You have a lot of options, but if you pick something that sticks very quickly, be careful. You won’t be able to remove it easily if you put the gasket on in the wrong position.
- Don’t use too much glue on your gasket, or you may have the opposite problem. Too much glue may make the gasket stick out too far and keep the valve from closing properly.
10. Regularly check the manifolds inside sand and DE filters for damage.
If you have a diatomaceous earth filter or a sand filter, there are manifolds inside the filter tank. In a sand filter, these look like long fingers that move the sand inside around. In a DE filter, they look similar but also have fabric or paper grids attached. Although you should be checking these when you clean your filter, you may want to make an extra check of your manifolds every now and then to make sure they aren’t broken. A broken finger or another broken part of your filter’s manifolds can cause the filter to stop working, and in some extreme cases, it might even cause the broken part to clog your filter or pump completely.
- To prevent this problem completely, try to check your manifolds at least once a week while backwashing your filter.
- If this does happen, you’ll need to replace the broken manifold with a new one. You may have to order it from the company if your local pool supply store doesn’t sell replacements. However, this is an easy fix.
11. If your heater isn’t working, check your filter basket.
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Did you know that even your pool’s heater is connected to your filter? If your filter isn’t functioning properly, your heater won’t be either. One of the most common problems people run into is the heater in the pool turning on or off at inappropriate times. There are a few different reasons this might happen, but the most common is a problem with the filter basket. Take your filter or filter pump apart and remove the internal skimmer basket. Clean it very well with a hose and then replace the filter components. For good measure, you might choose to go ahead and clean your filter media at this time, too.
- To prevent this problem from happening, be sure you’re cleaning your filter’s skimmer basket every time you clean the rest of your filter.
- Be sure to make regular whole-filter cleaning a part of your pool maintenance schedule. Don’t skip cleanings or you may encounter problems like this one more regularly.
- If this does happen, remember to let your filter cycle once completely before you check on the issue again.
Conclusion
While there are certainly other unique problems you might encounter during the life of your filter, these eleven tips are a great way to get started on the path to better understanding your DE, cartridge, or sand filter pool maintenance. When you keep these important troubleshooting suggestions in mind, you’ll be much better equipped to face just about anything your filter might throw at you. And of course, the more you know about how to fix your own filter’s problems, the less likely it is that you’ll have to call an expensive technician or otherwise spend a lot of money to take care of the issue.
If all else fails, remember that the Hayward company is committed to providing excellent customer service no matter what, and that if you ever have any questions, all you have to do is give them a call. This company prides itself on its service and its products both, and if you should ever encounter an issue you can’t figure out, they’re there to help you.
Also keep in mind that, if you feel like you can’t correctly solve your filter’s problems or you don’t feel comfortable working on your filter, it’s always a good idea to call someone who works on these products professionally. While it isn’t too hard to solve these common troubleshooting issues, there’s no need to put yourself in danger if you don’t feel you can complete the task.
When you keep all of this information in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your filter for even longer than ever before. You’ll have years of relaxation by the pool all thanks to your own troubleshooting skills!
BONUS VIDEO!
5 Expert Tips to Troubleshoot Your Hayward Pool Filter
- Check the filter pressure gauge. If it is higher than normal, backwash the filter.
- Clean the skimmer basket and pump strainer basket regularly to prevent clogs.
- Check for any leaks in the plumbing system or around the filter.
- Inspect the filter tank for any cracks or damage that may be causing a leak.
- Replace your filter cartridge every 3-4 months to ensure optimal performance.
ALSO: Consider hiring a professional pool technician if you are unable to troubleshoot your Hayward pool filter yourself!
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About The Author
Joseph Bartley
Editor-In-Chief
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Joseph Bartley, also known as the WaterFilterFanatic, is a seasoned content writer who specializes in water filtration and water quality topics. On AllAboutWaterFilters, he has written a range of water filtration system reviews, water health and quality articles, swimming pool, hot tub and aquarium filtration guides, DIY methods to assist people clean their drinking water, and much more. Joseph enjoys spending his time working with the #AllAboutWaterFilters Editorial Team to provide some of the best quality water filtration content available on the web.