Pool Filter Leaking From Top Backwash (Hayward, Intex, Bestway)

Welcome to the pool filter troubleshooting guide for pool filter leaking from top whether it is an Intex, Bestway, or Hayward pool filter.

The Pool Filter Can Leak From…

Leak From The Top
Leak From Middle
Leak From Bottom

Here ‘Leaking from Top’ Means your Cartridge, Sand, or DE pool filter is leaking from the Backwash outlet, Multiport valve, Air relief valve or Pressure gauge.

But Don’t Worry…

In this troubleshooting guide, I will explain to you the causes of leaking water from top and its solutions for every top part of your pool filter.

Why Pool Filter Leaking From Top?

There are many reasons why pool filters leak water from the top. Here are some examples…

• Spider Gasket wears down
• Cracks near top of the filter 
• Incorrect valve position
• The multiport valve loses its tension
• High Filter Pressure
• Damaged pressure gauge or piping leak

So, If your Hayward pool filter is leaking from the top then there is a chance that your pool filter is leaking because of the above reasons. I will give you all the solutions.

Check Your Pool filter warranty by serial number lookup.

How To Repair Pool Filter Leaking From Top?

If your above ground cartridge pool filter leaking from top follow the steps to solve it. You can also apply the same solution for the sand filter and DE filter.

The core functionality of Hayward, Bestway, Intex, and Pentair pool filters are the same. So you can apply these solutions to any of this manufacturing company’s pool filters.

1. Pool Filter Leaking From Backwash

The main reason why your above ground pool filter leaking from backwash outlet is that the Spider Gasket underneath the multiport valve is crushed, deformed, or worn down.

The spider gasket controls the water directions while changing the multiport valve positions.

If you change the settings or position of the multiport valve when the pool pump is on then the rubber of the gasket is worn down or moved due to high water pressure. As a result, water leaking from backwash outlet.

Solution: You have to open the valve and replace the gasket lid.

1. Remove 6 screws from the valve using a screwdriver
2. Open valve handle assembly
3. Check the Spider gasket situated within the body of the valve
4. Remove the old gasket if it is not in perfect condition
5. Add a new gasket with a flat side down and ridge side up
6. Apply Industrial silicon lubricant to the gasket and o-ring
7. Replace the valve assembly now. And check for water leaks.

Note: Put the valve handle in between the settings to take off the pressure while replacing it.

If the valve handle assembly is damaged you have to buy the handle assembly. Also, check the O-ring if it’s damaged then add a new one.

2. Leaking From Air Relief Valve or Pressure Gauge

The pressure gauge measures the pressure reading inside the pool filter. If your Bestway, Intex, or Hayward pool filter leaking from the pressure gauge valve, It means you over-tight the valve after cleaning.

Solution: Make sure you don’t over-tight the pressure gauge after cleaning.

Cartridge pool filter leaking from the air relief valve caused by a defective valve or you break the valve when you release the air after cleaning the filter.

Solution: Close the air relief valve after all air is removed from the filter.

3. Pool Filter Leaking From Multiport Valve

The most common reason a pool filter is leaking from the multiport valve is valve handle loses its tension. The best way to solve this problem is to replace the handle assembly with a new one.

This is how you can replace the handle assembly for the pool filter

1. Cut the pipes
2. Unscrew the valve from the filter tank
3. Add new valve on standpipe with new o-ring
4. Rejoin pipes again.
5. Turn on the pump and check for a water leak

4. Pool Filter Leaking From Pipes

The pipe in the pool filter becomes weak over time and leaks the water. 

Use PVC cement or epoxy for minor leaks. For major leaks, you have to replace the pipe. Make sure you use Teflon tape while rejoining the pipes.

5. Pool Filter Leaking Due To High Pressure

Dust and debris in the water are stuck in the filter and the water did not pass through the filter easily. So it increases the pressure inside the pool filter.

Due to high pressure in the filter tank, the filter will leak from the top. Check your pressure gauge regularly. If the pressure reading is 8-10 psi higher than normal pressure then you have to clean your pool filter.

Conclusion

After understanding this we can say that there any many reasons why your Hayward pool filter is leaking from top. 

I discuss the solution for each reason. You can apply the above troubleshooting guide to fix this problem. I’m sure you will not face the same problem again.

Give your valuable feedback in the comment section.