Husband killed by exploding pool filter, Danville woman creates Web site to warn others of danger

Sue Halverson pets her border collie Boomer by the pool at her Danville, Calif., home on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

[Alex]

My filter exploded in my face 6 weeks ago, in Tracy. I'm terribly sorry for you loss, no matter the passing time. I'm fortunate enough to be alive today, but I feel compelled to speak up about the severity of the incident. Simply put, a bomb went off in my face. 15 stitches to my face, and several other damages to neck, head, etc., leaves me far too traumatized to consider the joys of purchasing my home 8 weeks ago. I'm completely devastated. Again, my heart goes out to you.

[Gail]

In 1997, Lafayette, CA, our pool filter exploded and hit my husband in the head. It was a miracle that he survived. He had a fractured skull, many stitches and two eye surgeries. We count our blessing that he is doing well. It was very traumatic for our family but we could not imagine the families who have lost a loved one due to this correctable flaw.

[William vail]

Hi: I am still recovering from my injuries I received last week when my pool filter exploded in my face . I received 23stitches. And nearly lost my eye because of it I didn't realize how often this occurs until I found your web site I am very sorry for your loss . Personally I feel very lucky that it wasn't any worse for me thanks

[revelthombuilder]

This is very unfortunate! As a pool builder I've spent the last 15 years warning and educating homeowners (and pool service companies) of the hazards and safety issues associated with a pool hydraulic system. This warning usually occurs during my orientation after a new pool is constructed for my customers(something I don't see my competitors doing).
A pool filter is literally a bomb as it's always under pressure(PSI), specially when the element or cartridge/sand has NOT been cleaned. Atleast 75% of the homes that I visit in Florida, have a pool pump/filter system with a NON WORKING pressure gauge. THIS IS A BIG NO NO! the manufacturer puts a gauge on the equipment for a reason and yet most pool cleaning companies are too lazy to replace or repair them. They are $5 to buy, and when in working condition, are your eyes & ears(if you will) to whats happening inside that system. Pool pumps are designed to push water through the filter to remove bacteria and algae etc so our water stays with a effective quality level to swim in. When that filters gets clogged and dirty, the pressure rises and the filter canister/lid start to expand. Manufacturers recommend that all filter units be cleaned after a rise in PSI of 8-10 above normal operating pressure. There's no standard 'normal' operating pressure as all pools are built differently but usually pools run between 5-20 psi with a 3/4 or 1 hp pump. These systems become 'explosive' when the PSI reaches 30 plus PSI(some I've seen as high as 45PSI) Mostly due to old or very clogged filters. Even though the filter canisters are rated 50psi by manufacturers. In my opinion, as the canister gets beat up by the FLORIDA elements & weather over time, this 50PSI rating no longer applies and serious damage or harm can be caused if the canister explodes. Please be very careful with your pool systems and if your gauge is not working please replace it or hire someone to do it for you. It will prevent injury and your equipment will last longer too.