Use this seven-step guide to backwash your pool’s sand filter.
Your pool filter plays an important role in keeping your water safe and clean for swimming. However, that filter only works as well as the maintenance you put into it. That means you are going to have to stick with a regular schedule of backwashing to keep your pool filter running at peak efficiency. The good news is that the pool will let you know when the filter needs work. When the pressure gauge starts to read 8-10 pounds above the clean starting pressure, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and get to backwashing.
Backwashing involves reversing the flow of the water through the filter so dirt that has accumulated inside is flushed out. Backwashing a sand filter is easy enough to do yourself, unless you are wealth enough to afford a pool guy to handle all your maintenance jobs. There are a few steps in the process and they need to be followed carefully to ensure the job gets done right. They will also vary slightly, based on whether your pool filter is a multi-port valve or a slide valve. The moral of the story is read your manufacturer’s instructions carefully before backwashing, to ensure you are addressing the specific needs of your unit.
Steps to Backwashing
- Check your water level to make sure it is up to par. If not, add water up to the required level. Once your water level is accurate, shut off your pool pump. This is a good time to clean out your pump’s basket as well.
- If you have a backwash hose to attach, now is the time to do it. Open up the backwash gate valve. Next, switch the valve on your filter to the “backwash” mode.
- Turn your pool pump back on and watch as all the dirty water gets pumped out of your pool. When it is finished, the water will begin to run clear. During the pumping process, keep your eyes open for possible kinks in the hose and watch your pressure gauge to make sure backpressure doesn’t build up. if you detect any problems, shut your pump off immediately.
- When your water begins to run clear, allow it to go for two or three minutes before turning off the pump. This ensures that all residue is pumped out of your filter.
- Set the valve on your filter to “rinse” or “bypass,” depending on the type of filter you have. Turn your pump back on and run the rinse cycle for just a few seconds before turning it off again.
- Reset your filter to “backwash” and run the pump once more. You will see additional dirt in your water, which should begin to run clear fairly quickly.
- Turn off the pump and reset to the “filter” setting. Turn your pump back on and check your pressure gauge. Numbers should be back to normal, indicating your backwash cycle was successful.
A clean pool is a happy pool and a safe environment for your family. With regular maintenance on your pool filter, you will go far in maintaining your backyard watering hole throughout the summer season.
