It’s a really simple procedure to follow. Simply remove the multiport valve, pour in a bottle of filter cleaning solution, leave it to work for 24 hours (remember, this is in the sand filter, not in your pool! ), replace the valve, backwash properly, and you’re done! The elements of your sand filter should be as good as new, if not better! If that doesn’t work, it’s possible that you need to replace your sand.
In This Article...
What is the best way to backwash my pool filter cartridge?
Backwashing cartridge pool filters is not possible, so they must be cleaned by hand. Cartridge filters cannot be “backwashed” merely by reversing the water flow in the pool’s filter system because they were not designed for reverse water flow. When these filters become dirty, they must be cleaned by hand.
When backwashing, do you use the pump?
-Always switch off the pump when resetting the filter valve or doing a backwash. If you leave it on, it will most certainly cause irreversible damage to your system, which will be expensive to repair.
-Keep an eye on the color of the water to reduce water loss. After it has cleared, immediately stop it.
-After a backwash, top up the sand in your filter because the operation will wash out a lot of it. To prevent sand from returning to the pool, use the rinse option while topping up the sand.
-Take careful note of all the parts when you reassemble the filter system. The filter may leak if you neglect some.
How long should a pool be backwashed?
Turn on the pump and backwash the sand filter for 2-3 minutes, or until the water in the sight glass (usually near the top of the filter) is clear. The length of time you backwash the sand filter isn’t important, but you should see clear water within 2-3 minutes.
Do you rinse a pool after it’s been backwashed?
It’s important to rinse the filter after backwashing to avoid leftover blowback into the pool. The rinse, like the backwash, raises and flushes the sand, returning it to its original place for optimal filtering.
Without a multiport valve, how do you backwash a pool?
Without a multiport valve, how do you backwash a pool?
- At the very bottom of the filter, open the discharge valve.
- ten times pump/bump the handle
- For fifteen seconds, turn on the pump.
- Rep steps 14 three times more.
- Shut off the discharge valve.
- Continue to run the filter while adding three pounds of D.E. to the skimmer you vacuumed from.
Where do you put the pool water after it’s been backwashed?
Swimming pools are a terrific way to cool off in the summer! Summer weather, on the other hand, can cause haboobs to deposit soil, strong winds to carry shed flowers and leaves, and rain to sweep yard detritus right into your pool. Your pool, like the cleanup after a huge July 4th party, requires regular upkeep to keep the water pure. Aside from regular chemicals, your pool’s filter may need to be flushed on occasion, which is known as pool backwashing.
Even when completing this maintenance, keep in mind the mantra “Only Rain in the Storm Drain.” Discharging backwash water from your property into a public right-of-way such as an alley, road, or arroyo is a code violation in many cities and municipalities.
Chlorine, bromine, algaecides, biocides, water conditioners, stabilizers, and other chemicals that can stay in the environment for a long period may be present in backwash water. Backwash water contains sediments and other contaminants that collect in dry washes and streams over time, eventually settling in urban lakes and streams and becoming hazardous to fish and other aquatic life.
You can do your part to protect the environment
Consider the following options to keep pollution out of our waterways:
- Use the backwash to irrigate grass or any other area of your property where water can soak into the soil.
- Instead of flowing into the storm gutter, backwash collects in your private sewer cleanout on your property.
- If you’re on a septic system and don’t have enough land to discharge, try the following:
- Hire a professional to pump the pool water into a truck and transport it away from the house. Septic disposal firms can be found in the yellow pages or on the internet.
- If you have a SEPTIC SYSTEM, DO NOT DRAIN OR BACKWASH INTO YOUR CLEANOUT.
- Consult a pool specialist before making repairs to see whether they can be done without draining the pool.
Backwash vs. rinse: what’s the difference?
Rinse directs the flow of water in the same direction as normal filtration. Backwash forces it to travel in the other direction through the sand. Rinse is used to remove any dirt from the clean side of the sand before returning it to the pool.
What happens if your pool filter isn’t backwashed?
Backwashing your filtration system on a regular basis is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to maintain healthy pool water throughout the year, especially during the busy summer season.
Are you unsure what that means? Backwashing is the process of reversing the flow of water through your filter medium, whether it’s Zeoplus, sand, glass pearls, or diatomaceous earth (DE). This dislodges dirt and debris that has accumulated in your multiport valve waste line and flushes it out.
When it comes to keeping your pool water clean and your filtration equipment in top shape, knowing when to backwash your filter is crucial. The good news is that you can tell if and when your pool filter needs to be backwashed by looking for three common indicators. They are as follows:
- The force of the water An increase in PSI (per square inch) pressure indicates that your pool’s filtration is under stress, either due to a blockage or, as we previously discussed, malfunctioning equipment.
- Debris and pollutants in the water flow Filter media blockage reduces the pace at which water passes through the filter, limiting the amount of water flowing into your pool.
- Clarity of the water
- Cloudy water indicates that the filter media is unclean or incapable of catching the dirt and debris that enters your pool.
That’s similar to asking how long a piece of thread is since it depends on how often you use your pool, if it’s bordered by overhanging trees or foliage, and whether it’s prone to grass clippings when you mow the lawn.
Many pool owners, however, backwash regularly as part of their summer maintenance regimen, usually after vacuuming to catch any lingering particles that have been stirred up.
Filter material that is dirty can promote algae growth and put unnecessary pressure on your pump as it tries to push clean water through a clogged filter. Here are some pointers on how to clean your filter media in the spring, as well as why switching from sand to glass pearls can improve water quality.
Consider purchasing a Waterco FloVis Flow Meter to ensure adequate water flow to your pool’s filtration and sanitizing systems. It’s ideal for variable or multi-speed pool pumps because it’s simple to install, read, and doesn’t require calibration.
Is waste the same as backwash?
Drain/Waste: Choosing the drain or waste option will drain the pool water instead of putting it through the filter. Backwashing clears the filter of any debris, dirt, or other impurities that have accumulated. Closed: If you select this option, the water flow to the pool and filtration will be shut off.
Should I backwash my pool at what pressure?
The frequency of backwashing is mostly determined by the amount of use your pool receives, as well as the type of filtration system and its location. If your pool is bordered by shrubs or trees, it will almost certainly require more frequent backwashing than a pool that isn’t exposed to leaf litter and organic material.
Backwashing your pool once a week or in conjunction with your planned maintenance is a good rule of thumb. Backwash when your filter’s pressure indicator reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) above the starting level or “clean pressure,” according to industry standards. If your filter is regularly operating at 15 PSI but suddenly rises to 25 PSI, you should backwash it.
Backwashing is also a good idea after a big storm or an algae epidemic in your area. If you have deciduous trees nearby, it’s also a good idea to do a backwash once the leaves have fallen.
If you have a diatomaceous earth (DE) filter system, it should be dismantled and cleaned at least six times per year. A sand filter should be emptied twice a year and backwashed once a month.