Backwashing Your Pool Filter
Backwashing is a good way to keep your filter and pool clean. As the water passes through your filter (either diatomaceous earth (D.E.) or sand) it leaves behind oil, dirt, and debris. This stuff gets trapped in the filter medium (powder or sand). This leads to clogging of the filter medium over time, which reduces the filter’s effectiveness.
When backwashing your pool, you are sending water backwards through the filter to come out the waste or drain port. This process dislodges all the debris so you can get rid of it. It’s kind of like a strainer in your sink!
Backwashing a Sand Filter
You will need a backwash hose for this process. Here are the steps:
- Attach the hose to the backwash or waste port.
- Switch the filter system off.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Backwash setting.
- Switch the system on again.
- Let the water run out till clear, usually about a minute.
- Switch the filter system off.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Rinse setting.
- Switch the system back on again.
- Rinse for 30 seconds.
- Switch the filter system off.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Filter setting.
Backwashing a D.E. Filter
For this, you will need a backwash hose, DE powder and a one-pound scoop. An empty coffee can works well.
DE is a white powder containing fossilized skeletons of diatoms, which are one-celled organisms. When you add the powder to the filter, it bonds to the grids to create a “cake,” which filters out particles.
Backwashing with a Multiport Valve
- Turn the filter system off.
- Attach the hose to the waste port.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Backwash setting.
- Turn the filter on and run it for two minutes.
- Turn it off.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Rinse setting, then switch turn the system back on to run for one more minute.
- Switch it off.
- Switch the multiport valve to the Filter setting.
- Add D.E. powder.
Backwashing with a Push/Pull Valve
- Turn the system off.
- Attach the hose to the backwash port.
- Open up the backwash gate.
- Switch the filter system on and run for three minutes.
- Turn it off.
- Switch off the push/pull valve.
- Add D.E. powder to
- Run the pump for a half hour.
When Should You Backwash Your Pool?
You should do this when the pressure gauge says 10 pounds per square inch (psi) above normal.
It’s important to dispose of backwashed water properly:
- Storm Drains: Your town may allow pool water release via storm drains but you may have to get a permit.
- Plumbing Cleanouts: You may be able to release backwashed water via a plumbing cleanout, but you should check with the local water or sewer authority first.
- Dry Wells: While these help to prevent flooding and erosion, that water will still end up saturating the ground, and this may not be allowed.
For help backwashing your filter, rely on the experts at Central Jersey Pools.