What does it mean to backwash a filter?

What does it mean to backwash a filter?

Well, as the name suggests, backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through your filter media, be it Zeoplus, sand, glass pearls or diatomaceous earth (DE). This dislodges dirt and debris that may have become trapped, and flushes it out through your multiport valve waste line.

How do I know when to backwash my pool filter?

As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter’s pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.

How do you backwash a pool pump filter?

How to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter

  1. Turn off the pool pump.
  2. Set the filter valve handle to the ‘Backwash’ position and ensure the handle locks in place.
  3. Turn the pump on and backwash for 2 minutes or until the water in the sight glass (located on the filter) is running clear.
  4. Turn off the pump.

Do I need to backwash a cartridge filter?

Unlike other filtration systems, cartridge filters don’t require backwashing, which means homeowners don’t waste the water and extra energy involved in backwashing. The small size of cartridge filters allows them to be run on smaller pumps because they can run with a lower flow rate pump, which saves energy.

Do you rinse or backwash first?

Rinse. The ‘Rinse’ setting should be used after backwashing and again run just for a minute or two. On this setting the water is flowing through the filter in the normal direction but once again is being sent to the waste pipe rather than being returned to the pool.

How long should you backwash a pool?

Open the air bleeder assembly on your filter and turn pump on. Watch the pressure gauge for spikes. After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 – 3 minutes, or until water runs clear.

Where does the water go when you backwash a pool?

Simply put, when you backwash your pool filter, you reverse the direction of the water flow, and water moves back through the pool filter and out the waste or drain port. Just make sure you’re disposing of it properly—and we’ll get to that soon. All in good time, my friend.

Do all pool filters have backwash?

Whether you choose to clean your pool with a sand or DE filter, you can easily backwash it on your own. All pool filters follow the same general steps for backwashing, but there may be small variations depending on the model you own. The owner’s manual should have detailed instructions for backwashing your filter.

What is backwashing and why is it important?

Backwash or backwashing is the process of thoroughly cleaning a swimming pool’s filter. This is, by a method of reversing the flowing water to flush out contaminants. Backwashing your swimming pool is a process that is very important for your pool’s filter. And for your pool’s overall health.

When should I backwash my pool filter?

As a rule of thumb, you should backwash and rinse your filter about once a week. The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash twice a week.

Can I backwash too often?

Backwashing too often can produce less efficient filtration, you don’t want your sand to be too clean. Little particles of dirt trapped between the sand actually help to filter the water better. Some say that half dirty sand performs twice as well as fully clean sand. Keep in mind that you are also wasting a lot of water during the backwash.

How do you backwash an inground pool?

How to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter Turn off the pool pump. Set the filter valve handle to the BACKWASH position and ensure the handle locks in place. Turn on the pump and backwash for 2 minutes or until the water in the sight glass (located on the filter) is running clear. Turn Off the Pump.