Mix one pound of diatomaceous earth for every ten square feet of filter area into a bucket filled with water and stir into a slurry. Prime the pump by allowing some water to fill the strainer basket. 3. For slide valves, turn backwash handle and pull the valve piston straight up to the backwash position. Unless your pool gets really dirty, you should not need to backwash it beyond your scheduled maintenance. 8. But something this convenient cant last forevereventually itll get so crammed in your filter that it wont be able to catch much of anything. Only backwash your pool when it is needed. Leave the pool pump running for at least 20-30 minutes to distribute to the filter grids evenly. Do you have a check valve at your pump inlet? . It almost sounds like the pump doesn't start all the time. If your backwash hose becomes difficult to turn, you can tear it down and lubricate the valve. Step 2. Backwashing a pool leads to water loss, one reason why you have to fill in another gallon of water. Make sure the pump is running properly so it circulates through your system. Should pressure rise 8 to 10 psi within 24 hours of cleaning a solution, replace the cartridge with a new. Al Reply With Quote Backwashing only works filters of sand and diatomaceous earth (from now on, Ill call this D.E. Spider gasket can cause filtration problems that allow the bypass of water from the filet. To do this, you want to mix the manufacturers recommended amount of D.E. Lastly, if someone forgets to open the valve, this will lead to another issue. The good news is that there are three common signs that indicate if and when your pool filter needs to be backwashed. We will also talk about how often you should backwash the filter, what tools are necessary, and how you can dispose of the backwashed water. Attach your pool hose to the backwash port on your sand filter. Go ahead and close that push/pull valve. Next, the clogged filter valve will flush the waste out using a connected pump or backwash valves. And chances are: your street and storm drain are a no go. There is some debris in there, but not much. Turn your filter back on and run it for two minutes to reverse the flow of the water. filter, youll need to replace the powder, which is much more effective to do through the pools skimmer. The right time to backwash is after you vacuum the pool. Open the backwash gate. This process ensures the swimming pool filter is free from debris. Too little sand and you will have cloudy water no . This will keep water from entering the filter tank while you're performing maintenance on it. Removing 6 or 8 screws on the cover will allow you to inspect any warped or damaged spider gasket for a blown gasket. The exact solution to this is 4 cups of water and 1 cup of trisodium phosphate, and repeat this ratio until it can completely cover your filtration. Further, ensuring the push or pull option in the sand filter is the secure position in a way that the water flows through. Therefore, you can enjoy a nice swim on a hot day without having to worry! You'll know it's time to perform the backwashing routine when the pressure gauge indicates a pressure rise of 8 to 10 pounds above the clean or "startup" pressure. First, turn off the filter system. DE filters are usually torn down and cleaned at least six times per year. Then you would back the automobile up just to the point you could put the vehicle into drive and head off. 3. Lets get washing. Here are some tips for you to follow while backwashing your pool. Turn the pump on again and let it run for at least two hours. This will reduce the available filtering area exponentially. Keep a smooth flow in the filtration system by regularly backwashing your pool. Shut off the pump motor and push the T-handle back down into locked position. So, check the pressure gauge and see if the pump actually runs when the problem occurs. However, you may need to look out for the waters cleanness before switching it off. Talking Pools is a podcast created by pool people for pool people. This article should have helped you understand the importance of backwashing a pool filter, how often to do it, and what tools are needed. Backwashing cleans your filter system. Open up your cartridge filter tank and remove the filter. powder can harm the lawn. Ta da! Turn the multiport valve to "Backwash". Turn the pump on and allow it to run for two minutes or until discharge water in the sight glass is clear. The first thing I'd do is check the O-rings or gaskets on the lid and the pump basket drain. Inspect it for any damage. Peo 8 to 10 psi (pounds per square inch) above clean running pressure. As a result, with time, your filter system might lose functionality. Then, restore the filter option to your multiport valve handle. 2. It would be best if you did the filter valve resetting and backwashing with a turned-off pool pump. filter side. Greater than 8 inHg (inches of mercury) vacuum gauge. With the PUMP TURNED OFF, turn the multiport valve to the BACKWASH position. Not backwashing your pool will result in a continuous rise of sand in the water, and flow will continue to go down. Manipulate valve back to run position. Got a multiport valve? If the water has contamination of harmful chemicals, you need to alert the local authorities. If there's pressure built up in your filter or the water's not flowing well in your pool, it's time to backwash. This enables the user also to consider the flowrate. You can lube the O-ring which will make it air tight, look at it and make sure you don't need a new one. In this way, the flocculant is quickly mixed with the pool water. When the backwash is full of sand or debris, it will cause little to no suction. Your filter will filter properly, but if your pump does not supply at least 60% of the filter's designed flow rate, you filter will never backwash completely. This Blue Torrent 2 HP Variable-Speed Pump allows for a larger horsepower, but never uses more energy than you actually needit pays itself off in energy saved in under six months and is eligible for energy rebates. filter, youll want a little extra for refillingbut if you have a D.E. Backwash until water runs clear, about 2-3 minutes. Turn multiport valve handle to backwash, or slide a push pull valve. Further, connect the hose to the filters backwashing port. I let it run for a long time hoping it would start, but nothing. It usually takes just a few minutes. If you do not backwash your sand pool filters regularly then the filter will become more and more clogged with debris leading to increased back pressure, lack of suction in the skimmers and much reduced filtering of your pool's water. It's time to backwash a sand filter when the pressure gauge on the filter reads 8-10 pounds . 8 to 10 psi (pounds per square inch) above clean running pressure. Hi Ann, Thanks for reading and great question. Pools are great, but there are things you need to know. This process is super straightforward. Then, it would be best if you clamped it to the water outlet. Then, it would help if you opened the gate. The starting level of the backwashing process uses the pump to reverse the flow of water. Ensure 20-grade silica sand for swimming pool sand filter use is used. Reasons You Need to Backwash a Pool Filter, Pool Antifreeze: Everything You Need to Know, Bubbles in Pool? 6. If you do not add enough DE to your filter, then the grids are not totally coated with DE and the dirt that goes into your filter will attach itself right to the fabric on the grids and will not backwash off. Part of maintaining a clean pool involves some grunt work, but you dont have to get hurt in the process. Here's what I do for 10 cycles: - Multiport Valve to "Backwash" position. Then, connect the backwash hose to the filters backwash port. Here is something that you should not do toss the backwashing down a drain port. clean without total replacementthough youll need to replace them eventually. Again, turn the filter system off. Position the valve handle to BACKWASH and turn on the pump. Disassemble and hose down with a pressure nozzle on a garden hose. The only valves I'm aware of are the butterfly valves on the above mentioned lines. However, when I went to backwash it, it took a very long time to prime to backwash (I have a Pentair Sand Dollar filter). Shut power to pump off. How Often To Backwash Pool. Just follow the below steps to get backwashing: 1. Backwashing cleans out your filter without requiring you to pick through sand, which would be messy, and D.E., which would be dangerous. Popularly used gaskets come with Go-Kits. With the pump on, pour the DE mixture slowly into the skimmer with the pump running. This ones easy: all you need to backwash your filter is a backwash hose. Your pressure gauge will tell you when to clean your pool. Yep, did that. By Furbabyvet in forum Pool Equipment & Operations Replies: 10 Last Post: 05-28-2010, 03:34 PM . Customer Bill Britton says, Runs great. Switch the filter back on and open the air valve. Short Backwash Time. Select the "Backwash" position on your multiport valve handle. First, turn off the filter system. Once a year, remove the filter basket during this step and pour in the sand filter cleaner. You must log in or register to reply here. Multiport and slide valves are not interchangeable, so better to buy the correct replacement valve. 3. Seal the drainage valve, lift the filter open and pump inlet valves. SEOgine LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Once the water is clear, turn off the pump. Dont you just love government dot coms? The bottom line is that I'm doing the same stuff I've always done but now I'm not getting flow. For over 15 years, Sean Moore has been sharing his love and enthusiasm for swimming pools and hot tubs with everyone he knows. Switch the MPV on the filter to filtration.. You shouldn't let the timer turn on because it won't turn off when you're done backwashing the filter in a couple of minutes. The process of backwashing dislodges trapped debris and contaminants, flushing them out through your value's waste line or a hose that is connected to the pool pump. 8. This may only buy you a few months. That procedure was about as easy as they come, especially since you did your research. The process of backwashing will reverse the flow of water and flush out any contamination from your swimming pool. It would help if you backwashed a pool for two to three minutes and no more than that. Most of the time a good 2-3 minute back-washing will do the trick. Far superior to other brushes.. Set the valve to recycle. Rinse the Filter. Backwashing is the procedure for removing debris and dirt that has become trapped in the filtration system. But if you lose track of the weeks or your pool has been especially busy lately with swimmers, these factors will tell you when to backwash a pool: Those butterfly valves all need to be open when I backwash though, right? Every other year I take the filter apart and clean out and . Turning the handle of the sand filter to the option, keep it on for a few minutes until the water clears from the pump. Intex Sand Filter: Unlike cartridge filters, you need to backwash your sand to remove all the contaminants blocking the water flow. Backwashing your pool is necessary for keeping a clean and sanitary swimming pool, and it reverses the flow in the filter and sends water out through the multiport valve waste line. Turn off the pool pump always before changing a backwash valve. If this is the issue on hand, then you might need to prepare for some labor. I have a pool and there have been so many questions. Rinse grid assy thoroughly before reassembly. So, to answer the question of how often should you backwash your pool, check your PSI. This robust and thorough pump is the most reasonable decision any pool owner can make: comes with a lifetime warranty, is eligible for rebates, and pays itself off in under one year. The sand in a pool filter is usually #20 grade sand, which is specially sized and shaped to capture particles in the 20-100 micron range. This water takes along with it the dirt and other waste that get accumulated in the filter media. They usually have six positions in a pool backwash, filter, rinse, recirculate, close, and drain/waster. To clear out any remaining debris. Can you believe it? Rinsing the filter sends clean water through the pipes to wash away any leftover particles and prevent them from returning to the pool. Moreover, there will be a continuous rise of debris that will eventually turn the water murky. Do you vacuum a pool on backwash or waste? If the pressure rises again 8 to 10 psi within 24 hours of cleaning, remove and soak elements in a cleaning solution such as TSP and water overnight. Why is my pool not backwashing? First tip is to not over-backwash your filter, but wait until the pressure gauge rises at least 5 psi. Look at it like this if you had parked your car headfirst into a parking space. Moreover, there will be a continuous rise of debris that will eventually turn the water murky. filters. With this, some filter pumps could explode and result from closing call injuries. Pool chemical levels should be proportionate with the pool water level. Air in Pool Pump Removed after Filter Backwash, With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Further, please turn it off and roll up the hose. As a sand filter collects more particles it becomes less efficient, collecting more and more dirt in the sand. But in this instance, the problem is after the pump, not before. THAT would blow a fuse. Typically, you should backwash a pool if the pressure gauge on your filter is at 8-10PSI at the starting level. Thus, making it a crucial aspect of pool maintenance. Turn on pump. Rudy Stankowitz is a 30-year veteran of the swimming pool industry and President/CEO of Aquatic Facility Training & Consultants. If the filter pressure gauge reads zero or close to zero with the pump running, and the valve is in filter or backwash mode, something is wrong. Thus, making your pool more appealing. Why wouldnt you drive backward all the way to your next stop? Should pressure rise 8 to 10 psi within 24 hours of cleaning in a solution, replace the elements with new. In a container large enough, prepare a chemical bath for your filter. Shut the process of your sand filtration cleaning off, and you are done! Close the valve of the drain and remove the pump basket. Download our free Pool Maintenance Starter Kit and learn how to manage your pool affordably and efficiently. If you do not have valves at these connections, insert a plug into the skimmer to block the pumps water flow. 2-3 minutes is enough to run the water cleanout of the waste line. Generally, owners suggest that you should do it at least once a week. Backwashing Pool Filter Weekly is NOT a Thing! All you will need is a backwash hose! This process is good news for you if your pool is already contaminated! How Do You Backwash a Pool's Filter? If there are any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. 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