What is the purpose of backwashing a pool filter?

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. When the filter media is clean, the pressure gauge is lower and water can easily flow in and out of the system.

When should I backwash my pool pump?

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.

Is it bad to backwash a pool?

If you backwash your pool too much i.e. time duration and/or close frequency then yes you can cause a lot of problems. Some problems that can arise from backwashing your sand pool filter too much are: Loss of water – 500+ litres of water can be lost in each backwashing cycle.

How long do you backwash a pool pump?

Turn off the pool pump. Set the sand filter valve handle to the BACKWASH pool 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.

Why do I have to backwash my pool every day?

Whenever the filter fills up with the dirt/debris it reduces the flow of water to your pool. Low flow = poor circulation which will lead to algae in the pool. Bottom line, the filter must be backwashed on a regular basis to ensure that your pool water is clear.

Do I need to rinse after backwash?

Backwashing reverses the flow of water, lifts up and flushes the sand, and then expels the dirty water via a waste line into the ground or drain. In order to prevent residual blow back into the pool, once you’ve finished backwashing it’s highly advisable to rinse the filter.

Do you vacuum a pool on backwash or waste?

Don’t use any metal object that can rust as a weight. 8. Vacuuming pool with filter valve in “backwash” position. When a pool is vacuumed with the sand filter valve in the “filter” position, the dirt and debris that passes through the pump ends up inside the filter on top of the bed of sand which is where you want it.

Do you have to backwash after vacuuming?

Yes, we recommend backwashing after you vacuum your pool. This allows the filter to shoot out any dirt / debris you have vacuumed up. Don’t forget to set your filter to “rinse” for 30 seconds after backwashing!

How much water do you lose when you backwash a pool?

The backwashing of a typical Olympic-sized pool results in the loss of about 6,300 gallons of water per backwashing cycle, according to Recreation Management. As a result, don’t add chemicals to your water until after you’ve backwashed — otherwise, you’re just throwing money down the drain… literally.

What’s the difference between waste and backwash?

Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter. Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter. Closed: if you choose this setting, then the flow of water to the pool and filter will be stopped.

What setting should my filter be on when vacuuming a pool?

For routine vacuuming, the filter valve is left in the normal “Filter” position. This directs dirty vacuum water through the pool filter to remove the contaminants, then conveys filtered water through return lines back to the pool. The “Filter” setting is used for light to moderate levels of pool sediment.