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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.
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.
How often do you backwash a pool?
Bottom line, the filter must be backwashed on a regular basis to ensure that your pool water is clear. “When do we need to backwash?” – It is recommended to backwash your filter once every 4-6 weeks of regular use.
How long should I backwash my pool filter?
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.
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.
Do you rinse after backwashing a pool?
In order to prevent residual blow back into the pool, once you’ve finished backwashing it’s highly advisable to rinse the filter. Just as the backwash lifts and flushes the sand, the rinse resets the sand to its original position for optimum filtration.
Does backwashing remove water from pool?
The backwashing process reverses the flow of water to flush out contaminants from a swimming pool filter. It should be carried out until water runs clear through the waste line.
Can you backwash a sand filter too much?
Can You Backwash Too Much? 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.
Where does the backwash water go?
Any backwash water is to bypass the septic tank and be discharged to the drain between the septic tank and the common effluent drain.
Do you 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.
What should the pool filter pressure gauge read?
The size of your pool, the size of your pump, and the condition of your pool water directly impact pressure readings. Generally speaking, a pressure reading between 10 – 25 psi can be considered normal. Once you have installed a new filter, turn everything on and take a baseline reading.
What is the difference between backwash and waste on a pool filter?
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.
How long should you backwash a sand filter?
After the hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 – 3 minutes or until water runs clear.
Where do I discharge my pool backwash?
To Backwash Your Filter Backwash water must be collected, contained and discharged to the sanitary sewer, if available, or to a vegetated area contained within your property. Cartridge filters should be rinsed in a sink, bathtub, or over a lawn or other vegetated area.
What means backwash?
Definition of backwash 1 : a backward flow or movement (as of water or air) produced especially by a propelling force also : the fluid that is moving backward. 2 : consequence, aftermath.
Do I need to add DE After every backwash?
After backwashing, new DE must be added to the filter. Add the entire amount of DE the filter recommends. If you see DE returning to the pool, vacuum it to waste, after it settles. The next time you backwash and recoat, decrease the amount by 1 pound.
Why do I get sand in my pool after backwashing?
Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool.
How much water do you lose when you backwash?
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.
Does backwashing lower water level?
For inground pools with a sand or DE filter, the easiest way to quickly lower the water level is to place the multiport valve into the waste position and roll out the backwash hose. If instead, you have a slide (push-valve), backwash the filter to lower the water level.
