how do i backwash my pentair pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Do I Backwash My Pentair Pool Filter?

Swimming pools provide a great source of relaxation and enjoyment for homeowners. However, they require maintenance to keep the water clean, safe, and comfortable. A critical part of pool maintenance is cleaning the pool filter. Pentair pool filters are popular among pool owners, and they require routine backwashing to keep them functional. This article reviews how to backwash a Pentair pool filter in five steps.

Step 1: Preparation

Before backwashing, ensure you have the necessary equipment close by. You will need a backwash hose, the owners' manual, and protective gloves. Once ready, turn off the pool's pump and set the control valve to the backwash setting.

Step 2: Clean the Skimmer Basket and Pump Strainer Basket

The skimmer basket and the pump strainer basket remove debris from the pool water before entering the filter. They collect leaves, hair, and other objects that can clog the filter. To prevent backwash water from overflowing the basket, empty the skimmer basket and the pump strainer basket. Check for and remove any debris buildup.

Step 3: Connect the Backwash Hose

The backwash hose will transport dirty water from the filter to a waste area. Connect one end of the hose to the backwash outlet of the control valve and the other to a waste area. You can direct the hose to a garden or a drainage ditch.

Step 4: Backwash

Turn on the pool's pump and watch the water in the sight glass. The sight glass is a small glass window on the control valve that shows water flow. Backwash the filter until the water in the sight glass becomes clean. The time it takes to backwash a Pentair pool filter varies depending on the model and the size of the filter. Refer to the owners' manual for guidance.

Step 5: Rinse

Once the water in the sight glass appears clear, turn off the pool's pump and set the control valve to the rinse setting. The rinse cycle removes fine debris from the sand bed and the filter. Allow the pump to run for about 30 seconds, and then turn it off. Set the control valve back to the filter setting and activate the pool's pump.

Subtitles:

1. Benefits of Backwashing Your Pentair Pool Filter

2. Understanding the Different Control Valve Settings

3. Common Signs that Your Pentair Pool Filter Needs Backwashing

4. How Often Do You Need to Backwash Your Pentair Pool Filter?

5. Troubleshooting Common Backwashing Problems

Benefits of Backwashing Your Pentair Pool Filter

Regular backwashing is an essential part of maintaining the longevity of your Pentair pool filter. Here are the benefits of backwashing:

1. Removes Debris: Backwashing clears out the debris that has accumulated in the filter. When you backwash the filter, it releases the trapped debris from the filter's sand bed.

2. Maintains Flow Rate: Over time, debris buildup can decrease flow rates, which can damage your pool's pump motor. Removing debris through backwashing restores the flow rate and helps your pool pump run efficiently.

3. Saves Water: Backwashing saves water by cleaning the filter and reusing it rather than continuously replacing it. The process also helps in water conservation since it's easier to identify leaks during backwashing.

Understanding the Different Control Valve Settings

The control valve on your Pentair pool filter plays an essential role in the backwashing process. The valve controls the direction of water flow, whether it's entering the filter or leaving the backwash outlet. The control valve has five settings: filter, backwash, rinse, waste, and closed.

1. Filter Setting: This is the standard setting for normal pool operation. Water flows through the filter, and the sand removes impurities and particles from the water.

2. Backwash Setting: This setting reverses the water flow to flush out the debris accumulated in the sand bed. Water flows from the bottom of the filter and out through the backwash outlet.

3. Rinse Setting: After backwashing, rinse setting clears out any remaining debris from the filter's sand bed. Water flows from top to bottom, allowing water to evenly distribute the sand bed for better filtration.

4. Waste Setting: Waste Setting is useful when the pool water contains dirt and leaves too big to go through the filter. The water bypasses the sand bed and flows out of the waste outlet.

5. Closed Setting: The closed setting turns off the water flow, disconnecting the filter from the pool or spa system.

Common Signs that Your Pentair Pool Filter Needs Backwashing

Without regular backwashing, your Pentair pool filter can clog up, leading to many problems. Here are four common signs that your Pentair pool filter needs backwashing.

1. Reduced Water Flow: The filter's sand bed collects debris and particles from the pool water, causing a significant reduction in water flow into the pool.

2. Hazy Pool Water: When the sand bed is full of debris and particles, it can no longer filter the water. As a result, the water becomes cloudy and hazy.

3. Murky Pool Water: If your pool water is murky and has no clarity, it's a sign that the filter's sand bed is clogged. The sand bed is no longer functioning as a filter, and you need to backwash the filter.

4. High Pressure Gauge Reading: A high-pressure gauge reading indicates a clogged filter. If the pressure gauge shows a reading above 10 PSI, then it may be time to backwash the filter.

How Often Do You Need to Backwash Your Pentair Pool Filter?

The frequency of backwashing your Pentair pool filter depends on many factors, including the frequency of pool use, debris levels, and the size of the pool. However, it's recommended that you backwash your filter at least once a week. Backwashing too often or too little can cause problems. If you're unsure, consult with a professional pool technician.

Troubleshooting Common Backwashing Problems

Backwashing your Pentair pool filter is an easy and straightforward task, but sometimes things might go wrong. Here are some common backwash problems and how to resolve them.

1. Water Leakage: If water is leaking from the backwash valve during backwashing, it could indicate a problem with the valve's "O" ring. Replace the "O" ring and check for proper installation.

2. Air Entering System: If air is entering the system during backwashing, the filter's "O" ring likely needs replacement. Check the "O" ring for any damages or signs of wear.

3. Dirty Sight Glass: If the sight glass isn't clearing after backwashing, it may be a sign the sand bed is worn out. Replace the filter sand and ensure that its level meets the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.

4. Pump Motor Shuts Off: A blocked circulation system can cause the pump motor to shut off during backwashing. Check the filter basket, skimmer, and pump strainer basket for damages or debris build-up. Clean them out accordingly.

Conclusion

Backwashing your Pentair pool filter helps to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of your pool. It's important to follow the proper backwashing procedure and control valve settings to avoid problems. By reviewing the five steps, benefits, control valve settings, common signs of a clogged filter, frequency of backwashing, and troubleshooting, you can ensure your pool is clean and operational all year round.