how often to backwash pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How Often to Backwash Pool Filter

Swimming pools are the perfect “go-to” spot for people to relax, have fun and cool off during hot summer days. However, if you’re an owner of a swimming pool, upkeep and maintenance ought to be a top priority. Especially when it comes to keeping your pool clean and hygienic, an important factor is the pool filter. The pool filter plays a crucial role in keeping the pool water clean and safe for swimming. If a pool filter is not regularly cleaned, its efficiency will decrease, which can cause bigger problems in the future. Backwashing is an essential step to maintain a clean and healthy swimming pool. In this article, we’ll discuss how often to backwash pool filters, what factors affect backwashing frequency, and how to properly backwash.

How Pool Filters Work

Before we dive into how often to backwash pool filters, it’s important to understand how pool filters work. Pool filters work to remove dirt and debris that can range from large objects like leaves to microscopic ones such as bacteria. The pool water flows into the filter, where the dirt particles are captured by the filter medium. The filtered water then flows back into the pool, clean and free of debris.

Types of Filters

There are three types of pool filters - sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. Each filter works in a different way, but all three are designed to remove particles from the pool water. The type of filter you have is important when considering how often to backwash

Factors Affecting Backwashing Frequency

Several factors affect the frequency at which you should backwash your pool filter. Some of these factors are:

1. Pool Usage: The frequency of pool use plays a significant role in the frequency of pool filter backwashing. The more people swimming in the pool, the more dirt and debris will accumulate in the filter, requiring more frequent backwashing.

2. Environmental Factors: The type and amount of vegetation around the pool area, as well as weather patterns, will impact how often you should backwash your pool filter. For instance, if your pool is surrounded by trees or bushes, you will need to backwash more frequently to remove organic debris.

3. Water Quality: Hard water will result in a faster accumulation of buildup on the filter, requiring more frequent backwashing.

4. Filter Type: As previously mentioned, there are different types of pool filters, and each filter type has a recommended backwashing frequency.

5. Condition of the Filter: The overall condition of the filter, including the age of the filter medium or the presence of any rips, tears or holes, will also affect how often to backwash.

How Often to Backwash Pool Filters

Sand Filters: Sand filters are considered to be the easiest type of filter to use and maintain. It is recommended to backwash sand filters every two weeks, or when the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above the standard pressure.

Cartridge Filters: Cartridge filters are low-maintenance filters that are easy to clean. It is recommended to backwash a cartridge filter once a month, or when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above standard pressure.

DE Filters: DE filters are high-maintenance filters that require frequent cleaning. It is recommended to backwash a DE filter when the pressure gauge reads 10 psi above the standard pressure.

How to Backwash Your Filter

Backwashing is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to backwash your pool filter:

1. Shut off the pump and turn the valve to the backwash setting.

2. Turn on the pump and run it for about two minutes, or until the water in the sight glass is clear.

3. Shut off the pump and turn the valve to the rinse setting.

4. Turn on the pump and run it for about 30 seconds.

5. Shut off the pump and turn the valve to the filter position.

6. Turn on the pump and resume normal pool filtration.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy pool requires regular cleaning and maintenance, and backwashing is an essential part of that. The frequency of backwashing varies depending on pool usage, environmental factors, water quality, filter type, and the condition of the filter. It’s important to know how often to backwash pool filters to ensure that your pool stays clean and healthy. By following the recommended backwashing frequency and properly backwashing, you can enjoy a crystal clear pool all season long.