how to backwash sand pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How to Backwash Sand Pool Filter: A Comprehensive Guide to Clean Your Pool

Maintaining a clean pool is a necessity for all pool owners. Part of that maintenance involves cleaning the pool filter. Sand filters, in particular, require backwashing to keep them clean and functioning properly. If you're a new pool owner or just unfamiliar with the process, backwashing can seem intimidating, but it's actually quite simple. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to backwash your sand pool filter.

Why Backwash Your Sand Pool Filter?

The sand pool filter is responsible for cleaning out debris, bugs, and even microscopic contaminants such as oils and lotions from the pool water. Over time, the filter becomes clogged with all of these things, which makes it less effective. This is where backwashing comes in. Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water through the filter to flush out all the contaminants that have collected in the sand. This keeps your filter running at peak efficiency, ensuring your pool stays crystal clear, and safe to swim in.

When it's Time to Backwash Your Sand Pool Filter

It's not a good idea to backwash your filter too often, as this can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the system. However, it's equally important not to let too much debris accumulate in the filter. The general rule of thumb is to backwash every time the system gains 8-10 PSI of pressure (pounds per square inch) from the initial reading on the gauge. This gauge is located on the filter system and is used to tell when the pool filter needs cleaning.

How to Backwash Your Sand Pool Filter

Now that you know why and when to backwash your sand filter, let's dive into the step-by-step process:

1. Turn off the pool pump - this is the first and most important step for your safety. Never attempt to backwash your sand pool filter while the pump is still running.

2. Switch the filter valve to 'backwash'. The filter's multiport valve is typically located on top of the filter tank. This valve route's water in different directions, including backwashing. Locate the valve and switch it to the 'backwash' position.

3. Turn the pool pump back on - with the valve switched to backwash, turn the pool pump back on. The water will now travel in the opposite direction through the sand, flushing out all the debris, and sending it out through the waste pipe. You'll notice that the water coming out of the backwash pipe is dirty, at first. As the water runs, it should start to get clearer.

4. Wait - let the system run for 2-3 minutes, or until the water coming out of the backwash pipe runs clear.

5. Turn off the pool pump - once the water runs clear, it's time to turn off the pool pump again.

6. Set the filter valve to 'rinse.' Before resuming filter normal operation, you need to rinse the sand to remove any trapped contaminants.

7. Turn the pool pump back on - with the valve switched to ‘rinse,' turn the pump back on for about 30 seconds. This rinse cycle will help clear out any leftover debris.

8. Turn off the pump - now that the sand filter has been back washed, the final step is to turn the pump off altogether.

In Conclusion

Backwashing a sand pool filter is a critical aspect of maintaining pool cleanliness. Follow the step-by-step guide above, and you'll be an expert in no time. By keeping a regular backwashing routine, you can ensure the long-term health of your pool filter system and enjoy crystal clear water all season long.