what is backwashing a pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

What Is Backwashing A Pool Filter? The Ultimate Guide

If you are a pool owner, then maintaining your pool water's hygiene is crucial. Unfortunately, swimming pools require thorough maintenance to keep it free from impurities, debris, and other contaminants that can damage it. One maintenance routine that every pool owner should know is backwashing. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about backwashing a pool filter, its importance, when to do it, and how to do it.

Importance of a pool filter

Before discussing backwashing, it's essential to understand the importance of a pool filter. A pool filter is a vital component in your pool's circulation system. It helps remove debris, dirt, leaves, and other particles that may contaminate your pool water. It ensures your pool stays clean and healthy by removing unwanted materials. Without a pool filter, the water will quickly become cloudy, swampy, and unusable.

What is backwashing a pool filter?

Backwashing is a cleaning technique that helps remove all the debris, dirt, and contaminants that are trapped in your pool filter. When water flows through the filter, debris, dirt, and particles are collected. Over time, these materials clog the filter, reducing its efficiency. Backwashing helps to dislodge and remove the trapped debris from your filter.

When to backwash your pool filter?

Now that you know what backwashing is, it’s essential to know when to do it. Your pool filter needs backwashing when the pressure gauge on the filter exceeds ten pounds above its standard reading. The pressure gauge gives information about the filter's pressure and how efficiently it is working. If the reading is high, it means the filter is dirty, and backwashing is necessary.

How often should you backwash your pool filter?

The frequency of backwashing your pool filter depends on your pool usage, filter size, and the type of filter you have. Generally, you should backwash your pool filter every two weeks or at least once a month. However, if your pool has high usage, you may need to backwash it more frequently. Large pools with small filters may also require frequent backwashing.

How to backwash a pool filter?

Backwashing a pool filter is a simple DIY process that you can do yourself. However, it's essential to read your filter's manual and follow the manufacturer's instructions. The following are the typical steps involved in backwashing a pool filter:

1. Turn off your pool pump

Before starting the backwashing process, turn off your pool pump to isolate the filter system.

2. Turn the multi-port valve to backwash mode

The multi-port valve controls the flow of water in and out of the filter. Turn the valve handle to backwash mode to reverse the water flow direction.

3. Turn on the pool pump

Turn on the pool pump to start the backwashing process.

4. Wait and watch

Observe the outflow water in the sight glass or wastewater outlet pipe. When wastewater overflow appears to be clear, it indicates that backwashing is complete.

5. Rinse

After the backwash is complete, switch the multi-port valve to rinse mode and run the water for about 30 seconds. Rinse mode helps to clean the filter and removes remaining debris.

6. Turn off the pump

Turn off the pool pump and switch the multi-port valve back to filter mode.

In conclusion, backwashing your pool filter is a vital maintenance routine that ensures your swimming pool stays clean and healthy. It's a simple DIY process that requires no professional assistance. However, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and understand your pool filter's needs. By backwashing your pool filter regularly, you can keep the water in your pool crystal clear and enjoyable for everyone.