what does it mean to backwash pool filter

What Does it Mean to Backwash Your Pool Filter?

Keeping your pool clean and clear of algae, debris, and bacteria is essential to ensure that it remains safe and inviting for everyone who wants to take a dip. This is where pool filters come in, as they play a crucial role in keeping the water crystal clear, prolonging its lifespan, and ensuring that it remains free of harmful elements. However, for filters to function optimally and efficiently, they require frequent cleaning and maintenance, and one of the most crucial processes to achieve this is backwashing.

Without this process, your filter can become clogged, making it difficult for water to flow through it properly, which can lead to a plethora of issues, such as cloudy water, reduced circulation and pressure, contaminated pool water, or even equipment failure. Therefore, in this article, we will explore what backwashing your pool filter means, how it works, and why you should make it a part of your regular pool maintenance routine.

What is Backwashing, and How Does it Work?

Simply put, backwashing is the process of reversing the flow of water through your pool filter, flushing out any accumulated dirt, debris, and contaminants that have been trapped in the filter media. It's like emptying and cleaning out your vacuum cleaner's dustbin after it has sucked in massive amounts of dirt and dust for an extended period. Similarly, your pool filter cartridge or sand bed traps and removes debris and impurities from your pool water as it circulates through it.

Over time, however, these particles can build up, affecting the filter's efficiency and reducing its ability to keep your pool clean. When the pressure gauge on your filter rises, it's a sign that you need to backwash. The backwash process involves changing the direction of the water flow in your filtration system, reversing the normal flow path of the water back through the filter, and out of the waste line.

As the water flows in reverse, it dislodges and washes away any trapped particles, dirt, and debris that hindered your filter's function, discharging them directly out of the waste pipe. The amount of time and water used to backwash your filter depends on its type, size, and degree of dirt accumulation. However, typically, it takes about 3-5 minutes to backwash a cartridge filter and 2-3 minutes for a sand filter. Ultimately, backwashing reduces the pump strain and extends the filter's lifespan.

What are the Benefits of Backwashing Your Pool Filter?

Backwashing your pool filter has numerous benefits, as it helps to:

1. Keep your pool water clear: Backwashing the filter allows it to remove trapped debris and particulate that has been preventing your filter's ideal function. By unclogging your filter, your pool filter will subsequently perform better and accomplish clearer, cleaner water.

2. Improve water circulation and pressure: A well-maintained filter results in optimal water pressure and clear water by allowing for proper water filtration.

3. Lower the need for chemicals, saving you money: With clean water, you'll require fewer chemicals to keep it clear and inviting, saving you money.

4. Extend your pool equipment’s lifespan: Backwashing your pool filter is one of the essential pool maintenance steps that can prolong the life of your pool equipment like the pump and piping system.

5. Aids in Algae Control: Backwashing can also help reduce the risk of algae by making sure the water is clear and debris-free, thus preventing their occurrence in the first place.

When Should You Backwash Your Pool Filter?

While backwashing your pool filter is vastly beneficial, it would help if you didn't do it too frequently. Over-backwashing your pool filter can cause your pool's water chemistry to remain unstable and can also damage your filter's cartridge or sand bed.

To determine the best time to backwash your filter, you must regularly check your pressure gauge reading and record it. Backwash when the pressure gauge reading is around 8-10 PSI above the recommended pressure for your filter. It can be different for different pools and types of filters. Typically, you should backwash your filter every six weeks, but the frequency can change depending on whether a storm recently caused massive water inflow or other environmental factors that can change the pool's water content.

How Do You Backwash Your Pool Filter?

To backwash your pool filter, you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pump: Before you start backwashing, turn off the pool pump.

2. Turn the control valve: Depending on the pool filter's size, locate and turn the control valve to the backwash position.

3. Turn on the pump: Once the control valve is on the correct position, turn on the pool pump.

4. Turn the waste valve: Turn the waste valve or move the backwash selector switch to "on."

5. Allow water to flow: The water should begin flowing out of the waste pipe.

6. Wait: Allow more water to flow through the filter for about 2-3 minutes or until the water runs clear through the waste pipe.

7. Return control valve to filter position: Turn off the pump, return the control valve to the filter position, and then turn on the pool pump.

Conclusion

Backwashing is a simple and easy process that helps keep your pool filter functioning the way it should. It saves time, helps maintain the clarity and cleanliness of your pool water, improves pressure and circulation, lessens chemical usage, and prolongs your pool equipment's lifespan. By following these simple steps and making backwashing a regular part of your pool maintenance routine, you'll be able to enjoy a clean and refreshing pool all summer long.