how to backflush a sand pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How to Backflush a Sand Pool Filter: Keep Your Pool Clean and Clear

A sand pool filter is an essential part of keeping your pool clean and clear. It removes all the dirt, debris, and impurities that gather in the water. However, over time, this filter becomes clogged and less efficient. If you don't clean it properly, it can damage your pump and reduce the overall health of your pool. Therefore, it is necessary to know how to backflush your sand pool filter to keep your pool running smoothly. This article covers everything you need to know about how to backflush a sand pool filter.

1. What is Backflushing?

Backflushing a sand pool filter is the process of reversing the flow of water to remove the debris that is trapped inside the filter. When you backflush the filter, water is pushed back through the sand bed, releasing all the contaminants that have built up inside. As a result, your filter can capture more pollutants, and your pool water will look cleaner and clearer.

2. When Should You Backflush Your Sand Pool Filter?

It is recommended that you backflush your sand pool filter every month or so. However, the frequency depends on how often you use your pool and how dirty it gets. If you notice the water is cloudy or there is a decrease in water flow, it is an indication that your filter needs to be backflushed.

3. How to Backflush a Sand Pool Filter?

Here are the steps to backwash your sand pool filter:

Step 1: Turn off the pump

Firstly, turn off the pool pump to start the backflushing process. This will prevent any contaminants from re-entering the pool.

Step 2: Turn on the backwash valve

Locate the multiport valve connected to the sand pool filter and turn it to the backwash position. This will allow water to flow backward through the filter.

Step 3: Turn on the pump

Turn on the pool pump and allow it to run for 2 to 3 minutes. As the water flows through the filter, it will carry away the debris and pollutants caught inside.

Step 4: Check the sight glass

Watch the sight glass (if your filter has one) for any debris that is discharged from the filter.

Step 5: Rinse the filter

After backflushing the sand pool filter, turn off the pump and turn the multiport valve to the rinse position. Rinse for 1-2 minutes to ensure that any trapped debris is fully removed from the filter.

Step 6: Return to filter position

Turn off the pump once again and return the multiport valve to the filter position according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Can You Over Backwash a Sand Pool Filter?

Excessive backwashing of a sand pool filter can damage not only the pool filter but also the pool pump. Backwashing for too long can cause the sand in the pool filter to shift and become clogged, leading to a decrease in filtration efficiency. Therefore, keep to the manufacturer's instructions on backwashing frequency and duration.

5. Conclusion

In summary, a sand pool filter is vital in keeping your pool clean and healthy. Backwashing is a critical procedure to maintain your sand pool filter's efficiency. By following the steps outlined above to backwash your sand pool filter, you can keep your pool crystal clear and healthy for everyone to enjoy. Remember to backwash your sand pool filter every month, keeping it in top condition.