how to backwash an inground pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Keeping an inground pool clean and healthy requires regular maintenance, and backwashing your pool filter is an essential part of that process. Backwashing your pool filter removes the accumulated debris and dirt that your filter has captured, which can help extend the life of your filter and keep your pool water clear and clean.

If you're new to pool maintenance or need a refresher on how to backwash your inground pool filter, keep reading. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

1. What does it mean to backwash a pool filter?

Before we dive into the details of how to backwash your pool filter, it's helpful to understand what the process entails. When you backwash your pool filter, you are reversing the flow of water through the filter, which helps to remove the debris that has accumulated over time. The dirty water is then sent out through a waste line or drain, rather than back into the pool.

2. When should you backwash your pool filter?

While there is no hard and fast rule for how often you should backwash your pool filter, experts generally recommend doing so when the filter pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi over its starting pressure. This means that the filter is starting to become clogged and is no longer effectively filtering the water.

3. How to backwash your pool filter

Step 1: Turn off the pump. Before you begin the backwashing process, turn off your pool pump to prevent damage to the equipment.

Step 2: Turn your valve to the "backwash" position. Next, turn the valve on your pool filter to the "backwash" position. This will cause the water to flow backward through the filter and out the waste line.

Step 3: Turn on the pump. Once your valve is in the backwash position, you can turn your pool pump back on. After a few minutes, you should see dirty water flowing out of the waste line.

Step 4: Wait until the water runs clear. Continue running the pump until the water flowing out of the waste line becomes clear. This usually takes around 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Turn off the pump and rinse the filter. Once the water is running clear, turn off your pump and turn the valve to the "rinse" position. This will flush out any remaining debris and dirt from the filter.

Step 6: Turn on the pump and rinse for one minute. Finally, turn your pump back on and rinse the filter for another minute or so to ensure that all the debris has been removed.

4. Tips for backwashing your pool filter

To make the backwashing process as efficient as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

- Backwash your filter during the warmest part of the day to help dislodge any debris that may be sticking to the filter.

- If your pool is particularly dirty, you may need to backwash your filter multiple times to get it completely clean.

- Check your filter manufacturer's instructions before backwashing, as the process may vary slightly depending on the type of filter you have.

5. Conclusion

Backwashing your pool filter is an essential part of pool maintenance, and with the right technique, it's a relatively easy task. By following these steps and keeping our tips in mind, you can keep your inground pool sparkling clean and healthy for years to come.