how to set pool filter to waste

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

How to Set Pool Filter to Waste

Swimming pools require regular maintenance to ensure that the water is clean and safe for swimmers. One important aspect of pool maintenance is adequate filtration. Filters are responsible for removing debris, dirt, and other impurities from the pool water. Over time, filters can become clogged, decreasing their efficiency and causing problems with the pool's water quality. In this article, we will discuss how to set pool filter to waste in order to effectively clean and maintain your pool's filtration system.

Understanding Your Pool's Filtration System

Before you can set your pool filter to waste, it is important to have a basic understanding of how your pool's filtration system works. There are three types of pool filters: sand filters, cartridge filters, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters. All three types work by forcing the pool water through a filter media that traps impurities.

Sand filters are the most commonly used type of pool filter. They contain a bed of sand that filters the pool water as it passes through. Cartridge filters use a removable filter element made of polyester or other materials to capture debris. DE filters use a fine powder that coats a filter element, creating a high-efficiency filter media.

Traditional sand filters and cartridge filters have six positions on their multiport valves. These positions include filter, backwash, rinse, waste, recirculate, and closed. DE filters have a similar valve with the addition of a "flush" position.

Setting Your Pool Filter to Waste

To set your pool filter to waste, follow these simple steps:

Step One: Turn Off the Pool Pump

Before you can change your filter's valve position, make sure that your pool pump is turned off. This will ensure that no water is circulating through the system while you make the necessary changes.

Step Two: Move the Multiport Valve

Find the multiport valve or selector valve on your filter and rotate the handle to the waste position. This will cause water to bypass the filter media and instead be directed to the sewer or drain.

Step Three: Turn On the Pool Pump

Once you have moved the multiport valve to the waste position, turn on the pool pump. Water will now be forced out of the waste line and directed to the designated drain or sewer.

Step Four: Monitor the Water Level

While your filter is set to waste, you will need to monitor the water level in your pool. As water is being pumped out of the pool, the level will drop. If the water level drops too low, turn off your pool pump to prevent damage.

Step Five: Complete the Process

After circulating water through the waste line, rotate the valve back to the filter or rinse position. Then, turn on the pool pump, and you're all done!

Benefits of Setting Your Pool Filter to Waste

Setting your pool filter to waste on a regular basis has several benefits. Firstly, it removes organic debris that can cause water contamination and cloudiness. By getting rid of leaves, debris and other impurities, the filter can operate more efficiently, helping to extend the lifespan of your filter media.

Secondly, running your pool filter on waste mode can help reduce the level of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water. TDS refers to the amount of dissolved minerals and other solids in the water, which can cause scaling and cloudy water. Running your filter on waste mode helps to decrease the concentration of TDS, cleaning the water and making it more crystal-clear.

Thirdly, if your pool has algae growth, running the filter on waste mode can help clear it up. This is because the algae tend to settle at the bottom of the pool, and the vacuum caused by the waste mode will help to suck it up, removing it from the water.

Conclusion

Setting your pool filter to waste is an important part of pool maintenance. By doing this regularly, you can help keep your pool water clean and healthy, and avoid common problems such as cloudy water and scaling. If you're unsure of how to set your pool filter to waste, always consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact a professional pool service technician for guidance.