DIY Help

Steps on How to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter

1. Turn off the pool pump.
2. Set the filter valve handle to the BACKWASH position and ensure the handle locks in place.
3. Turn on the pump and backwash for 3 minutes or until the water in the sight glass (located on the filter) is running clear.
4. Turn Off the Pump.
5. Set the filter valve handle to the RINSE position and ensure the handle locks in place.
6. Turn on the pump and run the rinse process for 1 minute or until the water in the sight glass is clear.
7. Turn Off the Pump.
8. Reset the Filter Valve to Filter and ensure the handle locks into place.
9. Turn On the Pump.

How Often to Backwash a Pool Sand Filter

You should backwash and rinse your filter about once a month.

The optimal time is right after you vacuum the pool. However, if your pool has had a lot more use than normal, it may be necessary to backwash twice a month.

But, you can also tell when it is time for a backwash by checking the sand filter system’s pressure gauge. Normal operating pressures are between 50 and 75Kpa (kilopascal). When the sand gets dirty and clogged up, however, the pressure reading rises. If the Kpa pressure on the gauge is showing north of 100Kpa, it’s time to backwash your filter.

A Few Important Backwashing Tips

• The one downside of sand filter backwashing is that, because water is expelled from the system and sent into waste, is that it…well…wastes water. While this is unavoidable, the key to not overdoing the backwash process and flushing out more water than strictly necessary is to keep a careful eye on the colour and quality of the water in the sight glass.

• Don’t backwash more than necessary, or for longer than necessary. Sand filter systems operate most efficiently during the middle of the filtration cycle. Too much or to frequent backwashing actually reduces the sand filter’s efficiency.

• Because backwashing inevitably washes out some of the sand along with the dirt and debris, from time to time it will be necessary to top up the amount of sand in the filter.

• Always turn off the pump before you either mover or reset the filter valve setting. If you do, you’re going to damage, and maybe destroy the Pool Sand Filter Multi Port Valve or the Tank.