How to backwash your swimming pool
Why should you backwash your sand filter?
Backwashing is the process that cleans the scum and debris that your filter traps during it’s filter cycle. It is necessary to keep your sand clean to allow for proper water flow and keep your swimming pool clear. The flow of water is reversed from regular circulation to clean the sand.
Step 1
Turn off your swimming pool pump at the D.B (Distribution Board) by switching the breaker off.
Step 2
Move the handle either on top or on the side of your filter to the Backwash setting. (To move the handle, push down and rotate the handle slowly clockwise to the backwash position.)
Step 3
Turn the swimming pool pump back on and water should flow out of the backwash pipe. Allow this to continue for 2-5 minutes. Most filters have a little sight glass that allows you to see the water as it leaves the filter. Keep your eye on this. When you start backwashing, the water should be cloudy and murky. When the water runs clean and clear, you are done backwashing. Turn the swimming pool pump off again.
Step 4
Then, press the handle down and rotate it clockwise to the Rinse position. Turn the swimming pool pump on again and allow this to occur for about 30 seconds. This process settles the sand back down in your swimming pool sand filter so that you do not get any filter sand back into your pool and allows for proper filtration.
Step 5
Again, turn your swimming pool pump off. Press the handle back down and rotate clockwise back to the original filter position. Turn your pool pump back on and the swimming pool should return to normal filtration mode. The pressure on the pressure gauge attached to your filter should go down. Most swimming pool sand filters operate between 10 and 25 psi. When you are finished backwashing, the pressure that reads at that moment is you’re “Normal Operating Pressure”. Backwash when this number goes up 10 psi above “Normal Operating Pressure” or 1 week has passed.