- [Narrator] How often should you backwash your filter?
Knowing when to clean your sand or DE filter
is critical to keeping your pool clean and clear.
So here are a few simple rules when to backwash your filter,
and when not to, check it out.
(upbeat music)
(water splashing)
So first, what is backwashing?
If you have a sand filter,
or a diatomaceous earth or DE filter,
back washing is the process of reversing the flow
of pool water through your filter.
If you have a cartridge filter,
you do not need to backwash it all.
Over time as your filter runs,
the filter medium will become clogged,
and when you backwash your filter
it forces all the debris and dirt
caught in the media in your filter to dislodge
and the it's flushed out through your waste or drain cord.
So, how often should you back wash your filter?
Well, it depends on how much you use your pool,
how often debris gets in your pool
and what type of filtration system you have.
But there are a few rules
for when it's definitely time to backwash your filter.
Rule number one,
backwash when your pressure reads 10 PSI above normal.
If your pressure gauge is 10 PSI or pounds per square inch,
over your normal operating pressure, it's time to backwash.
A high pressure reading means
that your filter has accumulated enough dirt and debris
to prevent water from flowing freely through it.
How do you know what's your normal pressure?
Well, right after you backwash your filter,
take note of the pressure gauge.
In most cases, it should read between about 10 and 15 PSI.
That's your baseline.
If your normal filter performance is 11 PSI,
and you notice your pressure gauge reading 21 PSI,
it's probably time to backwash.
Now, just keep in mind that as the sand in your filter ages,
the pressure in your filter may increase regardless
of how many times or how long you backwash.
And be sure that your pressure gauge
is in proper working condition,
but even if it's not, here are a few other telltale signs
that it's time for a good old backwashing.
Rule number two, backwash when the water flow is low.
If you're pump and filter are running
and you notice that the water is not flowing strongly
through your return jets and into your pool,
it may be time to backwash your filter.
Simply put your hand over the return jets to feel
if the water is flowing appropriately.
If the water flow is weak, it might be time to backwash.
Rule number three, backwash when your water is cloudy.
Cloudy water may be a sign that your filter media is dirty
or that it can't catch all the dirt and debris
before they flow back into your pool.
However, there are definitely other culprits
that cloudy pools,
so be sure to check out our other video
on how to clear up your cloudy pool water.
Rule number four, backwash after a heavy rain
or lots of debris have gotten into your pool.
If a large amount of dirt
and debris gets into your pool water,
like after a big rainstorm,
you'll need to backwash after clearing out that debris
with a skimmer net and manual vacuum
or after shocking your pool water.
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Rule number five, backwash your DE filter
if it's been running nonstop.
If your DE filter has been running
for 48 hours straight or more,
that DE will start to settle into your filter grid.
And this can cause pressure to build up
even if your filter grids are clean.
Remember, you'll also need to replace your DE filter
with fresh clean DE after backwashing.
Okay, so backwashing is an important part
of basic pool care,
but overdoing it is a common pool maintenance mistake.
So, when should you not backwash your filter?
Weirdly enough, a little debris in your filter
is actually a good thing.
Extra debris caught in your filter
helps to trap finer particles.
Backwashing too often can stir up the sand
and allow small particles to pass through the filter
and back into your pool.
But, once the buildup raises your pressure reading
around 10 PSI over your baseline,
there's a little too much debris in there.
Also, if your pool has an algae problem,
you'll probably need to bypass your filter entirely
and vacuum to waste.
Algae can easily pass through your filter medium,
and re-enter your pool.
So instead of vacuuming your pool
and then backwashing it each time,
it may be better to vacuum directly to waste
and then send that vacuumed water directly down the drain.
Now, some people suggest back washing your filter
once a week during the pool season,
but that's not totally necessary.
And really it's just a trick
to help you remember to do it regularly.
Backwashing means you lose a lot of water
so just remember a little debris in the filter
isn't a bad thing.
And be sure to check out our other video
that walks you through the entire step-by-step process
on how to backwash your filter.
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to cover in a future video,
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if you found this video helpful.
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That's it, thanks again and happy swimming.