No matter how carefully you work to maintain the water quality in your swimming pool, the water will only stay clean and crystal clear if you backwash your sand pool filter regularly and correctly. But how often should you carry out this job, and how just do you do it?
Here's a simple guide to show you how.
How often should you backwash your sand pool filter?
You should backwash your sand swimming pool filter every couple of weeks in order to keep it clean and running to maximum efficiency. Make it a routine swimming pool maintenance task to check the pressure on the filter unit gauge. When the gauge shows that the pressure has risen by seven to 10 lbs, or when the water in the sight glass on the unit is dirty, it's time to backwash your filter.
How to backwash your swimming pool sand filter
During the backwash procedure, keep an eye on the water in the sight glass on the filter. When the water runs clean, the job is done. It's a simple job that doesn't take long and requires not special equipment.
- Begin by turning off your swimming pool pump.
- Adjust the MPV (multi-port valve) on the filter to the 'backwash' setting.
- Make sure that the backwash hose is fully laid out or the ball valve sited on the waste line is open.
- Switch the swimming pool pump back on and allow it to run for a few minutes.
- Turn the swimming pool pump off again.
- Set the MPV on the filter to the 'rinse' setting.
- Switch the swimming pool pump back on and leave it to run for a minute or so.
- Turn the swimming pool pump off again.
- Turn the MPV on the filter to the 'filtration' setting and switch the swimming pool pump back on.
- Shut the ball valve on the waste line, and roll up the backwash hose.
The filter backwash wastewater can be recycled and used to hydrate your lawn or garden, and your pool maintenance contractor will be able to fit a second backwash hose that runs directly into your garden for you if desired.
In conclusion
Backwashing your sand swimming pool filter is a quick and simple task that you should carry out as part of your regular pool maintenance routine. For further information on maintaining your sand filter, or other general pool maintenance aspects, contact your local swimming pool contractor.
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