Backwashing
SAND FILTER - Generally backwashing is required weekly. Most sand
filters have a six position multiport valve. Always shut the power
off when turning the handle. Turn the handle. Turn the handle to
backwash and turn the power on until the water looks clear in the
sight glass. Turn the handle to rinse for one minute. Turn the
filter back on filter position. Pressure should be back to normal.
PERFLEX DE FILTER - Generally backwashing is needed every three
to four weeks under normal conditions and much more if the pool is
dirty. Shut the power off, open the air relief valve on the top of
the tank, bump the filter eight to ten times, open the valve at the
bottom of the tank if you have one or remove the plug, let the dirty
water and DE Powder run out. Close the valve and air relief, start
the filter for a couple minutes, shut the filter off and repeat the
process a couple times. Once done, add the required amount of DE
Powder to the skimmer with the filter on.
VERTICAL GRID DE FILTER - Generally backwashing is needed every
four to six weeks under normal conditions. Follow instructions for a
sand filter but only rinse for 15 seconds and repeat the process
three times. Once done, add the required amount of DE Powder to the
skimmer with the filter on.
MODULAR MEDIA OR CARTRIDGE FILTERS - No backwashing is necessary.
These filters have a tremendous amount of filter area. Usually these
filters can go all season without cleaning. At times, with
excessively dirty water, excessively high pollen for prolonged
periods of time, or with man's best friend shedding fur during his
doggy swims, it is necessary to take the filter apart and hose it
down. Always remember to drain the tank prior to hosing it down.
FAMILY POOLS & PATIOS, INC. RECOMMENDS THAT ALL DE & CARTRIDGE
FILTERS BE ACID WASHED YEARLY. You may wash them yourself with Clear
Comfort Filter Cleaner or bring them into us. FALL is a better time
for cleaning than Spring because the the dirt is not so ground in.
You just need to bring the inside elements in not the whole tank.
We strongly recommend that you vacuum on "waste" position or with
your tank valve open early in the Spring if your pool is filthy so
you are not putting all that algae and debris into your filter where
it has the potential to blow back into the pool. You will have to
add water to your pool in order to vacuum this way but it is usually
worth it. Please ask us for directions on your particular type of
filter if you are unsure how to vacuum this way and feel as though
you may need to.
A good cleaning today . . . could keep the pool doctor away!
if your circulation is slow and
sluggish, backwash
if your pool heater or chlorine
generator reads "low flow", backwash
if your vacuum has poor suction,
backwash
if your pump fills up with air and your
water appears to have stopped flowing, backwash
For more detailed information about backwashing,
you can read more about it here.
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