In order to keep your pool clean, it is necessary that you ensure the filter is free from dirt and well-maintained. This will not just improve the quality of water but will also make the entire pool system work more efficiently.
To keep the filter in good working condition, you need to regularly check its pressure gauge since this indicates when it needs to be cleaned – a process called ‘backwashing’. But before you go about cleaning the filter, you need to have a basic knowledge about its various settings and functions.
Filter Settings
You will generally find these six settings in a pool filter.
- Filter: This is the basic filter setting of the system and is also used to vacuum the pool
- Rinse: This cleans the water filled inside the filter tank.
- Circulate/Bypass/Recirculate: This setting is used when you need to return the water back into the pool without making it go through the filter.
- Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter.
- Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter.
- Closed: if you choose this setting, then the flow of water to the pool and filter will be stopped. Make sure that you have turned off the pump before you set this option.
How to Backwash a Pool Filter
Over time, the pool filter will be clogged by various waste elements which will impede its ability to perform optimally. To clean out such debris, the backwashing setting has to be implemented. To perform backwashing on your filter, follow the steps below.
- First, ensure that the power to the system has been shut down.
- Now, move the Multi-Port Valve Handle in a way that it sits on the ‘Backwash’ option.
- Once done, switch on the system.
- You will now hear the water in the filter churning over, which will eventually run down the waste pipe. After about 2 minutes, you will see that color of the water draining out has changed from murky to clear. And when that happens, switch off the power to the system.
- Next, change the position of the Multi-Port Valve Handle to the ‘Rinse’ position.
- Turn the power back on and run on this setting for about a minute. The filter will now be filled with clean water.
- Now, switch off the power and move the Multi-Port Valve Handle to the ‘filter’ position.
- Finally, turn power back on to finish the backwashing procedure.
You need to ensure that the filter media is changed at the right times as per specifications, which is usually once every 5 years for the sand media and 10 years for glass. However, you may have to replace the filter sooner depending on the filtration process. Cartridge filters should have the filter element replaced around every 18 months.
So, follow the steps outlined above and your pool filter will remain clean and without any issues. If you face problems while trying to backwash, don’t hesitate to get the help of a certified pool expert.
We at Poolside North Shore help people fix their pool problems every day, give us a call on 0800 800 744 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions!