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Complete Guide: Backwash a Media Filter

 

1. Turn Off the Pump

  • Always switch off the pump to avoid damaging the filter system when changing valve settings.

2. Set the Valve to ‘Backwash’

  • Locate the multiport valve on the filter.
  • Turn the handle to the ‘Backwash’ position. Make sure it's securely in place:
    • There are three pipes coming out of the filter: two on the left for filtration (in/out) and one on the right side for the backwash line where water is directed through the filter and out to the sewer instead of back into the pool,
    • If you're not familiar with equipment, follow the single backwash (waste) line and check to see if you have a valve on that pipe (in rare instances, pool companies install a "two way valve" because a gasket that is no longer made has worn down inside the filter's "multiport valve", leading to water slowly leaking to the sewer when it's doing its normal filtration,
      • If there is, it will be closed, so rotate it 90 degrees to open it.

3. Turn On the Pump (2-3m)

  • Turn the pump back on and monitor the filter's sight glass (if available, there will be a little glass cylinder coming out of the filter which lets you see the dirty water slowly turn clear)
  • Allow it to run until it becomes clear. If it doesn't have a sight glass, just run it for the recommended 2-3 minutes.

4. Turn Off the Pump

  • It's critical to avoid turning the handle while the pump's running.

5. Set the Valve to ‘Rinse’

  • Move the valve to the ‘Rinse’ position. This step helps realign the media and flush out any remaining debris. Ensure the handle is in place.

6. Turn On the Pump (30s)

  • Start the pump and let it run for about 30 seconds to a minute.
  • Observe the sight glass or waste outlet to ensure the water is clean.

7. Turn the Pump Off and Return to Filter

  • Turn the pump off and set the valve back to the ‘Filter/Filtration’ position.
  • Make sure the valve handle is securely in place.

8. Start the System

  • Turn the pump back on.
  • Check the filter pressure gauge. The pressure should lower to 70kpa (10psi), however this figure will drastically vary depending on your system.
  • If the pressure remains high, the media might need replacement or the filter might require chemical cleaning.

Summary

  • Don't move the filter handle while the pump's on,
  • "Backwash" for 2-3 minutes, "Rinse" for 30 seconds.
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