Backwashing
Reversing water flow through a sand or DE filter to flush trapped debris to waste.
Definition
Backwashing is the process of reversing water flow through a sand or DE filter to dislodge and flush accumulated debris. It is initiated when the filter pressure gauge reads 8–10 psi above the clean baseline. The multiport valve is turned to "Backwash," the pump is run until water runs clear (typically 2–5 minutes), then switched to "Rinse" for 30–60 seconds to reseat the sand before returning to "Filter." Backwashing removes water from the pool — factor this into water level management. DE filters require adding fresh DE powder after backwashing to recharged the filter grids.
Quick Facts
- Ideal Range
- N/A (triggered at 8–10 psi over baseline)
- Also Known As
- backwash, filter backwash, backwashing
Relationships
Outgoing Relationships
- maintained by → Sand Filter
- maintained by → DE Filter
- related to → Filtration
Incoming Relationships
- maintained by ← Pool Pump
- requires ← Sand Filter
- requires ← DE Filter