How to Properly BACKWASH A SAND FILTER

TRICKS OF THE TRADE FROM A FORMER POOL SERVICE PROFESSIONAL

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 5 MINUTES

1. A sand filter will need backwashing after the pressure has increased just 5# higher than the "clean and just backwashed" operating pressure.

2. Raise the water level if it's low. Turn off the pump and clean the pump basket

3. Roll out the backwash hose if required and turn the filter control valve to "BACKWASH"

4. Turn the pump back on and pump out dirty water until it runs CLEAR...then Turn off the pump.

5. Set the control valve to "Bypass" and turn the pump on for 5-8 seconds.
   Again turn off the pump.

6. Turn the valve again back to "BACKWASH" and turn on the pump. You again will get more dirt out of the filter. Run until backwash water turns clear.
   Turn off pump

7. Repeat this step several times until the backwash water runs clear right away.

8. Turn off pump, turn valve to "FILTER" and you're done.

Tips & Warnings

• Take note of the clean and backwashed pressure. Filter sand needs to be changed when this backwash process and constant filtering no longer gets the water crystal clear! Enjoy! jim
• Always turn off the pump before changing the valve position or you will likely damage the valve

[tylermac1927]

on 5/29/2009 i have a hayward gm series 140 ab sand filter, it does not have "bypass" on it it has filter, backwash,drain, and reciculate on it, my pressure builds up over 14 psi every 12 hours or so after backwashwashing which the pressure reads 3-5 psi and the return to the pool has great force! do you think i have bad sand or "dirty" sand because this filter is quite old and i dont believe it has ever been changed.