How to Troubleshoot the Backwashing of Swimming Pools

Keep your pool clear with a properly backwashing filter.

Swimming pool filters are used to constantly clean pool water of debris and other contaminates. Over time, debris builds up in the filter. You need to backwash the filter when enough debris has accumulated--usually once a week. Backwashing is the process by which the filter cleans its sand. Water passes through the filter's sand and has impurities removed. Backwashing a filter thoroughly cleans debris out of the sand and pushes it out of the backwash line. The backwashing process is sometimes hampered by simple problems such as clogged pool lines.

Things You'll Need

• Filter with dial valve

Instructions

1. Turn the pool pump and motor off. Ensure the dial valve on the top of the pool filter is firmly seated into place and not hung up or off center. Press down firmly on the dial valve and rotate it through all of the filter's settings and then to backwash.

2. Unscrew the sight glass on the side of the filter while the motor and filter are off. Clean out any debris around the sight glass and sight glass hole.

3. Check the filter's pressure gauge while the pool is running. Little to no pressure indicates a clogged line. High pressure is normal if the filter has not been backwashed in some time.

4. Clean the backwash line to remove any debris that may be hampering the backwash process. Remove the backwash hose and inspect the backwash hole in the filter for any clogs.

Tips & Warnings

• When changing the dial valve settings, always have the pool equipment turned off to prevent damage to the filter.

• If you still have trouble with your filter not backwashing properly, contact your local pool professional for an in-depth analysis of your filter.

References

• Pool Center: Filter Info