How To: Backwash a Pool Sand Filter

[@seniorhazard]

Great video, but after rinsing, you should verify the PSI has returned to normal levels, not "dropped 8-10 PSI," as stated in the video.

[@elbanehfgh]

Hi, how about the skimmer valve and main drain valve? Do I have to close one of those valves?

[@Inyopools]

It is not necessary to close those valves if the filter is above the pool's waterline. Use the filter's air relief to depressurize the tank; this also makes the pump lose its prime, letting water recede back to your pool. To make start up easier after you're done with the valve, prime your pump with a garden hose.

[@Michaelzeiss]

Hi there, great video! Tell me if this idea works. For the past 5 years I've been backwashing once per week just like you said. In the city that I live in, the government has imposed extra taxes and charges for wastewater and also the "Stormwater" tax on all home owners. My water bill is now $700 extra from April - October each year. My idea is catching ALL the backwashed water in a very large clean drum. As the backwash water enters the drum, I have a filter to catch all the debris and algae. I let the water stand for 8 hours and let all the remaining impurities either settle to the bottom or float to the top and then have a hose introduce the "clean" backwashed water into the pool. Do you think this is feasible? As the pool starts up again in filtration mode, the cycle starts over again. Will this cause any problems to the filter and pump? Obviously I would monitor my chemistry very carefully and adjust accordingly. Let me know what you think? Thank you very much.

[@Inyopools]

It could be feasible; we have never seen it done before but with trial and error you could get it done. Let us know how it works out for you because it is a very inventive way to get around those crazy water bills.

[@Slam54102]

Thanks! The indoor pools I work also have two pipes with levers that need to be set in a certain direction before I do this... any idea on which ways they go?

[@Inyopools]

We don't know how to set them for your desired water flow, as plumbing can be set up in many different ways. If you can, I suggest asking a maintenance person or the homeowner before you start turning unknown levers. You could close or open something at the wrong time causing a messy issue.

[@Slam54102]

Thanks! What’s the process if it’s a larger pool? I’ve noticed some have anywhere from 2-8+ sand filters, especially the community pools. What’s the process here? Set all filters on backwash, one at a time, etc?

[@akoww1000]

thanks for this video, we only had our above ground pool for two months now and the company that sold it to us and showed us how to use the filter system didn't show us the right way to to backwash the sand filter :/ our pool water started to turn green two weeks ago and after calling the company they told me the same thing on how to run it " just they didn't tell me to turn back on the filter when backwashing" but they said i should be cleaning the sides and bottom of the pool with a pool brush and then vacum it before backwashing. none of it helped . once i found this video and did the backwash the right way, it dumped out a lot of alge . my pool is now starting to clear up after a few days. thanks so much

[@akoww1000]

oh and i sub :P i'll learn more from you guys then i will the company i bought my pool from lol

[@Inyopools]

We're glad we could help. Let us know if you have any other questions.

[@kerri-annbell8876]

This really helped, Thank you

[@charlenecampbell1012]

The person that hooked my new sand pump up gave me these directions but left out the part about cutting the pump on and off between switching settings. I have been doing it wrong for weeks now. How do I know if my pump is tore up!? I have been leaving the pump on while switching through all the settings 😱

[@jtpump]

Very helpful video. My flow didn’t seem to have good draw and salt flow generator flow sensor turning on. Backwashing solved my problem.

[@ericfreund3496]

Thank You.

[@e.g.steadman8831]

The video does not tell you if your skimmer valves, return line and main are closed or open

[@dumpsterdivingqponqueen9499]

When I turn my pump off water stays full in pump basket is this normal

[@Inyopools]

It is normal for a pump to stay full of water. The pump is holding its prime.

[@Inyopools]

@Lexi Lambert Assuming that you are referring to the pump, turn the pump off and remove the lid. Then empty the basket, put the basket back in, install the pump lid, and start the pump. If the pump struggles to prime, check out the following page. www.inyopools.com/blog/how-to-prime-a-pool-pump-2/

[@kimberlymalone4116]

I accidentally put a little backwash in my pool, I have the pump running,will it go back to clear? I put liquid chlorine in it also. Thanks

[@Inyopools]

Yes, it will clear up. The filter will eventually catch that debris. Using some water clarifier will speed up the process.

[@kimberlymalone4116]

Thanks

[@andrewsloane2064]

The filter in the video is not a sand filter it is a D.E. filter

[@adeledelarouviere2462]

why is the creepy only working for 20 minutes and then there is no sucking from the machine

[@Inyopools]

There are a couple of reasons why your cleaner will only work for 20 minutes. The filter could be filling up with debris. This would cause the suction to decrease. Another issue could be a suction side air leak. The air could build up in the system and cause the pump to slowly lose prime.

[@eviscero]

20 seconds of intro...