How To Backwash Your D.E. Filter - The Ultimate Guide

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YouTube Video Index -- A list of all of my videos: poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-…

This is a video I put together covering everything you should know about backwashing your D..E. filter. It is a bit longish but I wanted to put in as much information so that after watching this video you will feel you can handle the backwash process with no problems.

You want to backwash for at least a minute to 2 minutes which is usually the point where the water starts to come out clean. If you open the backwash and notice nothing but clear water for 30 seconds, turn off the pool. Put it back into filter mode. Run the pool for 10 seconds and the n try to backwash again. This may mean the filter is close to needing to be cleaned.

I cover the Push-Pull Piston Type, The Multiport valve type and briefly touch on the Rotor backwash valve type. I show you how to put each into backwash mode and also show you what to do when the valve gives you trouble. I didn't have time to go into detail about the rotor valve type, but I do have a separate video on all three.Basically when the rotor valve fails it will be impossible to move to backwash mode. Here are some videos on the backwash valves themselves:

Backwashing your pool filter: youtu.be/Z8QRW0Vi-iA
Backwash Valve troubleshooting, changing the piston: youtu.be/LfxjwhbANoQ
Hayward Mutliport backwash valve troubleshooting: youtu.be/3f6v7IbzjUU
Backwashing a Pentair 4000 Series Filter 2000 Series: youtu.be/dbf9b9l6e98

I also have specific vidoes covering various D.E. Filter cleaning:

PENTAIR BRAND
Cleaning a Pentair FNS Plus Filter & Troubleshooting: youtu.be/rcnW0ckkohQ
Cleaning a Pentair 2000 Series Filter: youtu.be/s8TzWu-xK7s
Pentair 4000 series: youtu.be/XWIltRenwC8

JANDY BRAND
Cleaning a D.E. filter Top Manifold (Jandy, FNS, Hayward, Titan) D.E. leaking into pool: youtu.be/2DOBqlji8fk

HAYWARD BRAND
Cleaning a Hayward Pro-Grid, Micro-Clear, Super Star-Clear D.E. Filter: youtu.be/J9yoczpMbtw

I also just filmed a guide on replacing all the filter grids:
Replacing all Eight Grids in a Top Manifold Filter: THE EASY WAY: youtu.be/ABh7Gr5OmkQ

My video on how much D.E. to add is also a must watch:
How Much D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) do I Add?: youtu.be/lz97RnlATi0

If you have a filter that is not D.E. and wish to see how to clean that filter you can find it in my Filter Cleaning Playlist:

youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD13B4EF8AB358B02

More Backwashing Tips:
Depending on your area and your pool usage you may need to backwash a few times between cleanings or not at all. There are several accounts on my route that I never or rarely backwash and there are others that I backwash every month or so. It just depends. A good indicator is that the pool flow is low and the pump my even have some air in it and only be half full with water. The pressure gauge is a good indicator in most cases. When it rises by 10 PSI you will need to backwash the filter. I recommend that you take the lid off and clean the filter at least every six months. If you backwash and in a few days notice the pressure is back up by 10 PSI the n it is time to take the filter lid off and clean the grids. There is a point where backwashing will not work and that is when the filter is just too dirty.

The number of scoops I recommend are the amounts I have used in the field over the years. You don't want to under charge the filter with D.E. as then the grids will get clogged with dirt. Nor do you want to over charge the filter as the grids will get clogged with D.E. and the flow of water will be reduced. These are proven effective amounts that most pool guys use.

Where to get rid of the waste water is a big concern in most areas. In California the "Nanny State" you can receive a nice ticket for up to $10,000 if the D.E. waste water goes into the drains in the street. So backwashing into the gutter is a no-no. I suggest running a backwash hose to a dirt area in your backyard or your sewer line. Many filters are plumbed into a P-Trap already or directly plumbed into your houses sewer line. Backwashing to your lawn is bad for the grass - not because of the D.E. but because of the chlorinated water. I hose of the grids all the time on the grass with no ill effects. So where to backwash is a concern and you need to find a safe and lawful area to run the waste water.

Again, I tried to cover everything you will need to know but for time I edited the video down quite a bit. The important stuff made the cut.