- [Narrator] How often should
you backwash your filter? Knowing when to clean
your sand or DE filter is critical to keeping
your pool clean and clear. So here are a few simple rules
when to backwash your filter, and when not to, check it out. (upbeat music) (water splashing) So first, what is backwashing? If you have a sand filter, or a diatomaceous earth or DE filter, back washing is the process
of reversing the flow of pool water through your filter. If you have a cartridge filter, you do not need to backwash it all. Over time as your filter runs, the filter medium will become clogged, and when you backwash your filter it forces all the debris and dirt caught in the media in
your filter to dislodge and the it's flushed out through
your waste or drain cord. So, how often should you
back wash your filter? Well, it depends on how
much you use your pool, how often debris gets in your pool and what type of
filtration system you have. But there are a few rules for when it's definitely
time to backwash your filter. Rule number one, backwash when your pressure
reads 10 PSI above normal. If your pressure gauge is 10
PSI or pounds per square inch, over your normal operating
pressure, it's time to backwash. A high pressure reading means that your filter has accumulated
enough dirt and debris to prevent water from
flowing freely through it. How do you know what's
your normal pressure? Well, right after you
backwash your filter, take note of the pressure gauge. In most cases, it should read
between about 10 and 15 PSI. That's your baseline. If your normal filter
performance is 11 PSI, and you notice your pressure
gauge reading 21 PSI, it's probably time to backwash. Now, just keep in mind that as
the sand in your filter ages, the pressure in your filter
may increase regardless of how many times or
how long you backwash. And be sure that your pressure gauge is in proper working condition, but even if it's not, here
are a few other telltale signs that it's time for a good old backwashing. Rule number two, backwash
when the water flow is low. If you're pump and filter are running and you notice that the
water is not flowing strongly through your return
jets and into your pool, it may be time to backwash your filter. Simply put your hand over
the return jets to feel if the water is flowing appropriately. If the water flow is weak,
it might be time to backwash. Rule number three, backwash
when your water is cloudy. Cloudy water may be a sign
that your filter media is dirty or that it can't catch
all the dirt and debris before they flow back into your pool. However, there are
definitely other culprits that cloudy pools, so be sure to check out our other video on how to clear up your cloudy pool water. Rule number four, backwash
after a heavy rain or lots of debris have
gotten into your pool. If a large amount of dirt and debris gets into your pool water, like after a big rainstorm, you'll need to backwash after
clearing out that debris with a skimmer net and manual vacuum or after shocking your pool water. Real quick before we continue, if you're looking for an
easy to follow tutorial that'll answer all your pool questions, go check out our pool care
handbook and video course. You'll get over 30 in depth video lessons and a step-by-step
downloadable guide covering everything you need to know
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tips so you can save money and time keeping your swimming pool clean. This is the ultimate manual
for every type of pool, including in ground above
ground and Intex blow up pools. And the best part is, we always keep it up to
date so once you buy it, you have access to the latest
and greatest version for life. So because you're watching this video, you can go to swimuniversity.com/pool and use the promo code video. Rule number five, backwash your DE filter if it's been running nonstop. If your DE filter has been running for 48 hours straight or more, that DE will start to settle
into your filter grid. And this can cause pressure to build up even if your filter grids are clean. Remember, you'll also need
to replace your DE filter with fresh clean DE after backwashing. Okay, so backwashing is an important part of basic pool care, but overdoing it is a common
pool maintenance mistake. So, when should you not
backwash your filter? Weirdly enough, a little
debris in your filter is actually a good thing. Extra debris caught in your filter helps to trap finer particles. Backwashing too often can stir up the sand and allow small particles
to pass through the filter and back into your pool. But, once the buildup
raises your pressure reading around 10 PSI over your baseline, there's a little too much debris in there. Also, if your pool has an algae problem, you'll probably need to
bypass your filter entirely and vacuum to waste. Algae can easily pass
through your filter medium, and re-enter your pool. So instead of vacuuming your pool and then backwashing it each time, it may be better to
vacuum directly to waste and then send that vacuumed
water directly down the drain. Now, some people suggest
back washing your filter once a week during the pool season, but that's not totally necessary. And really it's just a trick to help you remember to do it regularly. Backwashing means you lose a lot of water so just remember a little
debris in the filter isn't a bad thing. And be sure to check out our other video that walks you through the
entire step-by-step process on how to backwash your filter. If there's a pool care topic you'd like us to cover in a future video, please leave a comment to let us know and hit the like button below if you found this video helpful. If you want to learn more about pool maintenance
and troubleshooting, subscribe to our channel for
more videos like this one and check out the pool care
handbook and video course at swimuniversity.com/pool. Don't forget to enter the promo code video to get 10% off. That's it, thanks again
and happy swimming.
