Backwashing a D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) swimming pool filter is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the cleanliness and efficiency of your pool’s filtration system.
To ensure a thorough understanding and efficient execution of backwashing a D.E. pool filter, it’s crucial to differentiate between the procedures for systems equipped with a Multiport Valve and those with a Push/Pull Valve. Each process involves specific steps tailored to the valve type.
This guide on D.E. filter backwashing provides an explanation of the procedure, thereby enabling pool owners to perform the task with ease.
What Does It Mean To Backwash A D.E. Pool Filter?
Backwashing a D.E. pool filter involves reversing the flow of water to remove accumulated dirt, debris, and used D.E. powder from the filter. The D.E. filter sand is a white powder made from diatom skeletons, coats the filter grids inside the filter, aiding in fine particle filtration. The backwashing process is vital for preventing clogs and maintaining optimal water flow, which, if neglected, can lead to algae growth and other pool issues.
The necessity of backwashing a D.E. filter stems from the filter’s operational mechanics. Over time, the D.E. sand that forms on the grids becomes saturated with contaminants, reducing the pool filter’s efficiency. This pool maintenance method preserves the filter’s functionality but also ensures the pool water remains clear and hygienic.
How To Backwash A D.E. Pool Filter With A Multiport Valve?
Backwashing a D.E. pool filter with a multiport valve is a straightforward process that doesn’t require an entire day. The key steps include turning off the filter system, attaching the backwash hose, and manipulating the multiport valve to facilitate the backwash. The procedure involves backwashing for around two minutes, rinsing, and then recharging the filter with fresh D.E. powder. It’s essential to follow the instructions, such as ensuring the filter system is off when adjusting the multiport valve, to prevent damage.
Here are the 9 steps for washing a D.E filter with a multiport valve.
- Turn Off the Filter System: Ensure the pool filter system is completely powered down to prevent any damage during the valve transition.
- Connect the Backwash Hose: Attach the hose securely to the filter’s waste port to direct the outgoing water.
- Set Valve to Backwash: Adjust the multiport valve to the ‘Backwash’ setting, preparing the system for the cleaning cycle.
- Activate the Filter System: Power on the filter system, allowing it to run for approximately two minutes, facilitating the expulsion of accumulated debris and D.E. through the backwash valve or port.
- Power Down the System: Turn off the filter system to halt the backwashing process.
- Adjust Valve to Rinse: Change the multiport valve to the ‘Rinse’ position and reactivate the system for about a minute, which helps to settle the filter media and clear the lines.
- Turn Off the System Again: Ensure the system is powered down before proceeding to the next step.
- Return Valve to Filter Position: Set the multiport valve back to its normal ‘Filter’ operation mode.
- Replenish D.E. Powder: Consult the filter’s manual for the required D.E. amount, prepare a slurry, and introduce it into the system via the pool skimmer while the pump is operational, ensuring even distribution across the filter grids.
How To Backwash A D.E. Pool Filter With A Push/Pull Valve?
To backwash a D.E. pool filter with a push/pull valve system, the backwashing process slightly varies but fundamentally involves the same principle of reversing water flow to cleanse the filter grids. The entire cleaning process, including the initial backwash, rinse, and subsequent D.E. addition, is designed to restore the filter’s efficiency without demanding excessive time or effort.
Here are the 6 steps for backwashing a D.E filter with a push/pull valve.
- Turn Off the Filter System: Start by ensuring the filter system is completely shut off to safely adjust the system settings.
- Connect the Backwash Hose: Secure the backwash hose to the filter’s designated backwash port, preparing for the waste expulsion.
- Open the Backwash Gate: Activate the push/pull valve by opening the backwash gate, setting the stage for the cleaning cycle.
- Activate the Filter System: Turn on the filter system, allowing it to run for approximately three minutes, which facilitates the removal of trapped debris and D.E. from the filter.
- Turn Off the System: Ensure the system is completely powered down post-backwashing.
- Close the Push/Pull Valve: Revert the valve to its closed position, sealing the system for normal operation.
After backwashing, the D.E. swimming pool filter must be recharged with the correct amount of D.E. powder. This task requires precision and adherence to the pool filter manufacturer’s guidelines.
When Should You Backwash A D.E. Pool Filter?
The timing for backwashing a D.E. pool filter is typically indicated by a 10 psi increase in water pressure above the normal operating level, signifying filter clogging. Even in the absence of pressure spikes, regular maintenance every 4-6 weeks is advisable during active pool use. This pool care routine ensures the D.E. pool filter remains unclogged and functional, preventing potential water quality issues and extending the filter’s lifespan.
Do I Need To Flush The D.E. Filter After Backwashing?
Flushing the D.E. filter system post-backwashing is imperative for removing residual cloudy D.E. particles. This step enhances filter efficiency, prevents damage, maintains chemical balance, and prolongs the filter media’s lifespan.
Here are four reasons why you should flush the D.E filter system after backwashing it.
- Improves Filter Efficiency: Flushing removes leftover DE particles, which can cause cloudiness, ensuring the filter can effectively trap impurities for clear pool water.
- Prevents Filter Damage: Without flushing, residual DE particles could clog filter grids, reducing water flow and increasing the strain on the filter, potentially leading to damage.
- Maintains Pool Chemical Balance: DE particles can interfere with pool chemicals; flushing these particles helps maintain the chemical balance essential for a healthy pool environment.
- Extends Filter Lifespan: Regular flushing supports the filter media’s integrity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and thereby extending the filter’s overall lifespan.
It’s important to flush the D.E. system for pool maintenance. This helps get rid of anything that could make the filter bad or hurt the parts inside.
What To Do If Backwashing The D.E. Filter System Does Not Work?
When backwashing fails to clear the filter, the issue may stem from improper backwashing techniques, clogged D.E. grids, or damaged filter components. Ensuring correct pool valve settings, sufficient backwash duration, and unobstructed water flow are foundational. Additionally, the integrity of D.E. grids and the absence of mudballs or hard water issues are crucial for effective backwashing. Damaged grids, leaking connections, or broken laterals necessitate immediate attention to restore filtration efficiency.
What To Do If Sand Comes Out When The D.E. Filter Is Backwashed?
Sand discharge during backwashing points to broken laterals or insufficient rinsing. Inspecting and replacing damaged laterals, coupled with extending rinse durations for 30 to 60 seconds, can mitigate this issue. Proper swimming pool maintenance prevents sand from entering the pool, and ensures the effectiveness of the filtration system.
