Backwashing a D.E. Pool Filter

Expert Pool & Spa, Inc.
www.ExpertPool.biz

  1. Because backwashing uses water from the swimming pool, make sure the water level is at least half way up the skimmer opening before you begin.  You may want to add water to the pool before you begin.
  2. Make sure you have some replacement D.E. Powder available before you begin.
  3. Turn off the pool heater and pool cleaner pump at least 15 minutes before you begin.  This will allow the pool heater to cool down before the water flow is cut off to the recirculation system.
  4. Close skimmer valves and leave the main drain valve open.
  5. Turn off the pool pump.
  6. Close the main drain valve.
  7. Clean the pool pump basket.
  8. Move filter valve to the "BACKWASH" position.
  9. Open the air relief valve on the top of the pool filter.
  10. Turn pool pump on and open the main drain valve.
  11. Once the pool pump has good flow, open the remaining skimmer valves to increase water flow.
  12. Close the air relief valve on the top of the pool filter when a steady stream of water is present and all the air is gone.
  13. Backwash the filter for about 30 seconds.
  14. Shut off pool pump.
  15. Move filter valve to the "RINSE" position.
  16. Turn pool pump back on and rinse filter for about 10 seconds.
  17. Shut pool pump off.
  18. Move filter valve to the "BACKWASH" position again.
  19. Repeat steps 13 -18 until the water in the sight glass is clear and no more D.E. powder can bee seen.  This is usually done about 5 to 10 times.
  20. When the water is clear, "RINSE" the filter for about 30 seconds
  21. Shut the pool pump off.
  22. Move filter valve to the "FILTER" position.
  23. Turn pool pump back on.
  24. Leave the valve for the skimmer closest to the pool pump open and close the remaining skimmer valves.
  25. Move the main drain valve to 1/2 closed.
  26. Read the label on the pool filter to determine how much filter powder is required.  It may already be marked on the D.E. scoop with the D.E. Powder.  A one pound coffee can holds 1/2 pound of D.E. Powder.
  27. Slowly add the required amount of D.E. powder directly to the skimmer well closest to the pool pump and allow the pump to draw the slurry into the system.
  28. Once all the powder is added, rinse the skimmer well out and put the skimmer lid back on.
  29. Open the remaining skimmer valves fully and open the main drain valve fully also.
  30. Note the reading on the pressure gauge.  Backwash the filter again when the pressure rises 3-5 Psi from this reading.
  31. Turn on heater and pool cleaner pump if desired.
  32. Test & adjust pool water chemistry.