How To Clean Swimming Pool Sand Filters..Backwashing

The swimming pool sand filter is not working properly. It's not backwashing at all.

I'm not sure what the problem is and hope you can help out. I lost my manual and not sure how to get another one.

We have a Maxi Plus 160 sand filter, hope you can give me some insight on this.

Thanks for your question

Check the Multi-Port Valve to ensure that is working correctly. Any leaks might indicate a bad O-Ring. When you put the setting to BACKWASH or RINSE, does it "click" in place, or does it have a smooth feeling? If there's no click, the valve or inside diaphragm (spider gasket) might be worn out.

Be sure the pump motor basket and skimmers are free of debris.

Try removing about 1" of the top layer of the sand, replace with the exact amount of sand you removed. This is where alot of grease, gunk, and debris can hide. Normal life span of the sand is about 4 - 5 years.

I would ask how old the swimming pool sand filter media is? If it's over 10 years old and the pool has seen regular use, it might be time to change it out. If the sand media needs to be changed, look for broken laterals and replace if needed.

You can go online and order another owner's manual, which is very simple to do.

If the sand media is o.k., then check to see if it has the correct amount of sand. You can check with the manufacturer as to the amount of sand. Also check to see the clearance in inches, from the top of the sand filter to the top of the sand to ensure you have enough.

You can also check for channeling. This is when the pool water will flow down the sides of the filter, rather than through the sand. Channeling occurs when the sand media becomes clogged with grease and debris. You'll need to degrease the sand filter.

The product I use at the Y is "Filter Fresh". Any pool supply store should have this. Turn off the pump motor, open the top of the sand filter, shake up the bottle of Filter Fresh, and pour the content straight into the filter. Allow this to sit overnight.

In the morning you'll want to top off the filter with water. Be sure to screw the top of the filter on and start the pump in BACKWASH mode to get all the gunk out, then RINSE mode.

Allow your pool sand filter to run for about a day or so and try to backwash again.

Good luck and let me know how this works for you

Robert