Pool Sand Filter Maintenance

pool sand filter maintenance, backwash pool filter, pool filter sand, swimming pool sand filter, pool filter system

Swimming Pool Care



Pool sand filter maintenance is an important part of your pool routine. Proper information will help in keeping your system running at peak performance.

Functions of the Filtration System

Many swimming pool filter systems will have what is known as a “Multi-Port Valve”. This valve is an all-in-one valve that makes your pool life a little easier.

If you're not familiar with a Muli-Port Valve please read the following and/or consult your owner's manual concerning your pool sand filter maintenance.

If your pool filter pump motor is on and you decide to start turning any valves, well, that could cause all kinds of swimming pool filter problems. Be sure the filter pump motor is off before turning anything. The settings on this type of valve are as follows:

  • Filter
    • This is the normal setting for the valve. The pool water is drawn through the pump, passed through the filter, and is then returned back into the pool as clean water.

  • Backwash
    • This setting is used to flush out the filter when the pool filter media becomes overloaded with dirt and debris. Water is drawn from the pool, is passed through the filter sand or DE grids, and then exits out of the filter as dirty water.

    Once this part of your swimming pool sand filter maintenance is accomplished your system is ready to rinse. DE pool filters will need to recharge your grids with fresh DE.

  • Rinse
    •  This setting is used to flush out any dirt, debris, or excess pool filter sand that may remain in the lines after backwashing and only requires about 10 seconds. This water then exits as waste and not back into the pool.

  • Recirculate
    • This function allows for the pool water to circulate without passing through the pool filter system.

  • Waste
    • This setting runs water from the pool directly to the drain and can be used when lowering the water level when certain adjustments are needed.

  • Closed
    • This setting is to be used ONLY when the pump motor is off. Closing this valve while the pump is running could seriously damage your swimming pool filter system.

    Use this setting when performing any pool filter maintenance, making any repairs, or cleaning the filter unit or filter basket.

    If you have any questions or are not sure about the Multi-Port Valve or any part of your swimming pool sand filter maintenance, check with your local pool store and find a qualified pool technician.


    Backwash Pool Filter

    For proper care of your swimming pool sand filter and and to keep your pool sand filter maintenance running at peak performance, you need to backwash your filter when the pool system calls for it.

    Here's a normal backwashing cycle for a swimming pool sand filter.

    Once again, if you're even the least bit unsure of performing any part of this pool sand filter maintenance, check with a qualified pool technician.

    1. A swimming pool sand filter needs backwashing after the pressure has increased about 8-10lbs. higher than the "just backwashed" pressure

    2. Raise the water level 1-2" if it's low. Turn the pool filter system OFF and clean the pump basket. Remove any debris and carefully place the basket back into the filter pump housing and reattach the pump lid. Check the gasket or O-ring and if it's torn or broken you'll need to replace it.

    4. Roll out your backwash hose, if applicable, and turn the filter control valve to BACKWASH

    5. Turn the filter pump back ON and pump out dirty water until the water runs CLEAR, then turn off the pump.

    6. Set the control valve to RINSE and turn the pump on for 5-8 seconds. Turn off the pump.

      7. This will get rid of any loose debris or pool filter media that may be in the lines or pool filter system.

    7. Turn off pump, turn valve back to FILTER and you're done.

    The entire process should take about 5 minutes.

    Pool sand filter maintenance is just easy pool maintenance. A swimming pool sand filter is pretty bullet-proof if you take care of it. And I know you will.

    Go swim and have fun.

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    Swimming Pool Sand Filters From Pool Sand Filter Maintenance


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