When To Backwash a Sand Pool Filter

Sand swimming pool filters should be cleaned or backwashed on a regular basis. Cleaning too often or not often enough can both lead to problems. The trick to success with a sand pool filter is to know when it is the right time to backwash. For most modern sand pool filters, there are several different ways to monitor the need to backwash the filter.

Pressure Gauge - the most common way to identify that the sand filter needs to be backwashed is to monitor the filter pressure gauge. The key to this method is to record the filter pressure gauge reading immediately after the filter is backwashed when the filter is clean. Using this reading, monitor the filter gauge at least once a week. When the pressure gauge increases by 8 to 10 psi, it is time to backwash the filter again.

Water Flow - a more subjective way to monitor the sand filter is to observe the water flow into the pool from the return lines. Again, to gain a baseline to work from, first observe the water flow in the pool when the filter clean. In most swimming pools this can be done by putting your hands into the water in front of one of the return lines. Then when servicing the pool weekly, turn on the equipment and observe the water flow for changes. When the water flow shows signs of decreasing it is time to backwash the sand filter again.

Flow Meter - the most accurate way to identify that a sand filter needs to be cleaned is with a flow meter. For pools with a flow meter, when the reading decreases by 30 percent from the clean filter reading, it is time to backwash the filter.

Neglecting a sand pool filter can lead to many different and otherwise avoidable pool problems, and possible serious damage to the pool filter and other pool equipment. Half the battle is just being aware that a sand filter, like any other type of swimming pool filter, needs periodic attention that cannot be ignored. Simply incorporating one or all of these methods will make it easy to know when to backwash your sand pool filter.

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