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How to Vacuum and Backwash Your Pool Filter

originated by:Zack, Anonymous, Tom Viren, Flickety (see all)

This article attempts to explain the steps required to vacuum out a pool. There are different kinds of filtration systems for pools, such as cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth (D.E.) filters. The instructions here assume that you are using either a sand filter or D.E. filter, though some cartridge-based systems may be similar.

edit Steps

1
Start by attaching the vacuum hose to the vacuum head.
2
Flood hose with water before placing adapter in skimmer to avoid loss of prime. Some skimmers require you to remove the basket before you can attach the hose, so be sure to do this if necessary. Holding one end of the vacuum line over the return port is a good way to bleed out the air trapped in the line
3
Vacuum per manufacturer instructions. Basically move very slowly and deliberately while vacuuming. Use a grid pattern to ensure all areas of the floor and slopes are cleaned.
4
Disconnect the hose from the skimmer and remove vacuum equipment.
5
Turn off the pump.
6
Clean the skimmer basket and hair basket. The Hair basket is the one located at the pump.
7
Turn filter handle to the "BACKWASH" setting, and then turn on the pump.
8
Continue to let the pump run until the water in the sight glass on the filter is clear.
9
Turn off the pump and set filter handle to "RINSE", and the turn on the pump for about 60 seconds.
10
Turn off the pump and return the filter handle to "FILTER".
11
Turn on pump and resume normal use of the pool.

edit Tips

It is always a good idea to vacuum first and then backwash after. Backwashing removes the gathered dirt and debris from your filter. If you don't backwash, your filter will slowly start to get clogged, causing too much pressure to build up while it's running. If the filter is under too much pressure, it could crack or explode.
Some D.E. filters will require you to add more D.E. after backwashing. Check with your manufacturer for instructions on when and how to do this.
During vacuuming, be sure to keep an eye on the flow of the water returning into the pool, as well as the amount of suction you're getting. If either of these start to diminish, you will have to shut off the pump and clean out the hair basket.
A good way to flood the hose with water at the very beginning is to place the vacuum head over the return outlet. This will fill the hose easily without having to try and hold the hose under whilst cotesting with air pockets !
Never turn the filter handle while the pump is running. It will damage the gaskets inside of the filter, forcing you to replace them.
If the pool is extremely dirty, it might be a better idea to "vacuum out to waste" instead. This is where you set the filter to the "WASTE" setting before vacuuming, causing the system to bypass the filter and remove the water from the pool.
If you vacuum a very dirty pool on waste it is possible to have organic material like leaves become clogged in the vacuum line, the pump strainer basket or even in the pump impeller.
To avoid strain and damage to pumps and filters be sure to manually scoop out as much organic debris as possible before vacuuming. This is especially important when opening the pool in the spring.
Run a garden hose into the pool when you plan to vacuum on waste. By raising the water level to the top of the skimmer mouth you will have longer to vacuum while keeping the water in the optimal range.

edit Warnings

While backwashing or vacuuming out to waste, be sure not to do not drain the water level below bottom of skimmer. Re-fill the pool if necessary.

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edit Sources and Citations

http://www.PoolPump.ca - Source information provided in part. Used with permission

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