How often should you backwash your pool filter? Knowing when to clean your sand filter or DE filter is critical for regular pool maintenance and cleaning. So here are a few simple rules for when to backwash your pool filter -- and when not to.
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โฐ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to When To Backwash A Pool Filter
00:19 - What Is Backwashing?
00:50 - How Often Should You Backwash Your Filter?
01:05 - Backwash When Pressure Is 10 PSI Above Normal
02:05 - Backwash When Water Flow Is Low
02:26 - Backwash When Water Is Cloudy
02:46 - Backwash After Heavy Rain Or Lots Of Debris
03:03 - Pool Maintenance Video Course
03:49 - Backwash DE Filter After It Has Been Running A Lot
04:12 - When To NOT Backwash Your Filter
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How often should you backwash your filter, knowing when to clean your sand or de filter, is critical to keeping your pool clean and clear? So here are a few simple rules when to backwash your filter and when not to check it out. So, first, what is backwashing if you have a sand, filter or a diatomaceous earth or de filter backwashing is the process of reversing the flow of pool water through your filter. If you have a cartridge filter, you do not need to backwash it at all over time. As your filter runs, the filter medium will become clawed and when you backwash your filter, it forces all the debris and dirt caught in the media in your filter to dislodge and then it's flushed out through your waste or drain port.

So how often should you backwash your filter? Well, it depends on how much you use your pool. How often debris gets in your pool and what type of filtration system you have, but there are a few rules for when it's definitely time to backwash your filter. Rule number one backwash when your pressure reads: 10 psi above normal. If your pressure gauge is 10 psi or pounds per square inch over your normal operating pressure, it's time to backwash a high pressure reading means that your filter has accumulated enough dirt and debris to prevent water from flowing freely through it.

How do you know? What's your normal pressure? Well, right after you backwash your filter, take note of the pressure gauge. In most cases, it should read between about 10 and 15 psi. That's your baseline! If your normal filter performance is 11 psi and you notice your pressure gauge. Reading 21 psi.

It's probably time to backwash now just keep in mind that as the sand in your filter ages, the pressure in your filter may increase, regardless of how many times or how long you backwash, and be sure that your pressure gauge is in proper working condition. But even if it's not here are a few other telltale signs that it's time for a good old, backwashing rule number two backwash when the water flow is low. If your pump and filter are running and you notice that the water is not flowing strongly through your return jets and into your pool, it may be time to backwash your filter simply put your hand over the return jets to feel if the water is flowing appropriately. If the water flow is weak, it might be time to backwash rule number three backwash when your water is cloudy cloudy water may be a sign that your filter media is dirty or that it can't catch all the dirt and debris before they flow back into your Pool, however, there are definitely other culprits to cloudy pools, so be sure to check out our other video on how to clear up your cloudy pool water.

Rule number four backwash after a heavy rain or lots of debris, have gotten into your pool if a large amount of dirt and debris gets into your pool water like after a big rainstorm you'll need to backwash after clearing out that debris with a skimmer net and Manual vacuum or after shocking your pool water, real quick before we continue. If you're looking for an easy to follow tutorial, that'll answer, all your pool questions go check out our pool care handbook and video course you'll, get over 30 in-depth video lessons and a step-by-step downloadable guide covering everything you need to know about, pool maintenance, it's packed with Money saving tips, so you can save money and time keeping your swimming pool clean. This is the ultimate manual for every type of pool, including in-ground above ground and in-text blow-up pools and the best part is we always keep it up to date. So once you buy it, you have access to the latest and greatest version for life.
So because you're watching this video, you can go to swim, swimuniversity.com pool and use the promo code. Video rule number five backwash, your de filter. If it's been running non-stop, if your defilter has been running for 48 hours straight or more, that de will start to settle into your filter grid, and this can cause pressure to build up. Even if your filter grids are clean.

Remember, you'll also need to replace your de filter with fresh, clean de after backwashing. Okay, so backwashing is an important part of basic pool care, but overdoing it is a common pool maintenance mistake. So when should you not backwash your filter weirdly enough? A little debris in your filter is actually a good thing. Extra debris caught in your filter helps to trap finer particles.

Backwashing too often can stir up the sand and allow small particles to pass through the filter and back into your pool. But once the buildup raises your pressure reading around 10 psi over your baseline there's a little too much debris in there. Also, if your pool has an algae problem, you'll probably need to bypass your filter entirely and vacuum to waste. Algae can easily pass through your filter.

Medium and re-enter your pool, so instead of vacuuming your pool and then backwashing it each time, it may be better to vacuum directly to waste and then send that vacuumed water directly down the drain. Now some people suggest back washing your filter once a week during the pool season, but that's not totally necessary and really it's just a trick to help you remember to do it regularly back washing means, you lose a lot of water. So just remember a little debris in the filter isn't a bad thing and be sure to check out our other video that walks you, through the entire step-by-step process on how to backwash your filter. If there's a pool care topic, you'd like us to cover in a future video, please leave a comment to let us know and hit the like button below.

If you found this video helpful, if you want to learn more about pool maintenance and troubleshooting subscribe to our channel for more videos like this one and check out the pool care handbook and video course at swimuniversity.com pool, don't forget to enter the promo code. Video to get 10 off, that's it thanks again and happy swimming.

44 thoughts on “How often should you backwash a pool filter? | swim university”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mervyn wright says:

    Do I put the pool filter on waste or on rinse after I have run the backwash setting?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Elms says:

    It's simple. When the return water pressure is low, backwash.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars C Steegs says:

    How long should I backwash for?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bart Hensley says:

    The simple answer is backwash once a week for 3 minutes followed by a 45-60 second rinse.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Letiteat70 says:

    First year with my pool….the system is fine. The baskets are clean, nothing leaking or getting air. Pool is clear and fine but i have really low pressure out the return. Filter is only 2psi above where we started the season. Thought? Backwash? Are you in Barrhaven ?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BOB WADAS says:

    Cotton Ball filter… never needed backwash Are you in Nepean ?

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Will Bryant says:

    Donโ€™t get a de filter. There your welcome you never have to backwash again.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MossyEYE C says:

    Most of the stuff was ok but our company follows state laws for commercial pools and it is necessary to backwash the pool at least once a week to eliminate any microbes or amoebas that can be caught in the sand (google brain eating amoebas). And from experience from someone that has done thousands of sand changes and own brick and mortar pool companies and not just making videos, ur sand will be holding way to much debris just from dust and pollen in the air alone if you dont backwash once a week.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keeponpainting says:

    I came here for advice on washing my back. Slightly disappointed ๐Ÿ™ Service area Ottawa??

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Thanakorn narisirikul says:

    I do backwash every day and โ€ฆis it ok???

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raul Lo10 says:

    ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars chuckschilling says:

    Be sure to backwash your cartridge filters twice a week. This is absolutely necessary.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Big Berg says:

    I'm at work now, but I'll be asking more question after I do what you said. Thank you. Are you in Kanata ?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Trevor G Welch says:

    Can you do a video on copper content ? It's dangerous and causes a light green tinge .

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andres Rodriguez says:

    Yโ€™all put out some really good content wish I could see more on comercial pools college pools and the system maintenance too.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny South says:

    RULE OF THUMB ALWAYS BACKWASH OR CLEAN CARTRIDGE FILTER ONCE A MONTH OR 5 POUNDS OF PRESSURE INCREASE this is what I have instructed all my customers for years to do and NEVER HAD. A problem OR CLOUDY WATER shock after a rain or heavy bather load and remember a slightly dirty filter will catch more debri than a clean filter and the more you swim the cleaner your pool will stay because the dirt never has time to settle to the bottom of the pool it stays stirred up while your swimming and the filter grabs peace โœŒ all and happy splashing Service area Nepean??

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Snyder says:

    If your going to backwash why not just clean the filter??

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eric Lott says:

    I think last year I prob backwashed to much because I thought it was debris in the bottom of pool but it was sand in the bottom. Ty for Tip

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yo Dav says:

    What if the pressure thing is 0 ??

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jennifer Cooper says:

    I would love to see a video – any video specifically for Baquacil users. I have a tough time finding good pool info that applies to my chlorine alternative pool. I love the stuff, just wish it was popular enough that more pool people could help me.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terry McGillicuddy says:

    Hi. I started my pool for the first time this summer from sitting all winter. I had it on it on backwash when I started the pump, noticed I lost some sand out the end of the backwash hose, did I hurt the system at all?
    Thanks.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Macon says:

    Will algae have an effect on how often you will have to backwash

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pam Carter says:

    Thank you โ˜บ๏ธ

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bri C says:

    Thanks.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DrPumpYo says:

    Great vid! Thanks!

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Frank McHenry says:

    I left my sand filter on rinse and it ran for 5 hours before I discovered it. Did I damage anything?

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ramjet 1962 says:

    No need too. I just hose mine off

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jolene Weaver says:

    How do I start it

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Brousseau says:

    What's the most common reason why I loose my vacuum suction while vacuuming my above ground pool, using skimmer bowl, with the cap in it ? Seems like I am never able to complete my vacuuming before I loose suction !

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terry Gripp says:

    When I backwash, I wait til the water is clear, wait 10-15 min., then do it again. After twice backwashing, I turned on the pump and green/algae looking water flowed into the pool. Never seen this happen before, so I backwashed again, adding DE after every backwash.
    We live near a pond and lake and get a lot of algae, brushing almost daily, using algicide as well. A little help, please? Thnx, and great informative video.

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeffery Sawyer says:

    Can you just change your sand instead of back washing

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Fadia Soufi says:

    can I open the valve for back wash half way and the result for back wash and rinse will be good for send filter pls I need this info thanks

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ฮงฮกฮ—ฮฃฮคฮŸฮฃ ฮ’ฮ›ฮ‘ฮงฮŸฮฃ says:

    How often we have to change the filter sand?

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keven De La Cruz says:

    what filter should i get for water park pools? or pumps? i looked through your videos didn't see what pump you prefer or filter? like brand. Service area Orleans??

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rick Washek says:

    I don't pay much attention to gauge, I go by the return water pressure. When it slows down I backwash. Question why does my salt chlorinator low salt light come on even though the salt reading is correct ?.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Baba Booey says:

    Thanks for the video Service area Barrhaven??

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stanley Keith says:

    How often should I do this on my Hayward cartridge filter. I think its about 8" round and about 2' high. My pump was making a funny noise the other day. I thought something was plug up. I just changed this filter a month ago. I put in a clean one in. When I got the cartridge out it was a terrible color of brown, but was water was clear. I can't figure this one out. Any suggestions about this. My pump runs at about 10 to 11 pounds. Once I changed the pool filter the water was running strong again. Still do not know why it was very brown, could it be from the baking power? HELP !

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars davndo says:

    I service a pool and the owner asked me how often I backwash, and I said, "Well, when its necessary." Then she said, "oh no no no please backwash every week. thats how it should be done."

    ______

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nathan Martinson says:

    So I have my pump run continuously on a schedule, 3 hrs @ 100%, 7hrs @ 55%, & 14hrs @ 35%. Since the filter is never turned off are you suggesting that I backwash my de filter every 2 days? I've had the pool since June and only cleaned and back washed the filter once after a heavy storm since I started getting Low/no pressure alarms.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Tindel says:

    I keep waiting for my pressure to go up and it's never gone up more than a pound or two after a year in spite of lots of debris and runoff,,, the gauge seems to be working fine… Any ideas?

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Douglas Manley says:

    I've found that the most reliable way to determine when to backwash is to watch the water flow into my skimmers. When the pump is running on "high" and the the water is visibly streaming over the weir flap, it's good. But when the water is trickling over the flap (or if the movement isn't visible at all), then it's time to backwash.

    The most important thing is to find something that you can easily identify as a feature of "good" flow and "bad" flow. For me, the 10 PSI rule doesn't seem to apply; from what I can tell, I need to backwash at around 5 PSI over, but even then, it's still not a great proxy. Looking at the water flow when I'm cleaning the skimmers every week is easy and intuitive.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Viper_FPV says:

    I have to backwash every time my salt generator says low pump pressure. Which is every 4 days of 10 hr run time.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr Hedrox says:

    Thank you for this. This is my first full season with a pool and Iโ€™m trying to soak in as much knowledge as possible. The pool has looked great all season and Iโ€™ve been doing well with it but this is something I havenโ€™t done. Granted, my pressure has been good and I havenโ€™t seen any issues, but still good to know I should be back flushing occasionally.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ace King says:

    How do you backwash a cartridge filter?

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