Filter

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the normal water pressure for my filter?
  Each pool system has different water pressure tolerances. Please refer to your original owner's equipment manual and/or startup instructions to identify the range of proper pressure for your pool. If you believe the pressure is incorrect, check and clean out all debris from the baskets. In addition, check to see if all your equipment valves are set properly, and confirm that the pressure gauge reads zero when the equipment is off. If it does not fall back down to zero, you will need to replace the gauge. If the pressure is reading high or the water flow back to the pool is weak, you may need to clean or backwash your filter (see "How and when do I backwash my sand filter?").
• How and when do I backwash my Sand Filter?
  When the pressure gauge on your sand filter is reading 8 - 10 lbs above the clean, starting pressure (after backwashing), it is time to backwash your sand filter. This process involves turning a valve so that the water will flow through the filter backwards, flushing out the dirt - known as "back-washing." Sand filters can have either a push-pull valve (also known as a slide valve) or a multiport valve.
  
  The multiport valve has multi-ports on the valve, usually 6 positions - ALWAYS shut off the filter pump before turning the filter valve:
  
  

  1. FILTER: Keep it here all the time, except when backwashing, rinsing or wasting.
  2. RINSE: Use this setting for 30 seconds after backwashing to rinse the sand filter tank.
  3. RECIRCULATE: Use this if your filter is broken; the water continues to circulate, but does not filter.
  4. BACKWASH: Use this setting to reverse the flow in the filter and send water out of the waste line. Make sure valves are open and your backwash hose is rolled out.
  5. CLOSED: Set here to close off flow from the pool, usually to work on the equipment. Do not operate pump with valve in the closed position.
  6. WASTE/DRAIN: Another filter bypass setting, but this setting sends the water out of the waste pipe (hose), instead of returning it to the pool. This setting is used to lower pool water level or to vacuum to waste.

  
  So, to backwash a sand filter with a multiport valve:
  
  

  1. Shut off the pump motor.
  2. Press down on valve handle, rotate valve from FILTER to BACKWASH position (always move in clockwise motion).
  3. Roll out any backwash hose or open any waste line valves (watch pressure gauge for backpressure and hose for kinks. Be prepared to shut off pump quickly if the pressure gauge spikes or if the hose kinks).
  4. Let the pump run for 2 - 3 minutes on BACKWASH or until water runs clear in site glass.
  5. Shut off pump motor and move multiport valve handle to RINSE position.
  6. Run on rinse for 30 seconds.
  7. Shut off pump motor and move multiport valve handle to FILTER position.
  8. Open manual air bleeder on multiport valve.
  9. Turn pump back on.
  10. Close manual air bleeder when all air is removed from system and a steady stream of water is shooting from the bleeder.
  11. Check to make sure the water is returning to the pool with a strong flow and take note of the pressure reading on the gauge (this is your "start-up" pressure).

  
  To Backwash a sand filter with a slide valve (push-pull valve):
  
  

  1. Shut off pump motor, roll out backwash hose (if you have it).
  2. Twist to unlock plunger T-handle, pull / twist plunger upwards 2 - 3" (PacFab valves are reverse).
  3. Open air bleeder assembly on filter, and turn pump on (watch pressure gauge for backpressure (+ 30 PSI) and hose for kinks. Be prepared to shut off pump quickly).
  4. After hose fills with water, backwash your sand filter for 2 - 3 minutes or until water runs clear.
  5. Shut off pump motor and push T-handle back down into locked position.
  6. Turn pump back on and check to make sure the water is returning to the pool with a strong flow. Take note of the pressure reading on the gauge (this is your "start-up" pressure).