Releasing air from pump and filter, backwashing, where should I start?

[cta2015]

Hi, I am a first time owner of a used swimming pool.

The pump has been running for some time and I just noticed that the water level is below the skimmer, so very little water has been able to go through the pump. Also, since I've moved in (about two months) the filter has not been backwashed yet. The pressure gauge is broken, but I have bought a new one, but I haven't installed it yet. Since releasing that the water level has been too low, I turned off the pool pump.

I'm a bit scared that there is a lot of pressure built up in the filter... I would really appreciate your feedback on where I should start in terms of getting the pump and filter properly running. Should I backwash first? Or release the air valve, if so how do I properly do that? Etc...

Thank you!

 

[jblizzle]

Once the pump is off. There is no pressure in the filter.

Replace the gauge and backwash ... in fact you might want to Deep Clean your Sand Filter if you do not know the history.

 

[samt]

If your water is below the skimmer you need to stick the hose in the pool and add water. Fill it up so the water is half way up from the bottom of the skimmer. Don't run that pump dry.

 

[Propbndr]

When you fill the pool, don't leave the hose in the water after you turn off the water. Many a pool owner has siphoned off the water they just added because of that mistake.