Do I need to backwash after every vacuum session if I do "light vacuuming" 2-3 times a week?

[gsfergy]

I apologize if there is a thread on this already - new to TFP and I did try to find something that answers the following:

Do I need to backwash after every time I vacuum my above ground 15x30 oval pool?

Context -- I am asking because our backyard faces some trees and we probably get more debris than other pools in the area. So I find that I'd like to just clean the pool bottom quickly twice weekly, maybe three at most -- but in my head I'm thinking to backwash every time seems a bit much? Could I backwash once a week after I've vacuumed three times? I'm not picking up tons and tons of debris each session - but just keeping the bottom nice and clean.

Thoughts?

 

[splashpad]

It depends on if the pressure on your filter goes up. We love using nets in our skimmer basket to keep larger debris out of our sand filter. A "dirty" sand filter does work better, but you have to watch the pressure

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome! Our general rule is backwash when there is an increase of pressure by about 25%. If you only vacuumed light dust and the pressure didn't increase much, there's no need to backwash and waste water/chemicals.

 

[gsfergy]

Thanks splashpad. I use a vacuum plate so the skimmer basket and pump basket pick up larger debris if any. I could add nets to help out. Is there a thread or a rule of thumb on pressure increase to look out for?

I have checked mine "casually" and I've not seen an increases -- but I also don't know how much of a pressure increase to look out for to know that I can't skip a backwash or that it's time for a backwash. Flow is good too btw - not sure if that matters :S

 

[gsfergy]

Thanks also Texas Splash!!! 25% is something I can definitely monitor easily... and it is for sure lighter cleaning that is just more frequent because of the trees nearby.