Problem Backwasing

[Missy_2008]

For once I am not posting about my pool being green. I did a backwash the other night and then began my draining process by switching from backwash to waste. The hose became blocked/clogged. I switched to backwash/rinse hoping to flush through whatever was causing the clog. Flowed very freely so I switched back to waste and it clogged again. No idea why this pool hates me so much. Anyone have any ideas what might be causing this elusive clog?

 

[JamesW]

Does the system look like this?

Can you show a picture of the system?

 

[Missy_2008]

This is what our filter looks like. It is a Hayward E1001543S

 

[Missy_2008]

Our submersible pump got here yesterday. Once the weather clears up we will do a "no drain water exchange". Really hoping that the sides hold up. I'm sure that I'm worrying for nothing. If anyone has any helpful tips I'm all ears!

 

[JamesW]

This is what our filter looks like. It is a Hayward E1001543S

Can you show a picture of the actual system?

 

[Missy_2008]

Can you show a picture of the actual system?

I haven't forgotten about you. Our granddaughters surgery was postponed on Wednesday so I have been dealing with that mess. Anyhow, I plan to take that picture in a little bit.

 

[Missy_2008]

Can you show a picture of the actual system?

 

[JamesW]

Does the filter pressure gauge go to zero when the pump is off?

If no, the gauge needs to be replaced.

 

[JamesW]

I don't think that the pump can create that much pressure, so the gauge is probably bad.

I would replace the gauge.

Also, I would remove the multiport and check the sand to see what it looks like.

 

[JamesW]

Can you show these two labels on the pump?

 

[Missy_2008]

Does the filter pressure gauge go to zero when the pump is off?

If no, the gauge needs to be replaced.

The pump is off. That's where the gauge sits. It's been off for a few days and the gauge is still there. I am getting another one. Hopefully they are easy to put on!!

 

[JamesW]

The hose became blocked/clogged.

Can you explain this better?

How do you know it was clogged?

What exactly was happening?

 

[Missy_2008]

Can you explain this better?

How do you know it was clogged?

What exactly was happening?

Ok. So what happened is that we were backwashing and then we were going to begin pumping the water out. We switched from backwash to waste and the flow slowed down considerably. Switched back to backwash and rinse hoping to flush out whatever may have been causing the blockage. Nothing. The backwash and rinse were free flowing.

 

[JamesW]

We switched from backwash to waste and the flow slowed down considerably.

Has the valve ever been taken apart for service?

If yes, maybe it was reassembled incorrectly?

Maybe remove the multiport and take it apart and clean and lubricate it and also check the sand level in the filter to make sure that it is good.

 

[Missy_2008]

I thought about dumping and replacing the sand but I can't imagine that would be the problem in a filter that's only a little over a year old.

 

[JamesW]

I thought about dumping and replacing the sand but I can't imagine that would be the problem in a filter that's only a little over a year old.

Do you have a hypothesis about what the problem might be?

 

[Missy_2008]

Blind leading the blind in the care department!! Sand filter has bad sand. Beats me. Those are the only 2 I can come up with

 

[JamesW]

I would replace the gauge.

Also, I would remove the multiport and check the sand to see what it looks like.

I would remove the multiport and take it apart and clean and lubricate it.

Maybe the handle is on backwards and when you switch to waste, it is really on recirculate?

Does water come out of the Waste line if you put the multiport on Recirculate?

Does water come out of the returns if you put the multiport on Waste?

As you can see, the positions are opposite and if the handle is backwards, it will be the opposite function of what you expect.

 

[Mdragger88]

Missy, there’s a gasket in the multi port valve (thing with the handle where you select backwash/filter etc).
it can get damaged causing the issue you described as can the multi port valve itself. If it is fairly new the mpv may still be under warranty if it is at fault.
Pulling that off & inspecting all the gaskets / ports etc. & insuring it is installed in the proper orientation is the 1st step in determining that. The gasket is an inexpensive easy fix, or there could be some debris that needs to be cleared.
The sand is likely not the problem.
For now, if filter & backwash are functional & there is no leaking you can carry on with normal operation & avoid using the waste function until you inspect & determine the cause.
Also, the no drain water exchange means that the water level in your pool will not change so there is no risk to the walls which is why it is often recommended.
Read up on the process before beginning

Draining - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Mdragger88]

Another note- while you have the mpv off inspecting things you may want to take the opportunity to deep clean the sand. This is something that needs to be done every season or two anyway & especially if any potions have been used in the pool.

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.google.com