Backwash - how often?

[GregoryRG]

How often do you guys backwash? Do you do this on a steady schedule, or base it on the pump pressure. My pump has been in the "green" zone for about 1.5 weeks. It has risen 1 psi, but this is due to my adding of 2.5 cups of DT.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[MarianParoo]

The recommendation is to backwash only when psi goes up around 25% over clean.

Next time you do backwash, check the psi. Don't trust the "green". You can always use a sharpie to tic the clean psi on your gauge, calculate 25% higher and then tic that.

Also, check your gauge once in a while to make sure it goes to zero when you shut it off.

 

[GregoryRG]

Thanks. It's clean/nominal, pre-DT add, is about 7.5 psi. My DT addition brings it up to 8.5 psi. It's running at about 9.5 psi (my 25% mark would be about 10.63 psi, but the gauge is not nearly that precise (and probably not that accurate as well)). I may have to look around for a better gauge.

 

[jblizzle]

I see you have the TF-100, they also sell really nice gauges there.

 

[MarianParoo]

I am pretty sure your 25% should be based off of 7.5, not the post DE of 8.5. My clean pressure is way higher so I have more wiggle room between clean and "dirty".

TFtestkits sells gauges!

- - - Updated - - -

Hahaha. Great minds...! Cross-post

 

[YippeeSkippy]

I only backwash once *maybe* twice a summer? I just don't get much to require it. Gauge works fine.

I have read here that over-doing the back washing can actually make the filter medium less effectiv3 (a slightly dirty filter works better than a pristine clean one).

 

[Messman750]

Skimmer socks and my dolphin.very few back washing a for this pool owner!