I am new to sand filter use, (had a DE filter before )
I have question re sand filters
With fresh new sand, the psi was 14, so that is my normal starting pressure. It is 14 if only the drain only is open. If skimmer only or both skimmer & drain are open (the usual scenario) the psi is 18. Both starting points are ok with respect to when I need to backwash? I can just go 10psi or so beyond either # depending on what is open .
Wash glass or whatever the term is, the glass like bubble that you look at to see when the water clears. It unscrews, for cleaning? Can leak/sputter water just a tad (doesn’t bother me), any worries. You guys ignore it & look at the water exiting to waste to see when the water is clear? When the water starts out clear but the psi indicates backwashing (so there is no “water to observe go from dirty to clear) you go by how many seconds in my case? (hate to waste the water). I just keep testing/reducing backwashing time to see how quickly I can get to the start 14 psi, right? To date, with heavy opening debris, it takes maybe 20-30 seconds. The manual says backwash 3-5 minutes!? I'll be adding an inch of water ( I Exaggerate).
At this startup, 2 or 3 times when the psi was up & indicated for backwashing, the pump basket had maybe ¼ the water it should!. Can’t be good on the motor, or is it ok. I don’t recall way less water in the pump basket with my old DE filter when the pressure rose.
You guys like to Rinse 5-10 seconds after each backwash, right?
No need to use the air relief valve? You never do when it starts from a timer? Or you use the air relief valve only when it starts out dry (no water, & water is added for the 1st time at the 1st startup of the season or with new sand)? Or you use the air relief valve only when the pump basket comes off for cleaning resulting in some air getting in the lines?
Best to try to always move the MPV in the same direction?
When is the "Closed " position on the MPV used ( I realize no flow & never w pump running)
Any other trips welcomed too.
Thanks
I have question re sand filters
With fresh new sand, the psi was 14, so that is my normal starting pressure. It is 14 if only the drain only is open. If skimmer only or both skimmer & drain are open (the usual scenario) the psi is 18. Both starting points are ok with respect to when I need to backwash? I can just go 10psi or so beyond either # depending on what is open .
Wash glass or whatever the term is, the glass like bubble that you look at to see when the water clears. It unscrews, for cleaning? Can leak/sputter water just a tad (doesn’t bother me), any worries. You guys ignore it & look at the water exiting to waste to see when the water is clear? When the water starts out clear but the psi indicates backwashing (so there is no “water to observe go from dirty to clear) you go by how many seconds in my case? (hate to waste the water). I just keep testing/reducing backwashing time to see how quickly I can get to the start 14 psi, right? To date, with heavy opening debris, it takes maybe 20-30 seconds. The manual says backwash 3-5 minutes!? I'll be adding an inch of water ( I Exaggerate).
At this startup, 2 or 3 times when the psi was up & indicated for backwashing, the pump basket had maybe ¼ the water it should!. Can’t be good on the motor, or is it ok. I don’t recall way less water in the pump basket with my old DE filter when the pressure rose.
You guys like to Rinse 5-10 seconds after each backwash, right?
No need to use the air relief valve? You never do when it starts from a timer? Or you use the air relief valve only when it starts out dry (no water, & water is added for the 1st time at the 1st startup of the season or with new sand)? Or you use the air relief valve only when the pump basket comes off for cleaning resulting in some air getting in the lines?
Best to try to always move the MPV in the same direction?
When is the "Closed " position on the MPV used ( I realize no flow & never w pump running)
Any other trips welcomed too.
Thanks