Backwashing new sand filter.

[Sdonaldson327]

Good afternoon everyone.

I just finished installing a new, larger sand filter for the pool.

I swear I remember reading here to run the backwash for an extended period when starting the filter for the first time, but I can’t find that post again. Or it never existed and the mandela effect has claimed another victim.

Would you guys please advise on the proper startup procedure for a new sand filter.

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

I could not find anything with a search. It would seem logical to me to use Rinse with new sand, to flush out any fines.

Other members with sand filters should chime in soon.

 

[Texas Splash]

Section III (Page 5) of this Pentair manual states to start it up in Backwash mode: https://www.doheny.com/media/Pdfs/Pentair-Sand-Dollar-Owners-Manual.pdf .

This initial backwashing of the filter is recommended to remove any impurities of fine sand particles in the Silica sand media.

 

[Donldson]

New filter sand will have quite a bit of dust in it, you want to backwash until clear and then rinse until clear. When you see the muddy water coming out of your discharge hose you will be glad you did.

 

[splashpad]

I swear I remember reading here to run the backwash for an extended period when starting the filter for the first time, but I can’t find that post again. Or it never existed and the mandela effect has claimed another victim.

The instructions for our intex sand filter included (setup or new sand):
1) With Pump Off
2) Rotate Handle to Backwash
3) Turn pump On until water in sight glass is clear (1 min - 3 min)
4) Turn pump Off
5) Rotate Handle to Rinse
6) Turn pump On until water in sight glass is clear (30 sec - 2 min)
7) User may repeat 2 or 3 times until water runs clear

*Side Note* Try to always turn in the same direction, it shouldn't matter, but it does seem to help the internal part of the valve to not bind up or fail early