Backwashing Sand Filter?

[oledan]

I realize you're supposed to back wash a sand filter when the pressure climbs to approximately 10psi above normal. So far in my short time of being a pool owner my filter has never risen this much. So I backwash once per week whether it needs it or not? Is this what you would do?

I've also heard that some do not go by pressure at all and only backwash when the water stream coming from their returns begins to weaken? Their logic is that a dirty sand filter actually filters better when it's dirty so leave it alone until you notice a change in the returns?

I'm curious to know what TFP think about this?

 

[mknauss]

You should backwash when the filter pressure rises by 25% over the clean filter pressure.

 

[Bperry]

I realize you're supposed to back wash a sand filter when the pressure climbs to approximately 10psi above normal. So far in my short time of being a pool owner my filter has never risen this much. So I backwash once per week whether it needs it or not? Is this what you would do?

I've also heard that some do not go by pressure at all and only backwash when the water stream coming from their returns begins to weaken? Their logic is that a dirty sand filter actually filters better when it's dirty so leave it alone until you notice a change in the returns?

I'm curious to know what TFP think about this?

I havent had to backwash mine this year yet. Theres no reason to if its filtering well and the pressure isnt going up. They tend to filter a bit better when dirty anyway as long as its just dirt and not algae.

 

[ajw22]

Sand Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[sktn77a]

The bigger the filter, the less often you have to backwash. Just make sure your gauge is working correctly.