DE Filter Backwashing Questions

MM32

Well-known member
Jun 8, 2024
74
Smithtown, NY
Pool Size
16158
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Autopilot Digital PPC1 (RC-35)
I had some algae in my pool when it was opened last week on Wednesday 4/30. After running the pump for 4 days straight/SLAMming, I backwashed and recharged this morning. I have a Jandy DEV 48 filter. From what my pool company said and the Jandy instruction manual, I backwashed for about 30 seconds until the water ran clear and then rinsed for about 10 seconds. I did this 3 times. I made a couple of newbie mistakes while doing this so I wanted to ask if these things will be a problem or not/ if I should repeat the backwash/recharge process or not.
1) The first 2 times I backwashed I forgot to open the air release valve. I did do it on the 3rd time. Will this cause an issue to the filter?
2) I forgot to clean the pump basket prior to backwashing. I realized this about 5 minutes after recharging so I stopped the pump and cleaned the basket. When I turned it back on it occurred to me that maybe that could have affected how well the filter grids get coated with DE. Would that have any effect or am I just overthinking it?
3) On a side note, if anyone has any tips on the easiest way to clean the pump basket it would be appreciated. The debris that gets stuck in there is very hard to get out with the hose/my fingers.

Thanks as always!
 
I had some algae in my pool when it was opened last week on Wednesday 4/30. After running the pump for 4 days straight/SLAMming, I backwashed and recharged this morning. I have a Jandy DEV 48 filter. From what my pool company said and the Jandy instruction manual, I backwashed for about 30 seconds until the water ran clear and then rinsed for about 10 seconds. I did this 3 times. I made a couple of newbie mistakes while doing this so I wanted to ask if these things will be a problem or not/ if I should repeat the backwash/recharge process or not.
1) The first 2 times I backwashed I forgot to open the air release valve. I did do it on the 3rd time. Will this cause an issue to the filter?
2) I forgot to clean the pump basket prior to backwashing. I realized this about 5 minutes after recharging so I stopped the pump and cleaned the basket. When I turned it back on it occurred to me that maybe that could have affected how well the filter grids get coated with DE. Would that have any effect or am I just overthinking it?
3) On a side note, if anyone has any tips on the easiest way to clean the pump basket it would be appreciated. The debris that gets stuck in there is very hard to get out with the hose/my fingers.

Thanks as always!
1) no issue regarding the air relief. Just let the air out at the end of the backwash cycle and before putting DE in the skimmer. You want the filter to be full of water to coat all the grids.

2) While it always best to clean the pump basket before adding DE to the skimmer, it is not the end of the world, the DE will eventually find its way to the filter grids

3) Buy a second pump basket. Then just change it out each time. With the one that is removed, let it dry and the debris falls out much easier. Also, if you have an air compressor, just direct it from the outside in and that will dislodge small twigs that may get stuck in the basket.
 
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