Newbie here. After reading as much as I can regarding deep cleaning and watching the video, a question arose. Is it possible to remove the top, set the filter to backwash and then turn on pump instead of the garden hose method? It seems the filter would overflow much the same way removing debris, etc. albeit much faster. TIA.
Deep clean sand filter question
- Thread starter dmill1
- Start date
- Jun 1, 2018
- 16,117
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
I think it would be way faster & more pressure than you realize, probably shooting water & sand everywhere. Also possibly knocking laterals & the standpipe loose that could result in damage. This is not a good idea.
The point of the deep clean is that you can gently put the hose way down into the sand being careful not to damage anything. Without the lid on you would just have a whole lot of water directed at the top of the sand not really cleaning deep down.
The point of the deep clean is that you can gently put the hose way down into the sand being careful not to damage anything. Without the lid on you would just have a whole lot of water directed at the top of the sand not really cleaning deep down.
Welcome to the forum 
I have a feeling it would "overflow" at an excessive rate and you would have a major water loss.
I have a feeling it would "overflow" at an excessive rate and you would have a major water loss.
Just to add some extra to the original question not that I care for the idea at all but would it work with the pump being on a very loooowwww rpm.
- May 23, 2015
- 25,774
- Pool Size
- 16000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Without the clamp holding it in place, the force of the water would cause the head of the filter to pop off the standpipe. You’d launch the MPV. Even if it stayed attached, the upward force of the water on the laterals buried in the bottom would likely damage them. It’s just a bad idea in general.
Remember, a garden hose flow rate is about 4-6 GPM. Your pool pump, depending on the plumbing, can achieve 40-60 GPM. There’s a huge difference in flow and pressure there …
Remember, a garden hose flow rate is about 4-6 GPM. Your pool pump, depending on the plumbing, can achieve 40-60 GPM. There’s a huge difference in flow and pressure there …
I am not sure why you would do this since you are just mimicking a backwash without the lid on. It could be done by installing a valve between pump and filter. then just crack the valve until you hit the flow that you want.
Again, not sure why you would want to do it.
Again, not sure why you would want to do it.
Thanks for all the comments. I'll stick to the garden hose method!
I was thinking (perhaps incorrectly) that in backwash mode, the water would be entering the filter and sand through the laterals and then overflow out the top, thus taking debris with it in the process.
Ok last question on this. Am I correct in assuming I need to disconnect and plug the side mount supply and return fittings?