Help me understand my pool equipment-how do I backwash Hayward DE filter

[KingLaker]

Hello All,
Just bought a house that has an older Hayward DE filter setup. I’m a first time pool owner so please bear with me if any of this sounds dumb

I am trying to figure our how backwashing this particular model will work. I don’t think there is a multiport valve or a slide valve, but maybe I don’t know what I’m looking for. Pictures below are all of equipment. Interestingly there is also another set of pipes (that look like the pool pipes ?) away from the rest of the pool equipment. The pipes are u-shaped with a spigot valve and pressure gauge. The u-shaped pipes are near the exterior drainage lines, so I figured maybe something to do with the pool? When I turn that spigot no water comes out and the pressure gauge doesn’t move so I’m totally clueless as to what these are for.

Am I able to backwash this setup or will I always have to pull the filter grid out and hose off?

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

K,

Are you sure that you have a DE filter??? You have no backwash valve, which is a pretty good indication that you do not have a DE filter.

Show us the labels on the filter..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Jimrahbe]

K,

Tell me what your "grids" look like....

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[zea3]

I think I can just see a DE recharge chart on the side of the filter. I think it is the Pro Grid model. The plumbing looks fairly recent. The former homeowner may have decided to just do a breakdown and clean and remove whatever valve was there. Since I don't see a shut off valve either that will waste a lot of water when you need to clean the filter. I would get a new multiport valve and install it.

The other pipes with the pressure valve and spigot may have been from a re-plumb where they added that to pressure test the pipes. I don't know for sure, just a guess.

 

[KingLaker]

Thanks both for the replies. It’s definitely a DE filter. Hayward ProGrid DE4820.

Where would a multi port valve go in my setup? Where would the backwashed DE drain out from? I assume I’ll have to connect a hose to one of the pipes and run out to the grass or sewer?

 

[zea3]

You would need this multiport valve Hayward Vari-Flo Valve 1 1/2" for DE - SP0710XR50 - INYOPools.com or this slide valve Custom Molded Products Slide Valve for Hayward DE Filters - SP0410X502S - 25831-004-000 - INYOPools.com

To install either one you would have to cut the intake and outlet lines just before the filter and install it there. You may need to reposition the filter so you have enough room to install the valve.

This video is about swapping out a cartridge filter for a DE filter, but it will show how to install the multiport valve on the filter.