Losing prime backwash

Winterhater

Silver Supporter
Mar 27, 2022
21
Minnesota
We have a pentair variable speed pump. 38k gallons. Sand filter with multiport valve. I am able to prime my pump. However, if I switch to backwash on the multiport valve it looses prime so I can’t back wash. My pool store recommend that i prime the pump in backwash mode, I am questioning if this is safe to do. She thinks that the reason I am losing prime is that my sand filter is too dirty? I have read nothing about that being an issue. Do you have any thoughts on this?
 
You can backwash, just let the pump prime while in the backwash position. Mine does the same.
You are losing prime because moving the handle allow you to introduce air. It seals back up when the handle is back in position.
Prime in backwash.
 
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