New Pool Owner, installing filter backwash?

[Xclusive]

Hi all, now entering my 2nd year with the new house+pool and I know there's GOT to be a better way. I spent 1000s at the pool store and I'm ditching them for good. Been diving into Pool School and FAQs to get up to speed on proper pool ownership. I'm currently having to open the filter and carefully pressure wash the individual components bi-weekly... its a pain. Even worse when initially opening the pool. How can I properly install a backwash? It doesn't appear like the system is currently set up for it... Is it as simple as replacing the two in/out valves with a multiport valve?

Ordered
* Taylor K-2006 test kit & stirrer (thank you TFP!)
* Aqua Perl Pool Filter DE (24 lbs) - didn't use DE last year, friends with pools say its a must?
* Pentair Valve/Gauge assembly to replace broken filter pressure gauge

 

[Jimrahbe]

X,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all pool owners that have tired of the Pool $tore.

You appear to have a Cartridge Filter, not a DE filter. The filter you have is not designed to be backwashed.

I would not advise adding DE or the expensive DE substitute you are using.

I have a Cartridge filter that I only clean twice a year and I could probably only do it once a year if it didn't make me feel guilty...

If you have to clean yours twice a month, that sounds like you have a chemical issue rather than a filter issue.

If you really want to backwash, you need to buy a real DE filter or a sand filter.

Maybe I just don't understand what you have???

Thanks for posting and let's see what our other member say...

Jim R.

 

[Xclusive]

Thanks Jim - appreciate the welcome! I wasn't aware that cartridge filters didn't need to be backwashed . Thoughts on the pumps / set-up otherwise? Not sure how efficient these pumps are, my electricity bill is through the roof running the 1HP pump 24/7.... Additionally, the pool's main drain apparently broke and the previous owner plastered over it. The only return from the pool is via the skimmer (or brush+hose). Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[Jimrahbe]

X,

I have two rent house pools and neither one has an operating main drain. They are really not required to maintain a clean and clear pool. Both of these pools also only have one skimmer. One of the two pools only has two return eyeballs, and the other only three eyeballs. Both pools have been crystal clear for the past three years. Equipment is not the main reason that pools turn green or become cloudy.. It is all about the quality of your pool chemistry. BTW, all my pools are saltwater pools.

I am a real believer in variable Speed pumps. I say this all the time, and I'm sure people are tired of it, but I can run my 3 HP IntelliFlo, 24/7, for less than $20 bucks a month. I will never have a single speed pump again..

When you backwash you basically run the water through the filter backwards... if you tried this with cartridge filters they would rip them selves apart. We have seen this where someone plumbed his filter backwards.

How do you currently test you pool water?

How do you currently chlorinate your pool?

Any idea what your current test results are for the following?

Fc
CC
pH
TA
CH
CYA

Just something to think about.. Check this out if you are interested... Pool School - What is TFPC?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Xclusive]

Thanks Jim, good to hear its all about pool chemistry, which I'm dedicated to figuring out! Thank God I stumbled on this forum... I admit I previously tested my water by taking a sample to the Pool Store and adding their chemicals per their instructions.... I know... horrible. I've read that article and already ordered the K2006 kit and tracked down a local 12.5% Sodium Hypochlorite supplier. I'll look into the 3HP Intelliflo pump...