Starting up brand new pump and filter media

XabiaJust

Member
Jul 16, 2024
5
Alicante
So I have had the pool pump changed for a new one and at the same time the filter media replaced (from sand to glass).

What I'm wondering is what's the best approach with regards to starting up for the very first time now the pipe welds are all set and ready.

Should I do an immediate backwash or run it on filter for a short time first, then backwash? Should I put some water into the pump chamber to keep the dry running shorter? I have always done this in the past when I've cleaned out the pump basket. I have also always opened the air release on the filter for 10-15 seconds until it runs wet after cleaning the pump basket.

Do I just leave everything as it is, switch on and not worry?

My specific thoughts I'd like to know before I hit the switch are:

Multi-port - set to backwash first or filter first?
Air release valve on the filter - open it a little for the first switch on, or open it a little later?
Pump - add water to the pump basket and close it quickly to then help prime?
 
Should I do an immediate backwash or run it on filter for a short time first, then backwash? Should I put some water into the pump chamber to keep the dry running shorter? I have always done this in the past when I've cleaned out the pump basket. I have also always opened the air release on the filter for 10-15 seconds until it runs wet after cleaning the pump basket.

Do what has worked for you before.
Multi-port - set to backwash first or filter first?

Filter.

Air release valve on the filter - open it a little for the first switch on, or open it a little later?

Does not matter a lot. If youw ant to hold the air relief open then do it.

Pump - add water to the pump basket and close it quickly to then help prime?
Add a bucket of water to the pump basket before you turn it on.
 
Thanks, much appreciated, so go pretty much as I did with the old pump after a basket clean and no backwash, straight to filter?
Manufacturers of sand filters recommend starting up with a backwash cycle to blow out any sand and residual debris that may have inadvertently gotten into the laterals and piping during loading a new filter. Doing a BW, Rinse, then Filter cycle removes this debris out of the system on the BW side of the system and then beds the sand in. I don’t know how glass reacts, I won’t use it. Going straight to filter won’t hurt per se, any debris just likely ends up in your pool.