When to Backwash

[Thomas89]

How do you know when to backwash? New pool owner and never heard of it prior to this website. I have a Hayward DE, see picture. Any advice would be great, thanks!

 

[mknauss]

TFP recommends you backwash when your filter pressure rises by 25% over the clean pressure.
Be sure to find out how much DE to add after backwashing.

You will need to open up and fully clean the DE filter every so often.

 

[Thomas89]

TFP recommends you backwash when your filter pressure rises by 25% over the clean pressure.
Be sure to find out how much DE to add after backwashing.

You will need to open up and fully clean the DE filter every so often.

So when you say "clean pressure" is that the green line on the pressure gage? Which would make the pressure the red line?

 

[mknauss]

Clean pressure is what the pressure is right after you backwash and load with new DE. Those green and red things you can move. The black needle is the actual pressure.

 

[Thomas89]

Makes sense. I took over the pool a month and a half ago and I'm having some weak skimmer issues. Do you recommend backwashing now so I can figure out the clean pressure and maintain it from there?

 

[mknauss]

Probably a good idea. When was the last time it was fully broke down and cleaned?

 

[Thomas89]

Probably a good idea. When was the last time it was fully broke down and cleaned?

I have no idea which is why is like to clean it.

 

[mknauss]

Sounds like a project! Get your owners manual on line and also look for some YouTube for that filter.
Have fun!