How do I backwash my DE Filter?
 
People are often confused about backwashing, when to do it and how to do it.  Your weekly pool service should be taking care of this as needed however, if you are taking care of your own pool you do need to backwash occasionally and when the pressure rises.  Keep in mind that if the pressure rises and backwashing does not bring the pressure down to within 8 points of the clean reading it may be time for a filter cleaning.
 
To backwash the vertical DE Filter with a backwash valve:
 

1. Shut down the pump.
2. Move the backwash valve to the "backwash" position.
3. Start the pump back up.
4. When the dicharge water is flowing clear, clean water shut the pump off and wait 30 seconds. 
5. Repeat step 3 and start the pump again until you see clear water then shut off the pump and return the valve to "normal" filtering position.
6. If your filter has a seperation tank (see below), clean it at this time.
7. Start the pump and add the proper amount of DE to the skimmers to recoat the filter grids.

 
Some filters with backwash valves have seperation tanks to capture the old DE backwashed from the filter.  This saves water and actually filters the clean water back to the pool, so the old DE needs to be cleaned out of the seperation tank after a backwashing.
 
To clean the seperation tank:
 

1. Turn off the pump.
2. Open the air relief valve on the seperation tank.
3. Open the tank lid after loosening the clamp.
4. Take out the tank bag and empty the old DE into the trash and hose down the bag.
5. Replace the bag and lid, lubricate the tank o-ring (never use petroleum-based product, use Teflon or similar) then replace the clamp and close the air relief valve.
6. Start the pump.

Texas Oasis Pool Service & Repair
9720 Coit Rd. Ste 220146
Plano, TX 75025
214-532-7971
Fax: 214-407-8044
www.texasoasispoolservice.com