How To Do a Backwash Service on a Pool Filter.

Rob takes us through a detailed step-by-step process of how the professionals perform a backwash on a DE Pool Filter and why this service is necessary.

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Servicing a DE Pool Filter

Follow Sean in this step by step servicing of a DE Pool Filter and discover what exactly the professionals look for when they are determining the need of service and how they go about doing it.

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How often should I add or change my pool filter DE?

DE which is short for Diatomaceous Earth is a  fine fossilized powder that is used for water filtration and is a very commonly used substance for swimming pool filters frequently called DE filters. DE pool filters are capable of filtering water up to 5 micron which is equivalent to 1/10th the size of a human hair. The DE pool filters found on the swimming pool market today are the finest method of filtering pool water from bacteria and debris sediments.

When ever the DE pool filter is backwashed, the water within the DE pool filter is cycled into a reverse direction. When this occurs, all of the contaminants including the DE is forced away from the DE filter grids pushing the DE off of the filter grid and pushed into a designated backwash line. Most backwash lines are plumbed into a separate line that channels into a collection tank and the remainder of the contaminated water flows into a P-trap. However not all DE pool filters are plumbed this way, it all depends on local building codes within each cities jurisdiction.

Backwashing a DE pool filter is typically the first step of cleaning a DE pool filter because it remove approximately 80-90% of the contaminates making the pool filter servicing easier.

When a DE pool filter is backwashed, it is truly imperative that the DE powder is added back into the filter providing a a even and consistent coating on the filter grids.With out applying DE powder back into the filter, contaminants will build onto the filter grid rendering your pool filter ineffective. If the DE is not applied immediately, you can cause unnecessary damage to the filter grids and the filter will be ineffective.

DE filter powder  is added through the skimmer with the circulation pump running. Every DE filter has a different requirement for the amount of DE filter powder that is required. At initial start up for a new swimming pool or after a thorough cleaning, the filter will need to be pre-coated with DE. The filter label will state the amount of DE required.  Start the circulation pump and once the pump is fully primed, measure the DE using a DE scoop. Slowly add the DE into the skimmer allowing the filter powder to dissolve into the water and be sucked down through the skimmer. The pump will draw in the DE and send it into the filter, where it coats the grids. Once all the DE is added, take note of the pool filter gauge reading of the filter’s pressure. This is the clean starting pressure of the filter. When the pressure rises 8-10 PSI above the starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter again. Frequency of filter cleaning all depends on the size of the filter and the size of your swimming pool.

How do I know when to clean my pool filter?

Many swimming pool equipment manufacturers suggest having you pool filter cleaned at least once a year. I completely disagree. This is like saying you should change your car oil at least once a every 3 months regardless of the number of miles that you drive. Well this simply does not make much sense to me. Mine and your money is far too valuable, especially in a down economy to have such a one size fits all answer for this situation. That is why as a pool professional for the past 20 years,I have listed a few indicators to look for to help you determine that it is definitely time to get that pool filter cleaned.

• The day you clean your filter, mark the pressure gauge with a marker, when the pressure increases by 8 to 10 psi. it is time to clean the filter.
• Reduced circulation within the swimming pool.
• Spa jets are weaker than normal.
• The heater will not ignite or fire.
• The pool cleaner runs slower than normal.

If you notice any one of the listed items above, it is definitely time to have your pool filter cleaned. Of course there are a number of contributing factors that can cause a increase in need for pool filter service. Every backyard is unique to its environment, topography, vegetation, amount of usage the pool gets and how carefully the swimming pool is maintained are all major factors on the frequency for pool filter cleaning. Of course a good rule of thumb for cleaning your filter is once every 6 months, however some pool equipment needs it more frequently. On the other hand some swimming pool equipment does not require the pool filter to be cleaned nearly as often, so this could be a unnecessary expense for the home owner. Pay very close attention to the items listed above. This is one of many great factors with hiring a swimming pool professional to monitor and maintain your swimming pool for service and upkeep needs.

Dirty pool filters are alway a real problem. When the filter pressure rises 8-10 PSI over the clean starting pressure, it is time to backwash or clean the filter. Many problems occur when this is overlooked. Algae, heater problems, internal filter parts begin to break as a result of the higher pressures exerted on the internal parts, and the list goes on.

I hope by following these quick few guideline very carefully, this will minimze any additional cost to you! Happy swimming!

-Cabana Boy

Helpful Hints for Clogged Suction Lines

If you are vacuuming your pool during the windy season, you may have a lot of debris in your pool with all of the excess leaves and dirt. Remember that the suction line at the mouth is only 1 ½”, so try to not have the vacuum suck up debris that is too large. It’s always best to use a net as much as possible, and then leave it up to your vacuum to take care of the rest.  However, if you do end up getting something clogged in your suction line, immediately turn your pump off. Remember that if your PSI guage goes down in pressure, then it usually means there is something restricting the flow in front of the pump. So after you have turned off the pump, feel inside the skimmer to see if you can simply dislodge whatever is stuck. If you can’t see it, there are a few alternatives to try to dislodge debris.

First, take off the pump basket lid and put a hose down the pipe towards the skimmer. Turn the water on. Remember to always try to push the debris back from the hole that it came from. So turn the water on and go to the skimmer and see if any debris floats to the top at the skimmer mouth. If so, clean it out and prime the system back up. It should start flowing normal again. However, if the clog is a little more stubborn than that, you can keep trying the hose a few more times to see if the debris comes loose. If not, and if there is a suction valve, sucking from pool or spa, the debris might just be caught in the valve. Take the cap off the valve and see if there is anything caught in there. A little trick I use to loosed debris is I will sometimes stick ice in the pipe by the pump and then put the hose in to use the ice as a mechanism to push the debris out.  In the worst case scenario, if the ice doesn’t work, it will melt. No harm.

You can also pick up a “Drain Flusher” via http://www.reliablepoolsolutions.com/drain-flusher-1-5-2-5-fabric.html for the hose that expands so the water is only pushed one way. It hooks right up to your hose. You can place it in the pipe and turn the water on. It will expand and push the debris back where it came from. This device is great for stubborn debris.



If these tricks do not work, or if you have a consistent problem with clogged suction lines, call a pool professional. Remember, it is always best to call a pool professional to help you if any problems arise.

The Importance of a Clean Filter

Over the years, there has been many discussions regarding whether or not a filter needs to be clean every 6 months, once a year, backwashed every month, or a combo of all.

We will break down the 3 kinds of basic filters, and give you cleaning specifics for each type.

First are the Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filters, which require at minimum cleaning every 6 months.  D.E. filters the water the best from contaminants. Cleaning the filter every 6 months or so will alleviate many problems. One is ALGAE. In order to keep a pool free of algae there are a few things that need to happen. In most cases there are 5 things to look for.

• Last time the filter was cleaned?
• How long is the pool running?
• Are all the chemicals balanced?
• Has the pool been brushed consistently?
• How old is the water?

If all these things are good, algae should be very minimal, if at all. Usually, it’s one of these things that are the problem that is causing the algae growth. If the filter was just cleaned, chems are good and if you are brushing, you may need to run the pool longer. It is said that to keep algae out of a pool, it needs to circulate at least 1 time every 1.5 days. So in a 20,000 gallon pool, it needs to circulate 8 hours a day. It takes 12 hours to circulate 20,000 gallons of water. So a 20,000 gallon pool needs to circulate 8 hours a day to keep algae out. Algae will grow in water, warmth and shade. Where ever those conditions are present, you will need to brush or watch for algae.

When cleaning your pool weekly, you should watch the filter pressure or PSI. That will tell you if the filter is clean or not. If a filter is clean and the PSI is 20, then you have a starting point. Write it down so you don’t forget. So from there, check it weekly. If the PSI goes UP the filter is becoming dirty and it is time to think about breaking it down and cleaning it. Try not to go more the 10 PSI higher than normal. However, if a filter pressure goes down from the original 20 PSI, there is either something blocking the intake from the skimmer, or there may be a clog somewhere. Make sure to shut it down and check with your pool professional.

Another problem that may occur if not cleaned properly is it will put pressure on the pipes and tank body, causing possible leaks on the pipe fittings, or even splitting the tank itself. So please make sure to keep the filter cleaned.  It will cut cost in the near future and in the long run. There are also other factors to cleaning a filter and when it should happen. If it’s hot outside, a dog is swimming in the pool, or if your family is having a lot of parties, etc., this can all cause you to have to clean the filter a little earlier than every 6 months. Watching the pressure weekly will help determine that. When backwashing a D.E. Filter, you will only be taking out about 30% of the dirt off the filter grids. Make sure to re-charge the filter with D.E. and schedule a filter clean in the near future. The measurements for a D.E. filter is 1lb for every 10 sq. ft. of filter area. So make sure to read the filter label and find out how much filter area is in your filter. For example, a 60 sq.ft. filter will take 6lbs of D.E

The second kind of filter is a Cartridge filter. These do not use D.E.! These will need to be cleaned more than a D.E. Filter. It is wise to clean the Cartridge filter every 3 months pending on heat, usage etc. Once again, watch the pressure to determine when it should be cleaned.

The third is a Sand filter. Once again, these do not use D.E.. Sand filters are basically backwashed all the time. Sand filters are for pools that have a high usage, are commercial type pools or in very hot climates.  You will need to have the filter torn down once in a while to remove all the sand and add new sand to the filter water; that way you can backwash it often, maybe every 2 weeks or so, to keep the water clean.

Check with your local pool professional to see what filter is ok to use in your city if building a pool, and of course, whenever you’re working on your pools equipment please consult a pool professional.

What Swimming Pool Filter is the Best?

Wow, what a topic!  This is a common head scratcher for most swimming pool owners and can even be difficult for some of the newer swimming pool professionals to answer.  When I first began my employment in the swimming pool industry, I worked for a service route, cleaning pools and trying to absorb anything I could about the pool business.  Although my observations helped, it was a combination of building on my experience and taking classes that really strengthened my understanding of swimming pool filtration.  It wasn’t until then that I truly began to grasp the difference between the three major types of filters, and how each serves a distinct and different way of filtering water.

As I may have implied, the question is not as easy to answer as some may think.  In order to determine which filter will be the best fit, you have to ask yourself a series of questions.  Only by comparing and measuring the particular functions of each pool filter will you be able to establish which is optimal.  You need to consider replacement and maintenance costs, maintenance time, cycle run time per day, dirt capacity, and micron removal.  What is the condition of the water you need to filter? Is it a pool, spa, fishpond, decorative pond, or a number of the previous?  Taking all of these into consideration, let’s cover some specifics that will help you make a more informed decision.

Purpose of the pool filter:

To begin, let’s discuss the purpose of a pool filter in the circulation system.  The swimming pool filter is only one of many key elements to great water clarity.  It removes physical dirt and debris particles from the water.  The filter will then trap and contain the dirt until it is either cleaned or backwashed.  Backwashing is the process of reversing water flow to remove large amounts of dirt or sand particles from the filter grids.

What is the key to good water filtration?

Speed. The slower the water flows through the filter, the greater the filtration becomes.  Extremely high water flow (high filter pressures) could force debris through the filtration element back into the swimming pool, whereas lower water flow through the filter will place the debris onto the filter median and allow for easier cleaning.  The debris will also help capture smaller particles.

What is filter efficiency?

There are three main factors to consider when determining what makes a pool filter efficient.  The size of the particle the filter can capture and hold, how long it can adequately perform between cleanings, and the ease of maintenance.

The particles a filter can hold are measured in microns.  A micron is 1/1000 of a millimeter.  To put this into perspective we have laid it out below.

* Cartridge Filters – Filter up to 10-15 microns (a single grain of beach sand is 90-100 microns).
* Diatomaceous Filters (D.E.) Filters – Filter up to 5 microns (1/10th the width of a human hair).
* Sand Filters – Filter up to 20-40 microns.

Cartridge Filter:
Pros:
* Filter maintenance is easy.
* Can often be less expensive than its competitors.
* Great for small swimming pools, spas, or fountains.

Cons:
* Filter is less tolerant to higher operating pressures (works best under low pressure).  Consider using a variable speed pump.
* Because of the above, water cloudiness is more common.
* Middle of the road for filtering smaller water particles.

Cartridge filters are the newest media to the swimming pool and spa industry.  The first cartridge filters surfaced in the early 70’s.  A company manufacturer called Reemay makes many of the cartridge filter fabric material that goes into making up the cartridge filter cells and is specifically designed to trap dirt down to around 15 microns.

Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) Filter:
Pros:
* Outstanding pool water clarity.
* Finest filter media used for swimming pools.
* Filter tolerance is greater between maintenance.

Cons:
* Filter maintenance is more difficult to service.
* Some city requirements will now allow new pools to have D.E type filters due to servicing requirements.
* Up front costs are typically more.

Diatomaceous Earth filters use a filter powder called Diatomaceous Earth D.E. filter poweder.  This DE filter powder is actually the fossilized exoskeletons of a marine organism call a Diatom.  It is mined from the ground and processed into a fine dust that is used to coat the surfaces of the internal filter grids evenly.  As water travels into the DE filter, the fine pores contained within the powder trap and filter out dirt particles and water impurities.

Sand Filter:
Pros:
* Filter maintenance is easy.
* Oldest form of swimming pool water filtration.
* Commonly found in many commercial applications due to the high GPM capabilities.

Cons:
* Pool water particles are not filtered as finely as Cartridge or D.E. filters.
* Sand filter maintenance frequency is typically greater.

Dirty pool water enters the sand filter through a distributor, which evenly dispenses the water down over the top of the bed of sand.  The dirt is typically captured in the first 4″ of the sand bed.  The water then continues through the rest of the sand to the laterals, where clean water exits the sand filter. FYI: NO, YOU CANNOT USE BEACH SAND – haha, I know you were thinking that!  Make sure you use #20 silica sand, this is required for sand filters.

Remember, crystal clear water clarity doesn’t stop with having the best swimming pool filter.  You also have to consider all the factors including good water chemistry, properly sized pool pump, duration of filtration cycle and frequency.

I hope this answers a few of your questions about swimming pool filters and each of their individual functions.  Remember, you can always consult our local swimming pool professionals list on our home page for more advice on swimming pool equipment maintenance!

Contact Reliable Pool Solutions for any questions or service!

Best Regards;

RPS Blogger