Maintaining a clean and healthy pool ensures both your enjoyment and the longevity of your investment. A crucial aspect of pool maintenance is regularly backwashing your filter. Backwashing removes accumulated dirt, debris, and contaminants from the filter media, allowing it to function effectively and keep your pool water sparkling clean. The Hayward pool filter is renowned for its efficiency and reliability, and backwashing this filter is a simple yet essential task that every pool owner should master. So, dive into this comprehensive guide on how to backwash your Hayward pool filter and ensure a crystal-clear swimming experience all season long.
Before embarking on the backwashing process, it’s important to prepare your filter and equipment. Ensure that the pump is turned off, and the system is pressurized. Locate the backwash valve, which is typically a multi-port valve situated on top of the filter. The valve has different settings, including “filter,” “backwash,” “rinse,” and “closed.” To initiate backwashing, turn the valve to the “backwash” position. This action reverses the flow of water through the filter, forcing the accumulated debris out of the media and into the waste line. Allow the filter to backwash for a few minutes, or until the sight glass on the filter indicates that the water runs clear.
Once the backwashing process is complete, it’s time to rinse the filter media. Turn the multi-port valve to the “rinse” position, which allows clean water to flow through the filter in the normal direction. This step helps to remove any remaining debris and ensures that the filter is thoroughly cleaned. Rinse the filter for a few minutes, or until the sight glass indicates clear water. Finally, turn the valve back to the “filter” position to resume normal filtration.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Before embarking on the backwashing process, it is crucial to gather all the necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. Here are the essential items you’ll need:
Multiport Valve Key
The multiport valve key is a specialized tool that fits into the valve’s slots and allows you to rotate it to different positions. It’s important to use the correct key to avoid damaging the valve.
Hose or Drain Line
A garden hose or drain line is required to direct the backwash water away from the pool and into a designated area, such as a drain or sewer.
Pressure Gauge
A pressure gauge helps you monitor the filter’s pressure before, during, and after backwashing. It can indicate when the filter needs cleaning.
Pool Pump Primer
If using a self-priming pump, a primer tool may be necessary to fill the pump with water before starting it up.
Water Test Kit
A water test kit allows you to check the pool water’s chemical balance. This is recommended after backwashing to ensure the water chemistry is within optimal levels.
Other Helpful Items
In addition to the essential tools and materials, consider having the following items on hand:
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cloth or rag | To clean any water spills around the filter |
| Gloves | To protect your hands from water and chemicals |
| Safety glasses | To protect your eyes from splashes |
Cleaning the Filter Elements
This process requires careful removal of the filter elements for thorough cleaning. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the Filter Elements
Turn off the pool pump and relieve the pressure in the filter by opening the air release valve located on top of the filter. Loosen the filter clamp or lid and carefully remove the filter elements (usually cartridge or D.E. grids).
2. Rinse with Garden Hose
Hold the filter elements upright and rinse them thoroughly with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Use a nozzle with a high-pressure spray to dislodge any dirt, debris, or algae.
3. Deep Clean (Chemical Soak)
For Cartridge Filters:
Fill a large bucket or tub with water and add a specialized cartridge filter cleaner. Immerse the cartridge elements in the solution and let them soak for the recommended duration (typically 12-24 hours). This chemical soak helps dissolve and eliminate stubborn contaminants.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fill a bucket or tub with water and add cartridge filter cleaner. |
| 2 | Immerse cartridge elements in the solution. |
| 3 | Let soak for 12-24 hours. |
For D.E. (Diatomaceous Earth) Grids:
Rinse the D.E. grids thoroughly with water and then use a mild detergent solution (1 cup of detergent per gallon of water) for a deep clean. Soak the grids in the solution for 1 hour, then rinse again to remove any remaining residue.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rinse D.E. grids with water. |
| 2 | Prepare a detergent solution (1 cup per gallon). |
| 3 | Soak grids for 1 hour. |
| 4 | Rinse grids again. |
Monitoring the Backwashing Process
Keep an eye on the following parameters during the backwashing process to ensure its effectiveness:
1. Duration
Inspect the sight glass for 1-2 minutes. If the water remains cloudy, continue backwashing.
2. Clarity
Check the sight glass to confirm if the water has become clear. If it hasn’t, extend the backwashing time.
3. Pressure Gauge
Note the pressure drop on the filter’s pressure gauge. Once it reaches normal levels, stop backwashing.
4. Time Counter (Optional)
If your filter has a time counter, it will indicate the time remaining for the backwash cycle. Monitor it accordingly.
5. Flow Rate
Ensure that there is a strong flow rate during backwashing. If it is weak or absent, check for any blockages.
6. Sight Glass Observation
After the initial cloudy water discharge, observe the sight glass:
| Stage | Sight Glass Appearance |
|---|---|
| Initial Phase | Dark, cloudy water |
| Transition | Brownish, murky water |
| Clean Water | Clear, sparkling water |
Stop backwashing when the sight glass shows clear water.
Troubleshooting Backwashing Issues
Air in the Filter Tank
If your filter is not backwashing properly, it may be due to air in the filter tank. To resolve this issue, try opening the air relief valve on top of the filter and running the backwash cycle until all of the air is removed.
Clogged Filter Media
If the filter media is clogged, it will not allow water to flow through the filter properly. To clean the filter media, remove the filter cartridges and clean them with a hose or a filter cleaner. Replace the filter cartridges and backwash the filter again.
Broken Backwash Valve
If the backwash valve is broken, it will not be able to switch the filter from filtration mode to backwash mode. To repair the backwash valve, you will need to replace the valve or the entire filter head.
Leaking Backwash Line
If the backwash line is leaking, it will prevent water from flowing out of the filter during the backwash cycle. To fix the leaking backwash line, inspect the line for any holes or cracks and repair them as needed.
Clogged Drain Line
If the drain line is clogged, it will prevent water from draining out of the filter during the backwash cycle. To clean the drain line, disconnect the line from the filter and clear any debris that may be blocking it.
Incorrect Timer Setting
If the timer is not set correctly, the filter will not backwash on time. To adjust the timer, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific filter model.
Low Water Level
If the water level in the pool is too low, the filter will not be able to backwash properly. To resolve this issue, add water to the pool until it reaches the proper level.
Faulty Pump
If the pump is not working properly, it will not be able to provide the necessary water pressure to backwash the filter. To resolve this issue, inspect the pump for any damage and repair or replace the pump as needed
How to Backwash Hayward Pool Filter
Backwashing a Hayward pool filter is an important part of regular pool maintenance that removes dirt and debris from the filter media. By keeping your filter clean, you can help it run more efficiently and extend its life.
Step 1: Turn off the pump
The first step is to turn off the pool pump. This will prevent water from flowing through the filter while you are backwashing it.
Step 2: Set the valve to “Backwash”
Locate the valve on the top of the filter and turn it to the “Backwash” setting. This will allow water to flow backward through the filter, which will help to dislodge dirt and debris from the filter media.
Step 3: Backwash for 2-3 minutes
Allow the filter to backwash for 2-3 minutes, or until the water runs clear. You may need to backwash for longer if your filter is heavily dirty.
Step 4: Turn off the valve and rinse the filter
Once the water is clear, turn the valve back to the “Filter” setting. Allow the filter to rinse for a few seconds to remove any remaining debris.
Step 5: Turn on the pump
Finally, turn the pool pump back on and allow the filter to run normally. Your filter is now clean and ready to use.
People Also Ask About How to Backwash Hayward Pool Filter
How often should I backwash my Hayward pool filter?
You should backwash your Hayward pool filter once every 2-3 weeks in summer. However, you can backwash it more or less frequently depending on how dirty your pool water is.
What if my Hayward pool filter gets clogged?
If your Hayward pool filter gets clogged, you will need to clean it immediately. You will know if the filter is clogged when the water pressure is low, the pool water is cloudy, and the filter is making unusual noises.
