The purpose of the sand filter is to collect dirt and debris from the pool water. Dirt is collected in the filter as the water flows through the control valve (multiport valve) at the top of the filter and directed downward onto the surface of the filter sand bed. Dirt and debris are collected in the sand and clean water is returned to the swimming pool. As more dirt/debris collects in the filter, the pressure in the filter rises and the water flow back to the pool slows down. A pressure gauge is located on the side of the multiport valve.
Your filter should be backwashed once a week or more often if you notice a 10 psi increase on your gauge before your normal backwash date. Backwashing allows the sand filter to clean itself of the collected dirt and debris.
How to Backwash the Filter
Turn pump, “off”.
Set multiport valve to the, “backwash” position; rotate the valve handle in a clockwise motion always.
Turn pump, “on”.
Allow the, “backwash” cycle to operate in 2-3 minute cycles. If the water does not run clear by 3 minutes, shut down and repeat.
Turn pump, “off”.
Set the multiport valve to the , “rinse” position; rotate the valve handle in a clockwise motion always.
Turn pump, “on”.
Allow the, “rinse” cycle to operate for 30 seconds.
Turn the pump, “off”.
NOTE: The pump must be off before moving the multiport valve settings. Turning the settings with the pump running may damage the multiport valve.
Set multiport valve to the, “filter” position; rotate the valve handle in a clockwise motion always.
Turn pump, “on”.
Open the manual air bleeder (pressure gauge) on the multiport valve, close the air bleeder once water emerges from the air bleeder.
This is a general guide to backwashing your sand filter system and is by no means a, “one size fits all” approach. If you are unsure of the steps to backwash your sand filter, it is always best to consult your local Colley’s expert.