Is it better to backwash or waste?

Deciding whether to backwash or waste your pool water depends on the specific situation. Backwashing is primarily for cleaning your sand or DE filter, while wasting is used for draining excess water or removing dissolved contaminants. Understanding the purpose of each process is key to maintaining a healthy pool.

Backwash vs. Waste: Understanding Your Pool Filtration Options

Maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool involves regular upkeep of its filtration system. Two common procedures you’ll encounter are backwashing and wasting. While both involve draining water from your pool, they serve distinct purposes and are used in different scenarios. Knowing when to use each is crucial for efficient pool maintenance and water quality.

What is Backwashing and When Should You Do It?

Backwashing is a cleaning cycle for your pool’s filter, specifically sand or Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters. It reverses the flow of water through the filter media, flushing out trapped debris and contaminants. This process is essential for maintaining optimal filter performance and preventing strain on your pool pump.

You should backwash your filter when:

• The pressure gauge on your filter reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) above its clean running pressure. This indicates the filter is clogged and needs cleaning.
• You notice a decrease in water circulation or a weaker return flow to the pool.
• After a heavy debris load, such as after a storm or a pool party.

Regular backwashing ensures your filter can effectively remove particles, keeping your pool water clear and inviting. Neglecting this can lead to cloudy water and potential damage to your equipment.

What is Wasting and When is it Necessary?

Wasting pool water involves draining water directly from the pool, bypassing the filter entirely. This is a more aggressive method and should be used judiciously, as it removes clean, treated water and requires refilling and re-treating the pool.

You should consider wasting water when:

• You need to lower the overall water level of your pool. This might be due to overfilling or preparing for repairs.
• You have high levels of dissolved solids or chemicals that cannot be easily corrected through regular filtration and chemical balancing. For instance, extremely high calcium hardness or cyanuric acid levels may necessitate draining some water.
• You are dealing with algae blooms that are particularly stubborn and require a significant removal of contaminated water.
• You are performing certain maintenance tasks that require a lower water level.

It’s important to note that wasting water can be costly due to the need for replacement water and chemicals. Always consider less drastic measures first.

Key Differences: Backwash vs. Waste Explained

The fundamental difference lies in their objective. Backwashing cleans the filter, while wasting removes water from the pool itself. This distinction impacts what happens to the water and the overall pool system.

How to Perform Backwashing

Performing a backwash is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to your filter’s multiport valve settings.

1. Turn off the pump. This is a critical safety step.
2. Set the multiport valve to "Backwash." Ensure the valve handle is firmly in place.
3. Turn on the pump. Let it run for 2-3 minutes, or until the water running through the sight glass (if equipped) runs clear.
4. Turn off the pump.
5. Set the multiport valve to "Rinse" (for sand filters). This resettles the sand bed.
6. Turn on the pump. Run for 30-60 seconds.
7. Turn off the pump.
8. Set the multiport valve back to "Filter."
9. Turn on the pump. Note the new, lower pressure reading on the gauge.

How to Perform Wasting

Wasting water is typically done by setting your multiport valve to the "Waste" position.

1. Turn off the pump.
2. Set the multiport valve to "Waste."
3. Turn on the pump. Water will begin draining from the pool.
4. Monitor the water level closely. Do not drain the water level below the skimmer opening, as this can damage the pump.
5. Turn off the pump once the desired water level is reached.
6. Set the multiport valve back to "Filter."
7. Turn on the pump.
8. Refill the pool with fresh water.
9. Re-balance pool chemicals as necessary.

When Backwashing Might Seem Like Wasting (and Vice Versa)

Sometimes, the lines can blur, especially for beginners. For instance, if your filter is severely clogged, backwashing might expel a lot of dirty water, giving a visual impression of "wasting." Conversely, if you’re trying to reduce a high chemical reading by draining some water, you might set the valve to "Waste" and then immediately switch to "Filter" after a short drain, which is a controlled form of water removal, not a full backwash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to turn the pump off before changing valve settings. This can damage the valve and pump.
• Backwashing too frequently. This wastes water and chemicals unnecessarily.
• Wasting too much water. This can be expensive and lead to chemical imbalances.
• Not monitoring the pressure gauge. This is the primary indicator for backwashing.
• Draining the pool too low when wasting, potentially causing pump damage.

People Also Ask

### Why is my pool water cloudy after backwashing?

Sometimes, backwashing can stir up fine sediment or cause the filter media to shift, leading to temporary cloudiness. Running the filter in "Rinse" mode for a bit longer or performing a short backwash again can help. Adding a clarifier can also speed up the process of clearing the water.

### How often should I backwash my pool filter?

You should backwash your pool filter when the pressure