You should backwash your pool filter every 1 to 2 weeks, whenever the pressure gauge reads above 20 PSI, or immediately after a heavy pool vacuuming. Backwashing clears out the trapped dirt and restores your pool’s suction and water flow.

• The 1-Minute Backwash Rule: First, always turn off your pump before moving the valve handle! Turn the handle clockwise to the “Backwash” setting. Turn the pump back on and run it for about 1 minute. Watch the sight glass on the side of the valve—the water will shoot out dark and dirty, but you will know the filter is clean once that water runs completely clear.
• Don’t Forget to Rinse: After backwashing, turn the pump off, turn the handle clockwise to “Rinse,” and run the pump for about 30 seconds. This crucial step resettles the sand bed so dirty water does not blow back into your pool when you switch it back to “Filter.”

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