3 Things to Know About Backwashing a DE Filter

Backwash when pressure rises 8–10 psi above clean starting pressure Check your gauge and ignore the calendar. The filter tells you when it’s dirty, not a schedule.

Follow the correct procedure Turn off the pump, set valve to backwash, run pump until water clears in the sight glass (about two minutes). Turn off, set to rinse for 30 seconds, then return to filter. Add fresh DE through the skimmer after.

Don’t over-backwash Over-backwashing wastes DE and water. The filter works better with some dirt cake on the grids. Let it ride until pressure demands action.