4 Things to Know About Backwashing a DE Filter

Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 PSI above clean After backwashing and adding fresh DE, note the clean pressure (usually 10-15 PSI). Backwash only when the gauge reads 8-10 PSI higher than that baseline.

Ignore calendar schedules Backwashing every 4-6 weeks wastes water if the filter isn’t full, or lets it clog if it’s dirty sooner. The gauge is the only reliable schedule.

A sudden pressure spike means a broken grid If pressure jumps sharply, like from 12 to 30 PSI, something inside broke. That requires a tear-down, not a normal backwash.

The gauge tells you when the filter is full Don’t guess. The pressure reading is your filter’s direct signal that it’s time to clean it.