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Pool Filter Guide

Complete Guide · 13 articles

Pool Filter Backwashing Guides

Backwashing reverses the water flow through a sand or DE filter to flush trapped debris out the waste line. This section links every backwashing guide on the site: the full step-by-step procedure, how often to do it, the valve settings behind it, and brand-specific steps for Hayward, Pentair, Jandy, and Intex. Start with the step-by-step guide below, or jump straight to your filter type or brand.

Pool Filter Guide Editorial Team 4 FAQs answered Updated 2025-04-14

All Guides in This Section

13 articles
How-To 01

How to Backwash a Pool Filter

The complete backwash procedure - step by step for sand and DE filters.

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How-To 02

How to Backwash a Hayward Pool Filter

Model-specific steps for Hayward ProSeries and PowerFlo filters.

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How-To 03

How to Backwash a DE Pool Filter

DE filter backwash is different - includes replenishing DE powder after.

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How-To 04

How to Backwash a Pentair Pool Filter

Triton II and FNS model-specific steps and DE recharge amounts.

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Guide 05

What Does Recirculate Do on a Pool Filter?

Recirculate bypasses the filter - when it is useful and when to avoid it.

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Guide 06

How Often to Backwash Pool Filter

The PSI rise rule - why calendar schedules are wrong.

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Guide 07

Pool Filter Valve Settings Guide

Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, Recirculate - when to use each position.

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How-To 08

How to Clean a Hayward Pool Filter

Step-by-step for Hayward Pro Series sand, SwimClear cartridge, and Pro-Grid DE filters - model-specific differences covered.

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How-To 09

How to Backwash a Sand Filter

Sand-specific backwash steps, timing, and the rinse cycle that resettles the bed.

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How-To 10

How to Backwash a Jandy Pool Filter

Jandy and Zodiac slide-valve and multiport steps, including the DE recharge.

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Guide 11

How Long to Backwash a Pool Filter

How long each backwash and rinse cycle should run, by filter type and size.

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How-To 12

How to Backwash an Intex Sand Filter

The Intex 6-position valve explained, plus the step-by-step backwash for SX-series above-ground pumps.

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Guide 13

Pool Filter Waste Setting

What WASTE does, waste vs backwash, and how to vacuum a pool to waste without draining it too far.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does backwashing a pool filter do?
Backwashing reverses the flow of water through a sand or DE filter, lifting the filter bed and flushing the trapped dirt, oils, and debris out through the waste line instead of sending it back to the pool. It is a rinse of the filter media, not a replacement, and it restores the flow rate that a clogged filter chokes off.
Which pool filters can be backwashed?
Only sand filters and DE filters can be backwashed, because both use a multiport or push-pull valve that reverses the flow. Cartridge filters cannot be backwashed at all: the cartridge has to be removed and rinsed or soaked by hand. If your filter has no BACKWASH position on the valve, you have a cartridge filter.
Is backwashing the same as cleaning a pool filter?
No. Backwashing is routine flushing that clears loose debris, but it does not remove the oils and scale that bond to the media over time. Sand and DE filters still need a periodic chemical deep clean, and cartridge filters are cleaned entirely by hand. Backwashing keeps the filter running between those deeper cleanings.
Does backwashing waste a lot of water?
A typical backwash sends 200 to 500 gallons down the waste line, depending on filter size and run time. That is why you backwash only when the pressure gauge rises 8 to 10 PSI above the clean baseline, not on a fixed weekly schedule. Backwashing too often wastes both water and the debris cake that helps a filter trap fine particles.

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