View Full Version : Tired of the backwash hose hassle!
Redtruck06
06-15-2011, 10:36 AM
I want to install a PVC discharge line from my filter to avoid having to deal with those plastic backwash lines. I want to run the line about 100 feet - but I'm not sure how much depth and slope I will need. I live in Georgia - so I shouldn't have to worry about water freezing in the lines during the winter. (Of course, the line will only contain water when using the Backwash or Waste cycles on the filter - and the water will be under pressure at that time, so there should only be a minimal amount of water in the lines at any time when it is not under pressure.) But, to avoid water flowing back toward the filter, I would assume some amount of slope would be required. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
PoolDoc
06-15-2011, 07:12 PM
I wouldn't worry too much about slope -- the water comes out under pressure. As long as the discharge point is not more than 10 ft above the filter, you should be fine. Just make sure the pipe is big enough -- at LEAST as big as the pipe between the pump and the filter, and put a cheap ball valve* on the line close to the filter valve . . . so when you work on the filter, you won't have all that water draining back on you.
Ben
* Be sure to remember to open that valve before you backwash, and close it after. You'd be surprised at how purely filter's backwash, when you leave the discharge line valve closed. (At least, I was ;-)
Poconos
06-15-2011, 08:01 PM
If the discharge line has a slope and the end is below the pool water level you could get into a siphon condition. I've got a 140 foot run slightly downhill and once just shut the pump off after backwwashing and forgot to throw the multiport valve. Drained the pool to the skimmer bottom overnight. At the filter discharge I put in a PVC Tee and a check valve open to air. The valve is in a direction to let air in and let the long pipe drain when I shut the pump off. When backwashing the check valve is blocked and water just goes down the waste line.
Al