You have access now -- we use the "Getting Started" section to screen out all the spammers.

Regarding your filter: the way to determine when to backwash is pressure increase. You need to backwash, note the pressure a few minutes after you resume filtration, and then backwash when the pressure goes up -- usually about 5# on a sand filter.

You may need a new strainer basket that doesn't obstruct the flow so much -- that doesn't sound normal, but there's some strange above ground equipment out there, so I'm not sure.

Read through the BBB method page, and the Best Guess pages. That's pretty basic info. You can order a testkit via Amazon, using the links below as well.

Ben