Backwash question

[donfranko]

thanks, since DE is pretty cheap, it's probably a wise idea.

[Watermom]

I do not backwash every time I vacuum unless I vacuum up a whole lot of debris - which I usually don't. Really, the only time I vacuum up much is upon opening. Otherwise, just watch your filter pressure. When it rises 8-10 psi, it is time to backwash. Actually it is thought that dirty sand is actually a little better at filtering so you don't want to backwash too often.

[Jeffski]

How important is the rinse cycle and what does it do? I was not taught to rinse by my PB and have never done so.

[Watermom]

You should rinse for about 30 seconds or so after every time that you backwash. There is probably a small clear sight glass. You can tell when the water is clear. It usually takes around 30 seconds for my pool. (At least this is true for sand filters. If I am wrong about DE filters, somebody please chime in.)