Backwashing questions

[NWMNMom]

OVER backwashing can actually reduce the effectiveness of a sand filter. That includes doing it too often or for too long. Some amount of debris in there helps filter more.

We backwash only when we start to have pressure issues and then only just until it looks clear. You should not have to change/empty your sand unless you have a big problem with something like laterals, but frequent backwashing may wash some amount of sand out after time so you may need to top off if you have been doing it a lot.

[Ken_J]

I backwash until it's clear and then rinse til clear. Both usually start out clear - then dirty - then clear again.

I inherited my pool 7 years ago and just changed the sand over the weekend for the second time this past weekend becasue I was backwashing all the time. Took a couple hours and $25 for 150 lbs. of sand. I add a little DE to my sand through the skimmer which greatly enhances filtering but does cause me to have to backwash a little more often. Well worth the price for crystal clear water!