How to Backwash Your Hayward Pool Pump in 7 Easy Steps

Welcome to our guide on how to backwash your Hayward pool pump in 7 easy steps. Backwashing is a process that removes debris and dirt from the sand or DE filter of your pool. This maintenance task is essential to keep your pool clean and running efficiently.

If you’re not sure how to backwash your Hayward pool pump, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know about backwashing, from determining when to backwash to adding fresh DE.

So, grab your pool maintenance gear, and let’s dive into the step-by-step process of backwashing your Hayward pool pump!

Read on to learn more about how to keep your pool clean and running smoothly with our easy-to-follow backwashing guide!

Determine When to Backwash

Backwashing your Hayward pool pump is an essential part of pool maintenance. Backwashing involves reversing the flow of water in the sand filter to flush out any dirt and debris that may have accumulated over time. But how do you know when it’s time to backwash? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your pool, the frequency of use, and the weather conditions.

One way to tell if it’s time to backwash is by checking the pressure gauge on your pool pump. As the filter becomes clogged with debris, the pressure inside the filter will increase. When the pressure reaches 8-10 PSI above the normal operating pressure, it’s time to backwash. Another way to determine if it’s time to backwash is by checking the water flow. If the water flow from the pool returns to the pool is weak, it could be an indication that the filter needs to be cleaned.

It’s also a good idea to establish a regular maintenance schedule to prevent the need for backwashing in the first place. For most pools, a weekly or biweekly backwashing schedule is sufficient. However, if your pool is subject to heavy use or excessive debris, you may need to backwash more frequently. By establishing a regular maintenance routine, you’ll help ensure that your pool is always clean and ready for use.

Overall, determining when to backwash your Hayward pool pump is essential to maintain a clean and healthy pool. By monitoring the pressure gauge, water flow, and establishing a regular maintenance routine, you can help prevent clogs and ensure that your pool is always in top condition.

Water Pressure

1. Low Pressure: If the water pressure in your pool is low, it’s time to backwash your pool pump. You can check the pressure gauge located on your pool filter to see if the pressure has dropped below the recommended level.

2. High Pressure: If the water pressure in your pool is high, it can indicate that the pool pump is dirty and clogged, which means it’s time to backwash the pump. If the pressure gauge shows a reading above the recommended level, it’s time to take action.

3. Normal Pressure: If the pressure gauge is showing normal readings, you don’t need to backwash your Hayward pool pump. A healthy pool should have a pressure reading between 10 and 20 PSI.

4. Pressure Fluctuations: If you notice pressure fluctuations over time, it could indicate a problem with your pool pump, and you may need to backwash it more frequently to keep it in good working condition.

Regularly checking your pool’s water pressure is essential for maintaining your pool’s health and longevity. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Hayward pool pump is functioning properly and keeping your pool water crystal clear.

Time Interval

Another factor that determines when to backwash your Hayward pool pump is the time interval. As a general rule of thumb, you should backwash your pool pump when the pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi above the normal reading. However, this may vary depending on how frequently you use your pool, the type of filter you have, and the size of your pool.

If you use your pool frequently or if you have a larger pool, you may need to backwash your pump more frequently. On the other hand, if you use your pool less frequently or have a smaller pool, you may be able to go longer between backwashings.

It’s important to keep track of how often you backwash your pool pump so you can establish a routine maintenance schedule. This will ensure that your pool stays clean and healthy for swimming.

If you’re not sure how often to backwash your Hayward pool pump, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from a professional pool maintenance service.

Water Clarity

Another factor to consider when determining when to backwash your Hayward pool pump is the water clarity. If you notice that the water in your pool is cloudy or has a greenish tint, it may be time to backwash the pump. This is because a clogged filter can reduce the effectiveness of your pool’s chemicals and make it more difficult to maintain a healthy pH balance.

Additionally, if you’ve recently shocked your pool or added chemicals, it’s important to keep an eye on the water clarity. These treatments can cause debris and sediment to become dislodged and clog the filter more quickly than usual, so you may need to backwash more frequently.

If you’re not sure whether the water clarity is related to the need for backwashing or something else, try performing a clarifying test. Add a clarifier to the water and see if the clarity improves. If it does, then the issue may be related to the pool pump or filter.

Remember, keeping your pool water clear and balanced is key to enjoying a safe and healthy swimming environment. If you’re ever in doubt about whether it’s time to backwash your Hayward pool pump, it’s better to err on the side of caution and perform the procedure sooner rather than later.

Turn Off the Pool Pump

First, turn off the pool pump by flipping the circuit breaker to the off position. This is important to ensure your safety and prevent any potential electrical shocks.

Next, close the skimmer and main drain valves to prevent water from flowing out of the pool during the backwash process.

Finally, turn the multiport valve handle to the backwash position. This will redirect the water flow so that it is reversed through the filter, effectively flushing out the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the filter media.

Shut Off the Power

Important: Before proceeding, make sure to turn off the power to the pool pump to avoid the risk of electrical shock or injury.

Locate the pool pump’s circuit breaker and flip it to the “off” position. If you can’t find the circuit breaker, you may need to turn off the power to the entire house or call an electrician for assistance.

It’s also a good idea to unplug any timers or automatic controls that may be connected to the pool pump to prevent them from turning it on while you are working on it.

Turn the Valve to “Off”

• Locate the multiport valve: The multiport valve is usually located on the top of the pool pump.

• Turn the valve handle to “Off”: Rotate the valve handle until it is set to the “Off” position.

• Wait for the system to depressurize: It’s important to wait a few minutes for the system to depressurize before proceeding with backwashing.

Turning the valve to the “Off” position will stop the flow of water to the filter and prevent water from flowing out of the waste line during backwashing. It’s essential to ensure the valve is in the correct position before proceeding with backwashing to prevent damage to the pool equipment and ensure the process works correctly.

Wait for the Pump to Stop Completely

Patience is key in this step. It’s important to wait for the pool pump to come to a complete stop before proceeding.

Inspect the pool pump to ensure it has stopped moving. If it’s still turning, you can cause damage to the system or injure yourself while attempting to work on it.

Listen for any unusual sounds coming from the pool pump. If it’s making any strange noises, wait until it has come to a complete stop before investigating further.

Clean the Skimmer Basket and Pump Strainer

Before cleaning the skimmer basket and pump strainer, turn off the pool pump and shut off the power. This will ensure your safety while handling the equipment.

Remove the skimmer basket from the skimmer and dump out any debris it has collected. Use a hose or a brush to clean out any remaining debris or dirt.

Next, locate the pump strainer basket and remove it from the pump. Dump out any debris it has collected and clean it with a hose or a brush.

Once the skimmer basket and pump strainer are cleaned, replace them in their respective locations. Turn the power back on and restart the pump.

Remove the Skimmer Basket

1. Turn off the pool pump before removing the skimmer basket to avoid any potential injuries.

2. Open the skimmer lid and lift the skimmer basket out of the skimmer. Be cautious while handling the basket to avoid damaging it.

3. Empty the debris from the skimmer basket into a trash can or compost bin. You can use a garden hose to wash the basket if necessary.

Once the skimmer basket is clean, you can move on to cleaning the pump strainer.

Turn the Multiport Valve to Backwash Mode

Step 1: Turn off the pool pump and wait for it to come to a complete stop.

Step 2: Locate the multiport valve, which is usually located near the pool pump.

Step 3: Turn the handle on the top of the valve to the “backwash” position.

Step 4: Attach a backwash hose to the waste port on the multiport valve.

Step 5: Turn the pool pump back on and let it run for several minutes, or until the water in the sight glass on the multiport valve runs clear.

Locate the Multiport Valve

• Look for the valve handle: The multiport valve is typically located on the filter tank, and it has a handle that can be turned to different positions.

• Refer to the owner’s manual: If you’re unsure where the multiport valve is located, check the owner’s manual for your pool’s filter system. The manual should have a diagram or photo that shows the location of the valve.

• Check near the pool equipment: The multiport valve may be located near the pump and other pool equipment, so check in that area if you’re having trouble finding it on the filter tank.

• Look for labels: Some multiport valves may have labels that indicate the different positions of the valve handle, such as “filter,” “backwash,” “rinse,” “waste,” and “closed.”

Once you’ve located the multiport valve, you can proceed with turning it to the “backwash” position to clean your pool’s filter system.

Turn the Valve to “Backwash”

Once you’ve located the multiport valve, it’s time to turn it to “Backwash”. This will allow the water to flow out of the filter and through the backwash line, removing any dirt and debris that has built up in the filter.

Make sure to turn the pump back on after you’ve turned the valve to “Backwash”. You’ll want to run the pump for about two minutes or until the water in the sight glass is clear.

During the backwash process, you may notice that the water in the sight glass is cloudy at first. This is normal and indicates that the filter is doing its job and removing dirt and debris.

Once the water in the sight glass is clear, it’s time to turn off the pump and move on to the next step in the cleaning process.

Run the Pump and Backwash

Turn on the Pump: Ensure that the pump is turned on before beginning the backwashing process. This will ensure that water is flowing through the system and that the backwash is effective.

Monitor the Waste Water: As the backwashing process continues, it is important to monitor the waste water. This water will contain dirt, debris, and other contaminants that have been removed from the filter. Make sure to drain this water into a suitable area or drainage system.

Run the Pump for Several Minutes: Once the valve has been turned to backwash, run the pump for several minutes to ensure that all debris is removed from the filter. This will also help to remove any excess water from the system.

Rinse the Filter: After backwashing, it is important to rinse the filter to remove any remaining debris. Turn the valve to rinse and run the pump for several minutes to ensure that the filter is clean and ready to use again.

Turn On the Pump

Check the Water Flow: Before turning on the pump, make sure there is enough water in the pool to cover the skimmer. Also, ensure the valves are set to the proper positions.

Prime the Pump: If the pump is not self-priming, you may need to prime it. To do so, close the skimmer and main drain valves, and open the valve on the suction side of the pump. Then, pour water into the pump until it is full.

Turn on the Pump: Once the pump is primed, turn it on. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating the pump. Check the pressure gauge on the filter to ensure it is running properly.

Monitor the Sight Glass

Once the pump is on, keep an eye on the sight glass. The sight glass is a small, circular glass window that is located on the side of the multiport valve. It will allow you to see the color of the water that is coming out of the pool.

The initial water that comes out of the pool may be cloudy, so give it a minute or two to clear up. As the backwash continues, the water should start to become clearer. Keep an eye on the sight glass throughout the process to ensure that the water is running clear.

If the water does not clear up after a few minutes, you may need to backwash for a longer period of time or perform additional maintenance on your filter system.

Remember to keep your eye on the sight glass throughout the backwash process to ensure that the water is running clear before proceeding to the next step.

Backwash Until the Sight Glass is Clear

Continue to backwash the pool filter until the water running out of the sight glass is clear. This indicates that all of the dirt and debris trapped in the filter have been flushed out.

Be sure to check the sight glass periodically during the backwashing process. If the water is still cloudy or discolored, keep backwashing until it runs clear.

Remember to keep an eye on the pressure gauge as well, as it will rise during the backwashing process. When the pressure gauge drops back down to its original level, the filter is clean and the backwashing process can be stopped.

After the backwashing process is complete, be sure to turn off the pump and return the multiport valve to its original position before resuming normal pool filtration.

Rinse and Rinse Again

Rinse the Filter – Once the backwash is complete, turn off the pump and set the multiport valve to “Rinse”. Turn on the pump and let it run for about 30 seconds or until the water in the sight glass is clear. This will rinse out any remaining debris.

Rinse the Skimmer Basket and Pump Strainer – Remove and clean the skimmer basket and pump strainer as before to remove any debris that may have accumulated during the backwash process.

Backwash Again – After the first rinse, set the multiport valve back to “Filter” and let the pump run for a few minutes. Then, turn the pump off and set the valve to “Backwash” again. Repeat the backwash process as before, followed by another rinse.

Monitor the Sight Glass – During the second backwash and rinse, keep an eye on the sight glass to ensure that the water is running clear. If the water is still cloudy or dirty, continue to backwash and rinse until the water in the sight glass is clear.

Return to “Filter” Mode – Once the second rinse is complete and the water in the sight glass is clear, turn off the pump and set the multiport valve back to “Filter”. Your filter is now clean and ready to be used again.

Turn the Valve to “Rinse”

Rinse your filter after backwashing it. This will remove any remaining debris and dirt particles.

Locate the “Rinse” setting on your multiport valve. Turn the handle to the “Rinse” setting.

Turn on the pump. Run the pump for about 1-2 minutes or until the water in the sight glass is clear.

Turn off the pump. Turn off the pump and move the multiport valve to the “Filter” setting.

Return to Filter Mode and Add Fresh DE

Once you have completed the backwash and rinse cycles, it’s time to return the valve to the filter mode. This will allow the pool water to flow through the DE filter once again and remove any remaining debris.

Before turning on the pump, add fresh diatomaceous earth (DE) powder to the skimmer. This will help the filter to operate at its maximum efficiency and ensure the water is as clean as possible.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of DE powder to add based on the size of your filter.

Turn the Valve to “Filter”

Step	Action	Description
Step 1	Turn off the pump	Make sure the pump is turned off before adjusting the multiport valve.
Step 2	Turn the multiport valve to “Filter”	Turn the valve handle to the “Filter” position to start the filtration process.
Step 3	Turn on the pump	After the valve is set to “Filter,” turn on the pump to circulate the water through the filter.
Step 4	Check for leaks	Monitor the system for any signs of leaks or irregularities. If you notice any issues, turn off the pump immediately and address the problem.

Once the valve is set to “Filter,” the filtration process will begin. The water will be circulated through the filter, removing any impurities and debris that may be present in the water. It’s important to keep an eye on the system during this process and check for any leaks or irregularities. If everything looks good, you can sit back and enjoy your clean and clear pool water!

Add Fresh DE to the Skimmer

Now that the filter is back in filter mode, it’s time to add fresh diatomaceous earth to the skimmer. This is a crucial step to ensure your pool is properly filtered and remains crystal clear.

Make sure you add the appropriate amount of DE based on your pool’s size and manufacturer recommendations. Using too much or too little can impact the effectiveness of your filtration system.

Slowly pour the DE into the skimmer while the pump is running. This will help the DE distribute evenly throughout the filter, ensuring maximum filtration efficiency.

After adding the DE, let the pump run for a few minutes to ensure it is properly distributed. Then, turn off the pump and inspect the pressure gauge. If the pressure is within the recommended range, your pool is ready to be enjoyed.

Frequently Asked Questions