Backwashing filter equipment for DE, sand or cartridge filters. The procedures for backwashing a DE or sand filter are very similar with the exception of adding DE to the filter after backwashing and possible cleaning your recycle tank bag.

a. To start the backwash process first you must turn pump off. Place multi port valve or slide valve into backwash position. Make sure that you backwash hose is stretched out or that your recycle tank valve is in the open position. Switch pump on for approximately 2 minutes or until site glass shows clear water.

With a multi port valve system there is an additional step that does not apply to the slide valve system. On the majority of multi port valve systems there should be a rinse cycle. To initial the rinse cycle you must turn the pump off, and on the multi port selector valve change the position to the rinse setting. Turn pump back on for approximately 30 seconds. After the rinse cycle has completed turn pump off and place into filter position. Turn pump on.

With a DE filter DE must be added after the backwash cycle has been completed. The amount of DE to be added depends on the size of your filter. If a backwash recycle tank is used you must also close the tank valve before restarting the pump.

2. Manually vacuuming swimming pool. The products needed for manually vacuuming your pool are vacuum head, telescopic vacuum pole, vacuum hose that will reach the entire swimming pool area.
a. Attach vacuum head to vacuum pole and set next to skimmer or vacuum port on swimming pool. Stretch out hose to full length so that there is no twists or loops. This step will make it easier to fill the hose with water. Close valves on swimming pool pump so that only the suction valve needed for vacuuming is open. Attach hose to vacuum head and slowly feed head and hose into water making sure that hose is completely filled with water. You will know if you have done this step properly if water comes out of end of hose when done. Plug hose into vacuum port or skimmer of swimming pool. Be careful when plugging hose in that you do not pinch your fingers as the suction will be strong.

b. Starting from suction line or skimmer, push vacuum head slowly along floor of pool in a straight line overlapping approximately two inches on both the forward and reverse motions. You will find the appropriate speed according to the type of debris in your pool. Attempting to vacuum to quickly can stir up debris making it difficult to vacuum and/or clouding your water.
c. After the manually vacuuming is complete and your pool bottom clean you must first remove the hose from the suction from your vacuum port or skimmer and then remove head and hose from pool.

How to maintain an in-ground pool

Weekly Maintenance Routine

Weekly pool maintenance can be broken down into six fundamental categories. Cleaning the water surface of your swimming pool, emptying skimmer & pump baskets, manually vacuuming your swimming pool, backwashing filter equipment for DE, sand or cartridge filters, and balancing your chemicals. Maintaining your own pool requires approximately an hour of your time per week. A properly maintained pool can give you countless hours of enjoyment.

Cleaning the water surface of your swimming pool is essential. To skim the water surface of your pool you need a net and telescopic pole. There are two basic net types, the flat net to remove small amounts of floating debris, and a larger bag style net for pools that have larger amounts of floating debris.

Emptying skimmer & pump baskets help maintain maximum water flow to your filter equipment and assists in removing debris from the water surface.
To clean the skimmer baskets it is as simple as removing the lid, taking out the basket, making sure that no debris is sucked down into the skimmer line. finding a suitable place to discard the debris after removing from basket. Replace basket and replace cover.

To empty a pump basket first turn the pump off. Close all the valves on suction side of pump (this step is so that you do not loose prime on swimming pool pump. Remove the pump lid and empty debris into suitable receptacle. Replace pump basket, being sure gasket is free of debris on pump. Replace pump lid, open valves on suction side of pump.
Turn pump on making sure that it returns to full prime. (Full prime means that pump is full of water with no air and running at proper pressure)