‘Backwashing and rinsing’ in pool care refers to a method used to clean the pool filters. Often referred to simply as ‘backwashing’, backwashing and rinsing are steps in this essential part of swimming pool maintenance.

You should know how to do this, as it will save you from having to get down on hand and knees and clean a junked-up filter with your hands. It will also ensure that your filtration system continues to operate efficiently, keeping your pool clean at all times.

Backwashing is a quick process if done correctly, and only when needed. If you do it too often you might ‘overclean’ the sand filter – reducing its efficiency. However, if you do not do it often enough, dirt clogging the filter can stop it working, damage the pool filter system, and quicky lead to a green and nasty pool

How to backwash and rinse your pool filter:

To tell if the filter is under strain, check your pool filter pressure pump. If it shows a higher Psi than normal, it may be time to backwash. Check first that the pool filter is still working, if not efficiently, and there are no broken component leading to the rise in pressure.

Turn off the filter.
Connect the backwash hose to the outlet valve at the back of the filter.
Set it to ‘backwash’.
Turn the filter system back on and leave it to run for at least 2 minutes.
Turn the filter off again.
Set the outlet valve to ‘rinse’.
Turn it back on again.

It’s that easy! The only complications that might be to do with the pressure readings, faulty or damaged parts in the pool filter. If the pool filter does not work properly after backwashing and rinsing, you may need a pool maintenance service to diagnose and fix the problem with your filter.