Backwashing your Flowclear pool filter is a crucial maintenance step to keep your pool water clean and the filter working efficiently. It involves reversing the water flow to clean the sand or filter media by flushing out trapped debris.
Here's how to backwash your Flowclear pool filter:
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Prepare the Filter: Ensure your filter pump is turned off before moving the control valve handle. Locate the multi-port control valve on top or side of your filter tank.
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Select the Backwash Function: Press down on the Control Valve handle and rotate to the Backwash function. This diverts the water flow within the filter. Ensure the handle clicks securely into place.
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Initiate Backwashing: Once the valve is set to "Backwash", connect the power and plug in and run the sand filter.
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Observe the Water: During backwashing, you will see water being discharged, typically through a waste port. The water will likely appear dirty at first, showing the debris being removed from the filter media.
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Continue Until Clear: Continue running the filter in the backwash mode for 3-5 minutes, or until the water runs clear. Watching the water through the sight glass (if your filter has one) helps monitor this.
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Stop the Filter: Turn the filter pump off again before moving the control valve.
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Rinse Cycle (Recommended): Although the primary reference doesn't explicitly require a rinse, many Flowclear and sand filter manuals recommend a "Rinse" cycle after backwashing.
- Press down on the Control Valve handle and rotate to the Rinse function.
- Run the filter for about 30 seconds to 1 minute to settle the sand and remove any remaining debris in the valve.
- Turn the pump off again.
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Return to Filter: Finally, press down on the Control Valve handle and rotate it back to the Filter function to resume normal operation. Ensure the handle is locked in place.
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Restart Filter: You can now turn your filter pump back on to circulate and filter the pool water.
Summary Table: Key Steps
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Valve Set | Press & rotate handle to Backwash (Pump OFF) | N/A |
| 2. Run Filter | Turn pump ON | 3-5 minutes or until clear |
| 3. Stop Filter | Turn pump OFF | N/A |
| 4. Valve Set | Press & rotate handle to Rinse (Pump OFF, Optional) | ~30-60 seconds |
| 5. Stop Filter | Turn pump OFF | N/A |
| 6. Valve Set | Press & rotate handle to Filter (Pump OFF) | N/A |
| 7. Run Filter | Turn pump ON to resume filtering | Continuous |
Remember to connect a backwash hose to the waste port before you start the process to direct the dirty water away from the pool area. Regularly backwashing helps maintain optimal filter performance and clear pool water.
