These instructions are provided for your convenience. They are not meant to supersede any instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer or your pool builder. Pool Emporium, Inc. assumes no liabilities.

Backwashing a D.E. Filter With A Multi-port Valve

You should backwash your filter every two months, or when the pressure rises 3-5 pounds above normal. Biguanide users (such as SoftSwim®) will have to backwash twice as often.

  1. Turn off the pump and unroll the blue backwash hose.
  2. Push down on the black handle on the Multi-Port Valve, and turn it to the BACKWASH position.
  3. Turn on the pump.
    1. Watch the site glass on the side of the valve. Run the pump until the water in the site glass turns clear. (If you do not have a site glass on your valve, watch the end of the backwash hose.)
  4. Turn off the pump.
  5. Move the valve to the RINSE position.
  6. Turn on the pump, allowing it to rinse out the tank.
    1. Watch the site glass on the side of the valve. Run the pump until the water in the site glass turns clear. (If you do not have a site glass on your valve, watch the end of the backwash hose.)
  7. BACKWASH and then RINSE the filter one more time (always shut the pump off before moving the valve). Then leave the pump shut off and roll up the backwash hose.
  8. Return the valve to the FILTER position.
  9. Get the D.E. ready to recharge the filter. Scoop pool water into a bucket, add the proper amount of D.E., and mix to get a slurry mixture.
    1. In the absence of manufacturer's recommendations, the general rule of thumb is that you add one pound of D.E. for every 10 square feet of filter area. For example, a 36 square foot filter would need 3.5 pounds of D.E. A 48 square foot filter would need 5 pounds of D.E.
    2. A D.E. scoop is a minimal investment, yet the easiest way to ensure you are adding the proper amount of D.E. Overcharging or undercharging could damage your filter.
  10. Remove the white skimmer lid from the pool deck.
    1. If there is an automatic cleaner plugged into your skimmer, or if there are any other obstacles present, remove them.
  11. Turn the pump on and SLOWLY pour the slurry D.E. mixture into the skimmer basket. When you're finished, wait 2 to 3 minutes before replacing any items you've removed from the skimmer.


PLEASE NOTE: IF THERE IS ANYTHING INSTALLED BETWEEN YOUR PUMP AND FILTER (I.E.: SOLAR), YOU SHOULD HAVE A BY-PASS VALVE INSTALLED IN THE PLUMBING. MAKE SURE TO OPEN THIS BY-PASS BEFORE RECHARGING THE D.E.!