Pool Owners Page

A D.E. filter should normally be backwashed when the filter pressure gauge rises approx. 7 p.s.i. over normal clean filter pressure of 16-20 lbs. (on our Laguna Pools) or at least ever two months whichever occurs first.

Backwash Procedure (Diatomaceous Earth)
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How often should I backwash (Sand Filter)?

Backwash filter when pressure on gauge reads 30 p.s.i.. or at least twice every month, whichever occurs first.

Backwash Procedure (Sand Filter)
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Backwash procedure (Diatomaceous Earth Filter)?

Turn heater off (if so equipped)
Turn pool cleaner pump off (if so equipped)
Turn filter pump off, open air relief valve (located on top of filter tank beside pressure gauge)
Press down fully on backwash valve handle, rotate to "backwash" and release handle
Turn filter pump on, close air relief valve when water comes out
When water is "sight glass" becomes clear, turn filter pump off, open air relief valve
Press down fully on backwash valve handle, rotate to "rinse" and release handle
Turn pump on, close air relief valve
After a minute or so, turn filter pump off, press down fully on backwash valve handle, rotate to "filter" and release handle
Turn filter pump on, if pool cleaner pump and/or heater were turned off they may now be turned on
Add _____ I lb. coffee cans of diatomaceous earth to skimmer.
CAUTION: A full measure of diatomaceous earth must be added at the completion of every backwash! Failure to do so mil result in filter damage.

When to Backwash
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Backwash procedure (Sand Filter)?

Turn heater off (if so equipped)
Turn pool cleaner pump off (if so equipped)
Turn filter pump off
Press handle on backwash valve down folly, rotate to "backwash" and release
Turn filter pump on
When water is "sight glass" becomes clear, turn filter pump off.
Press handle on backwash valve down fully, rotate to "rinse" and release
After a minute or so, turn filter pump off, press handle down, rotate to "filter" and release.
Turn pump on - if heater was turned off at step I, it may now be turned on.
If pool cleaner pump was turned off at step 2, it may now be turned on

When to Backwash
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How do I lower the water level?

Turn filter pump off, press down handle folly, rotate to "waste", release handle, turn filter pump on. After desired water level is reached, reverse this procedure.

How do I clean the catch basket in the pump?

Turn pool cleaner pump off (if so equipped and if it is running)
Turn filter pump off and open air relief valve (located on top of the filter tank just below pressure gauge, if so equipped)
Loosen and remove pump strainer lid
Empty basket, replace lid and tighten
Turn filter pump on
Close air relief valve when water comes out (if so equipped)
If pool cleaner pump was turned on at step I, it may now be turned on.

Note: If basket is cleaned immediately prior to backwashing, allow filter pump to run for at least two minutes after completing step 7, before proceeding with the backwash procedure.

Pump Priming Procedure

Turn filter and pool cleaner pump motors off
Open air relief valve (located on top of filter tank beside pressure gauges, if so equipped)
Loosen pump strainer lid and remove
Empty any debris from basket
Pour water into the pump strainer pot allowing water to run into suction line (pipe leading into strainer pot, just below lid)
Replace pump strainer lid and tighten as quickly as possible
Turn filter motor on
Close air relief valve when water comes out (if so equipped)
Note: If pressure does not come up within four minutes, repeat step 1-8
If pool cleaner pump was turned

How does my skimmer work?

When the pump is on, water is drawn from the body of the skimmer causing surface water from the pool to run in over the top of the floating weir (flap). This action carries floating leaves, bugs, etc. into the skimmer to be trapped in the skimmer basket. The water flows through the basket and then is drawn to the pump.

Does the water level affect the use of skimmers?

YES!!! The water level should be kept about middle of the skimmer opening. Low water level may cause air to enter the system threw the skimmer resulting in possible loss of pump prime and subsequent equipment damage. An excessively high water level will greatly reduce skimmer efficiency.

How do I vacuum my pool?

If pool has more than one skimmer , plug the suction port on the other skimmer.
Remove skimmer basket.
Connect the vacuum hose to vacuum head which has already been attached to the cleaning pole.
Place vacuum head and hose in water and rest pole against side of pool near skimmer.
Fill the hose by passing it hand over hand into the water until the free end of the hose has been reached. The hose will be free of air and full of water when water flows from the free end. It is very important that this be done carefully to avoid entrapped air from entering the pumping system. Should this occur, the pump may lose prime. (See: Pump Priming Procedure)
Pass the free end of the vacuum hose through the skimmer throat and insert it in the back hole in the bottom of the skimmer.

Drain and Clean recommendations

We recommend completely draining and chemically cleaning the plaster of your pool once every two years. This cleaning removes most of the buildup of calcium on the plaster surface, while also removing scale caused by hard water, over chemically treated pool water, and changing stabilizer, etc.