A good rule of thumb is to backwash once the pressure displayed on your pressure gauge is 8-10 psi over the starting level. Backwashing after heavy rains, treating for algae, or when trying to clear cloudy water will keep your filter working efficiently.

When should a pool operator backwash a sand filter?

When Should I Backwash my sand filter? High Rate Sand: When the pressure rise 8-10 over starting pressure on your pressure gauge, then and only then, will you want to backwash. And even then, you only want to backwash until the water running through your waste sight glass goes clear.

What maintenance does a sand filter need?

They are easy to backwash and sand is relatively inexpensive, especially considering how infrequently it needs to be replaced. The most common form of maintenance you will perform with your sand filter is a backwash. The average sand filter will need to be backwashed once every week or two but that depends on usage.