How to Backwash Hayward DE Filters

The purpose of backwashing is to blow out the old DE, with its trapped impurities, so you can replace it with clean DE. Below are the steps you should follow for both “Bump Style” and Multiport Style DE filters.

DE Filters with Bump Handles

◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Open backwash valve.
◦ Bump handle slowly 15 times.
◦ Turn pump on and run it for 2 minutes.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Bump handle slowly 15 times.
◦ Turn pump on for 1 minute.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Close backwash valve tightly.
◦ Turn pump on.
◦ Add D.E. to the skimmer located closest to pump.
◦ For Hayward EC-40 / EC-50 Filters use (3) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ For Hayward EC-65 / EC-75 Filters use (5) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ Add D.E. to skimmers SLOWLY. Don’t CLOG them !
◦ Check pool water level after backwashing – add more water if necessary !

DE Filters with Multiports

◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Turn multiport valve to backwash position.
◦ Open backwash gate valve ( if any ).
◦ Turn pump on and run it for 2 minutes.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Turn multiport to rinse position.
◦ Turn pump on and run it for 1 minute.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Turn multiport valve to backwash position.
◦ Turn pump on and run it for 2 minutes.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Turn multiport valve to filter or rinse position.
◦ Turn pump on and run it for 1 minute.
◦ Turn pump off.
◦ Turn multiport valve to filter position.
◦ Close backwash gate valve (if any) & turn pump on.
◦ Add D.E. to the skimmer located closest to pump.
◦ For Hayward DE2400 Filters use (2) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ For Hayward DE3600 Filters use (3) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ For Hayward DE4800 Filters use (4) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ For Hayward DE6000 Filters use (4) 1 LB coffee cans of DE
◦ Add D.E. to skimmers SLOWLY. Don’t CLOG them !
◦ Check pool water level after backwashing – add more water if necessary !

The amount of DE you actually need is an arguable point amongst pool guys.  Some say add more and backwash less, others say add less and backwash more frequently.  We like to side with the “add less and backwash more” group.  One thing almost all agree on, is that the manufacturer’s instructions that come with most DE filters always recommend putting in WAY TOO MUCH DE.  If you put too much in, you risk clogging the filter, straining your pump and significantly reducing your circulatory pressure in the pool.

If you have a Sand filter, you most likely have a Multiport on it. Just follow the same directions as above with the exception of adding the DE. You will not need to do that step.

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