Owning an inflatable or frame pool is not only about the pleasure of swimming, but also the responsibility for maintaining the quality of the water. The central element of the cleaning system is a sand filter pump, which retains the smallest contaminants. However, over time, the sand inside the flask becomes clogged, the pressure increases, and the cleaning efficiency decreases. It is at this moment that it is necessary backwash - a procedure that allows you to restore the functionality of equipment without replacing the filler.
Many owners ignore the first signals of clogging, which leads to increased wear on the pump and even rupture of the internal pipes. Regular maintenance extends the life of the device Bestway and ensures crystal clear water. In this material we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions, the frequency of the procedure and typical mistakes that beginners make when switching valve modes.
Operating principle and need for cleaning
The standard operating mode of the filter involves the movement of water from top to bottom through a layer of quartz sand. Contaminants get stuck in the upper layers of the load, gradually forming a dense crust. When the flow resistance becomes too high, the pump begins to work with overload, and the pressure in the nozzles noticeably weakens. Backwash changes the direction of flow, lifting dirt from the bottom and washing it into the drainage.
If this procedure is not carried out in a timely manner, stagnant processes may begin inside the flask, promoting the growth of bacteria. The sand cakes and loses its filtering properties, turning into a monolithic mass. For models Bestway Flowclear this is especially critical since their valves are designed to withstand a certain number of shift cycles under load.
⚠️ Caution: Never operate the multi-way valve handle while the pump is running. Water pressure can break the mechanism's internal gears, leading to costly repairs.
Understanding the physics of the process helps you avoid common mistakes. Pressurized water is supplied from the bottom up, loosening the sand bed. The dirt floats up and goes through the top hole into the drain hose. This process requires strict adherence to time intervals, which will be discussed below.
Preparing equipment for the procedure
Before starting any manipulations, you must make sure that the pool is ready for maintenance. The water must be treated with chemicals so that suspended particles coagulate and are more easily removed. Check the water level: during backwashing it may decrease slightly, so it is worth having a reserve for topping up.
Make sure all connections are tight and the hoses are not kinked. The procedure will require a drainage hose, which often comes with a filter. Bestway. It must be securely fastened to the valve outlet, marked as Waste or Drain. Point the end of the hose down the drain or away from the pool to prevent dirty water from flowing back into the bowl.
- 🧪 Check the pressure gauge readings: if the arrow is in the green zone, flushing is not required yet.
- 🔌 Disconnect the pump from the electrical network before any intervention in the system.
- 🚿 Make sure that the drainage hose has no kinks and drains water freely.
It is also important to visually inspect the sand in the inspection window (if there is one) or assess its condition based on the last washings. If the sand has been used for more than 3-5 years, simple washing may no longer help and it will need to be replaced. However, in most cases, regular maintenance will allow the load to be used for years.
Step-by-step instructions: Backwash mode
The most important step is to switch the valve correctly and start the system in flushing mode. First, stop the pump completely by pressing the shutdown button and unplugging the plug from the outlet. Wait a few seconds until the water in the system calms down and the pressure drops to zero. Only then can you touch the handle of the multi-port valve.
Press the handle firmly and turn it to position Backwash (often indicated by an arrow or the letter B). Make sure that it is clearly fixed in the desired sector. Now you can turn on the pump. You will see cloudy water flowing through the transparent hose. The duration of the process depends on the degree of contamination, but usually ranges from 2 to 4 minutes.
☑️ Backwash algorithm
As you rinse, pay close attention to the color of the water that comes out. At first it will be dark gray or greenish, but by the end of the cycle it should become almost transparent. If the water does not brighten for a long time, the sand may be heavily contaminated with organic matter, and the procedure should be repeated. Do not allow the pump to run dry or without drain control.
⚠️ Attention: During backwash, the water level in the pool may drop. Make sure that the skimmer does not capture air, this can lead to airing of the system.
Once the water is clear, turn off the pump again. Let the water sit for 30-60 seconds to allow the suspended sand particles to settle inside the flask. This will prevent large amounts of filter material from being lost the next time you switch.
Rinse mode: consolidation of the result
Many users skip this step, considering it optional, but for the filter to work properly Bestway it is critical. After backwashing, the sand is suspended, and if you immediately turn on the filtration, all the dirt will fall back into the pool. Mode Rinse (Wash/Rinse) compacts the sand bed.
Switch the valve handle to position Rinse. In this mode, water moves in the working direction (from top to bottom), but is drained into the drain rather than into the pool. Turn on the pump strictly for 30-60 seconds. This time is enough for the sand to settle into a dense layer, ready for effective filtration.
Ignoring the rinsing step results in the fact that after turning on the filter, you observe cloudiness in the water for several more hours. In addition, loose sand retains fine fractions worse. Rinse mode - This is the final setup of the system before returning to normal operation.
Why can't you skip Rinse?
If you do not wash, the top layer of sand will remain loosened. When you turn on the filtration, the flow of water will lift up small particles of sand and dirt, throwing them back into the pool through the jets. This will undo all previous cleaning work.
After a minute of rinsing, turn off the pump again. The system is now ready to return to normal mode. Make sure there is no water left in the drain hose that could flow back when changing the valve position.
Return to filtration and pressure control
The final step is to switch the valve to position Filter (Filtering). Make sure the handle aligns exactly with the mark. Turn on the pump and check the operation of the system. The water pressure in the nozzles should become noticeably stronger than before servicing. This is the main sign that hydraulic resistance decreased.
Pay attention to the pressure gauge readings. After successful flushing, the needle should return to the green zone or drop to minimum values (usually 0.2-0.4 bar, depending on the model). If the pressure remains high, the sand may have become so compacted that it requires replacement or deeper dry cleaning.
| Parameter | Before washing | After washing | Norm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure (bar) | 0.8 - 1.2 | 0.2 - 0.4 | < 0.6 |
| Nozzle pressure | Weak | Powerful | Stable |
| Drain transparency | Muddy | Clean | Transparent |
| Pump noise | Humming | Rovny | Quiet |
During the first 15-20 minutes of operation after washing, it is recommended to visually monitor the water in the pool. If slight turbidity appears, this is normal - the remaining suspension is washed out of the hoses. If the turbidity does not pass, check the integrity of the side tubes (slots) inside the filter.
Frequency of maintenance and sand replacement
The frequency of backwashing depends on the intensity of bathing and water temperature. In hot weather, when the pool is used daily, the procedure is carried out every 3-4 days. If you rarely bathe, once a week or according to the pressure gauge readings is enough. A critical signal is when the operating pressure is exceeded by 20-25% of the nominal value specified in the passport.
Sand in filters Bestway lasts a long time, but not forever. Over time, its edges wear off and it no longer retains fine dirt. The average service life of quartz sand is 3-5 years. If flushing stops reducing pressure and the water remains cloudy even after chemical treatment, it’s time to change the load.
Use only special quartz sand of fraction 0.4-0.8 mm. Construction sand is too fine and will clog the system, and river sand may contain clay impurities.
When replacing sand, be sure to rinse the new media with water before adding it to remove dust. This will prevent instant water contamination after the first start. Also check the condition of the drainage caps at the bottom of the flask - cracks in them will lead to sand getting into the pool.
Timely backwashing reduces the load on the pump motor by 30% and saves energy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should the backwash take?
The optimal time is 2-4 minutes. Focus on the clarity of the water in the drain hose. Once the water is clear, the process can be completed. There is no point in holding the Backwash mode for longer than 5 minutes.
Can I use sand from a sandbox?
Absolutely not. Sand for children's sandboxes is too fine and contains clay and organic matter. It will instantly turn into mush and ruin the filter. You only need washed quartz sand of a specific fraction (usually 0.4-0.8 mm).
Why is there a white residue in the pool after washing?
This may be due to the use of hard water or incorrect chemistry. It is also possible that when washing, dust from new sand or fine particles got into the pool due to damage to the slots. Check the integrity of the internal filter elements.
Do I need to turn off the pump to change the valve?
Yes, always! Switching under water pressure will break the plastic gears inside the valve. The pump must be completely stopped and the plug removed from the socket.
How often should I change the sand in the Bestway filter?
On average once every 3-5 years. If you backwash regularly and use coagulants, the sand will last longer. The signal for replacement is the inability to reduce pressure by flushing.