A sharp drop in water pressure in the return nozzles or visual cloudiness of the liquid in the pool bowl requires immediate backwashing of the Bestway sand filter. This procedure is necessary when debris accumulated in the quartz filler begins to create excessive resistance to flow, which is indicated by an increase in readings on the pressure gauge. Ignoring these signals leads to overload of pumping equipment and reduced filtration quality, so prompt response to pressure changes is critical to the longevity of the system.
Owners of inflatable and frame pools often notice that the jets from the return nozzles become sluggish, and the pump itself begins to hum with greater load.
This is a direct signal that quartz sand inside the flask became clogged with fine suspension, leaves and organic impurities, which he successfully filtered from the water.
Timely backwash allows you to restore the permeability of the filter element without the need to replace the filler or complex disassembly of the equipment.
Operating principle and necessity of the procedure
The standard operating mode of Bestway filtration equipment involves the movement of water from top to bottom, where dirt gets stuck in the sand.
Over time, the layer of contaminants thickens and the pump requires more energy to pump the same volume of water, which leads to premature engine wear.
Backwash reverses the flow direction, lifting dirt from the bottom and discharging it through the drainage hose.
It is important to understand that the sand in the filter is not consumed, but it requires regular loosening with a stream of water.
If the washing procedure is not carried out, so-called “channels” may form inside the column through which water passes without being purified.
As a result, algae quickly develops in the pool and the chemical balance is disrupted due to ineffective circulation.
- 🔄 Restores the nominal pressure in the filtration system.
- 🧹 Removes small suspended matter that the skimmer does not catch.
- 💧 Extends the service life of quartz filler to 3-5 years.
- 🛡️ Protects the pump from operating in overload mode.
⚠️ Caution: Never operate the multi-way valve lever while the pump is running. Water pressure can break internal seals or the shift mechanism itself.
Preparing equipment for washing
Before starting manipulations, you must make sure that all hose connections are secure and the drainage hose is secured.
To backwash, you will need an additional hose, which usually comes with a Bestway filter, or any garden hose of a suitable diameter.
One end of this hose is connected to the drain hole of the valve, and the other is directed away from the pool to prevent dirty water from flowing back into the bowl.
Check the water level in the pool before starting the procedure, as some of the liquid will be irretrievably lost when flushing.
Make sure pump is turned off from the electrical outlet before touching any valves or controls.
A visual inspection of the pressure gauge will help record the current pressure so that you can compare the readings after cleaning.
Some Bestway filter models are equipped with a transparent flask through which you can observe the process of sand loosening.
If the flask is opaque, be guided by the operating time and the state of the emerging water, which should become transparent by the end of the cycle.
Make sure the air release valve (if equipped) is closed and all hose clamps are tight to prevent pressure leaks.
Step-by-step instructions for backwashing
The Bestway filter cleaning process takes no more than 10-15 minutes and consists of several successive steps.
First you need to move the handle of the multi-way valve to the position BACKWASH (Backwash).
This should be done by lightly pressing down while simultaneously turning clockwise until it clicks in the desired sector.
After turning on the pump, you will see cloudy water flow through the transparent cover (if there is one) or the drainage hose.
The duration of this stage is usually 2-3 minutes, or until the outlet water becomes visually clear.
At this moment, intensive loosening of the sand occurs and the accumulated dirt is washed into the sewer or onto the ground.
☑️ Checklist before starting flushing
Once the dirty rinsing phase is complete, turn off the pump again and turn the handle to RINSE (Wash/Rinse).
This mode is necessary in order to compact the sand back and wash away any remaining dirt from the internal walls and collector.
Turn on the pump for 30-60 seconds, then turn it off again for the final switch.
Return the valve handle to its original position FILTER (Filtering).
Turn on the pump and check the pressure gauge: the pressure should drop to standard values.
Typically, a pressure in the range of 0.1–0.2 Bar (or 1.5–3 PSI) is considered normal, higher than that of a clean filter, but significantly lower than the maximum.
Rinse mode (Rinse) and its role
Many users skip this step RINSE, considering it optional, which is a serious mistake.
During backwashing, the sand mass is suspended, and if you immediately turn on the filtration mode, some of the dirt may enter the pool.
The rinse mode allows water to flow in the correct direction (from top to bottom), but discharges it into the drain rather than into the pool bowl.
This allows you to “nail” the loosened sand and flush out any remaining suspended matter in the valve tubes from the system.
The rinse cycle time for Bestway filters is usually about one minute.
Neglecting this step may result in the pool water becoming cloudy even faster after cleaning the filter.
- 🌊 Compacts the sand bed for effective filtration.
- 🚫 Prevents dirt from being thrown back into the pool.
- 🧼 Cleans the internal channels of a multi-way valve.
⚠️ Attention: If after washing the water in the pool becomes white or cloudy, the collector inside the filter may be damaged or the sand is too fine.
Bestway valve operation table
Understanding the function of each multi-way valve handle position helps you avoid equipment maintenance errors.
Below are the main modes available on most Bestway sand filter models.
| Handle position | Function | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| FILTER | Normal filtration | Daily pool water cleaning |
| BACKWASH | Backwash | In case of high pressure or contamination |
| RINSE | Rinse | Immediately after backwash (1 min) |
| WASTE | Draining water | For pumping water past the filter (vacuum cleaner) |
| RECIRCULATE | Circulation | For mixing chemicals without filtration |
Mode WASTE used when you need to drain some of the water from the pool or vacuum the bottom, bypassing the sand filter.
Position RECIRCULATE useful when it is necessary to add liquid coagulants or algaecides without retaining them in the sand.
Correct use of these modes greatly simplifies the maintenance of the pool and keeping the water in perfect condition.
Frequent errors and troubleshooting
One of the most common mistakes is washing the filter too often and unnecessarily.
If the pressure on the pressure gauge is normal and the water is clear, you should not wash it simply “for prevention.”
Excessive washing removes the beneficial properties of sand and increases the consumption of water and pool chemicals.
Another problem is the appearance of sand at the bottom of the pool immediately after washing.
This may indicate a crack in the manifold (the slotted inner pipe) or that the sand level is too high.
Always check the integrity of internal components during annual maintenance.
- 📉 High pressure after flushing - perhaps the sand is caked or the channels are clogged with fat/calcium.
- 💧 Sand in the pool - damage to the collector or overcrowding of the flask.
- 🔊 Pump noise - air entering the system or clogging of the inlet pipe.
To remove organic contaminants that are not washed out with water, you can use special sand cleaning products.
They are poured into the skimmer before washing and help break down the fatty film on the grains of sand.
This is especially true for pools that are actively used and where there is a high likelihood of cosmetics or oils getting into them.
⚠️ Attention: If the pressure gauge shows a pressure above 0.3-0.4 Bar (or in the red zone), immediately stop use and flush.
Seasonal maintenance and storage
At the end of the swimming season, the Bestway filter requires preparation for winter storage.
Sand should not be left wet inside the flask in the cold, as frozen water can damage the body or internal elements.
It is necessary to completely drain the water, remove the sand, rinse the flask and dry all components.
It is better to store the removed sand in a dry place in an airtight container to prevent insects or mold from growing in it.
It is recommended to lubricate the multi-way valve O-rings with silicone grease before reassembling the following season.
Regular maintenance will ensure your pool is ready to use in a matter of hours come summer.
Check the integrity of the hoses and clamps, as plastic loses its elasticity over time.
Replacing cheap components, such as clamps or gaskets, is cheaper than repairing a burnt out pump.
Following these simple rules will extend the life of your equipment for many years.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long should the backwash take?
Typically, BACKWASH mode lasts 2-4 minutes until the water in the drainage hose becomes clear. RINSE mode takes about 1 minute.
Is it possible to use regular river sand instead of quartz sand?
No, regular sand is too fine and can clog the system or leak into the pool. Use special quartz sand of fraction 0.4-0.8 mm.
What should I do if the valve lever is difficult to turn?
Make sure the pump is turned off and the pressure has been released. If the lever is jammed, dirt may have gotten under it - remove the top cover and clean the mechanism.
Do I need to add new sand after each wash?
No, the sand is only washed. It only needs to be replenished or replaced once every 3-5 years or if damaged.