Bestway sand filter: operating modes and optimal settings

Sand filter Bestway - a key element of the water purification system in frame and inflatable pools. Not only the purity of the water, but also the durability of the equipment depends on the correct setting of its modes. Many pool owners are faced with problems: cloudy water, low pressure or rapid wear of the filter sand. Most often this is due to incorrect choice of operating mode or failure to maintain filtration cycles.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the sand filter modes. Bestway, we will explain their purpose, give recommendations on operating time and frequency of use. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes during operation, what settings are optimal for different types of pools and how to extend the life of the filter element. Information is relevant for models Bestway 58383, 58384, 58473, 58474 and similar systems with a 6-position valve.

We will pay special attention Backwash mode, which is most often used incorrectly. Many owners either forget to turn it on, or, conversely, abuse it, reducing the filter's life. We'll also take a look at little-known modes Rinse and Waste, which are often ignored, although they play an important role in system maintenance.

Basic operating modes of the Bestway sand filter

Standard 6 Position Sand Filter Valve Bestway has the following modes (handle positions):

• 🔄 Filter — main mode for water purification
• 💦 Backwash — cleaning filter sand from contaminants
• 🔄 Rinse — removal of dirt residues after washing
• 🗑️ Waste — direct water drain without filtration
• ⚙️ Recirculate — filter bypass for chemical treatment
• ❄️ Winter — preservation of the system for the cold period

Each mode has its own purpose and should be used in strictly defined situations. Failure to operate in sequence or timing may result in pump failure or system clogging. For example, turning on the mode Filter immediately after Backwash without intermediate Rinse causes dirt to flow back into the pool.

Let's look at each mode in more detail, indicating the operating time and frequency of use.

Filter mode: how to use it correctly

This is the main operating mode in which the filter should be 90% of the pool operating time. In this position, the water passes through a layer of sand, where mechanical impurities are retained: sand, dust, hair, skin particles and other debris.

Optimal operating time Filter depends on several factors:

• 📏 Pool volume (the larger, the longer the filter should work)
• 👥 Intensity of use (number of swimmers)
• 🌡️ Water temperature (bacteria multiply faster in warm water)
• 🌳 Presence of nearby trees, dusty roads and other sources of pollution

For most private pools with a volume of up to 15 m³, the following scheme is recommended:

⚠️ Attention: At water temperatures above 28°C, the filtration time must be increased by 20-30%, as the risk of water blooming and algae proliferation increases sharply.

Pool volume	Minimum filtration time per day	Recommended filtration time per day
Up to 5 m³	4 hours	6-8 hours
5-10 m³	6 hours	8-10 hours
10-15 m³	8 hours	10-12 hours
15-20 m³	10 o'clock	12-14 hours

It is important to understand that the filter must work continuously within a specified time. Frequent switching on and off reduces the life of the pump. It is best to use a timer (if included) or a smart plug for automatic control.

Backwash mode: when and how to rinse correctly

Over time, the sand in the filter becomes clogged with small particles that cannot be removed by conventional filtration. This leads to reduced throughput and deterioration in the quality of cleaning. Mode Backwash designed for backwashing sand - water is supplied to the filter in the opposite direction, washing out accumulated contaminants.

Signs that it's time to flush:

• 🔍 The pressure on the pressure gauge has increased by 0.3-0.5 bar compared to normal
• 💧 The water pressure from the pool nozzles has noticeably weakened
• 🌫️ The water began to become cloudy despite regular filtration
• 🕒 More than 7-10 days have passed since the last flush (for heavily used pools)

Turn off power to the pump

Make sure the drain hose is connected to a sewer or drain.

Turn valve handle to Backwash position

Turn on the pump for 2-3 minutes to remove air from the system

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Step-by-step washing instructions:

1. Turn off the pump and move the valve handle to position Backwash.
2. Connect the drain hose to a sewer or drainage system (the water will be dirty!).
3. Turn on the pump and watch the water in the sight glass (if equipped). At first the water will be cloudy, then it will begin to lighten.
4. Rinse until the water runs clear (usually 2-4 minutes).
5. Turn off the pump, move the handle to position Rinse and turn on the pump for 30-60 seconds to rinse.
6. Return the handle to position Filter and resume normal operation.

⚠️ Attention: Never turn on the mode Backwash at air temperatures below +10°C - this can lead to freezing of water in the hoses and damage to the pump.

Rinse and Waste modes: when you need them

These two modes are often confused or ignored, although they perform important functions in filter maintenance.

Mode Rinse (Rinse) used immediately after Backwash for:

• 🧹 Removing residual dirt from the pipeline
• 🔄 Restoring the correct direction of water flow in the filter
• 🛡️ Prevent dirt from getting back into the pool

A 30-60 second rinse is enough. If you skip this step, the first portions of water after rinsing may contain small particles of dirt.

Mode Waste (Drain) intended for:

• 🚿 Quickly drain water from the pool (for example, for replacement or conservation)
• 🧪 Removing heavily contaminated water without passing through a filter
• 💊 Use when shocking a pool with chemicals

In mode Waste The water goes directly to the drain, bypassing the filter. This is useful when:

• 🌊 The water in the pool is very dirty (for example, after heavy rain with mud)
• 🧪 You have added a large amount of chemicals (chlorine, algaecide) and you need to quickly reduce the concentration
• 🏊 The pool is rarely used and some of the water needs to be drained to renew it

What happens if you use Waste mode for a long time?

Long-term use of the mode Waste (more than 10-15 minutes continuously) can lead to overheating of the pump, since it operates without normal cooling by the flow of water through the filter. This also creates excess load on the engine, reducing its service life.

Modes "Circulation" (Recirculate) and "Winter" (Winter)

These modes are used less frequently, but are no less important for proper operation of the system.

Mode Recirculate (Circulation) bypasses the filter, providing only water circulation. It is needed for:

• 🧪 Uniform distribution of chemicals throughout the pool
• 🔄 Quick mixing of water after adding drugs
• 🛠️ Temporary bypass of the filter when repairing or cleaning it

Use this mode for no more than 1-2 hours at a time, as without filtration the water will quickly become contaminated.

Mode Winter (Winter) designed to preserve the system during the cold period. In this position:

• ❄️ Water drains from pump and valve to prevent freezing
• 🔒 The valve is locked in a position that prevents water from entering
• 🛡️ The system is prepared for long-term downtime without the risk of damage

Set the valve to mode Winter only after the water has been completely drained from the pool and the filtration system! Otherwise, the remaining water may freeze and damage the equipment.

Typical mistakes when using a Bestway sand filter

Even experienced pool owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to breakdowns or deterioration in water quality. Here are the most common:

• ⏳ Washing the filter too infrequently — leads to sand caking and reduced cleaning efficiency. The sand should be washed at least once every 7-10 days (with intensive use of the pool - every 3-5 days).
• ⚡ Frequent pump on/off - reduces engine life. It is better to use a timer to run continuously for a specified period.
• 🔄 Skip mode Rinse after Backwash - leads to dirt getting back into the pool.
• 🌡️ Ignoring pressure gauge readings — a pressure increase of more than 0.5 bar signals the need for flushing.
• 🏖️ Using the wrong sand — for filters Bestway you need quartz sand with a fraction of 0.4-0.8 mm. Fine sand cakes quickly, while coarse sand filters poorly.

Another common mistake is incorrect loading of sand into the filter. Many people fill the sand up to the top of the tank, but in fact you need to leave the top 10-15 cm free for the sand to expand when flushing. Optimal sand level - approximately 2/3 of the filter volume.

How to check the quality of sand?

If after rinsing the water remains cloudy and the pressure rises quickly, the sand may be worn out or the wrong size. To check, remove some sand from the filter and sift through a fine sieve. If most of the particles pass through the 0.4mm mesh, the sand is too fine and needs to be replaced.

⚠️ Attention: Never use river or construction sand in Bestway filters - it contains clay and organic impurities that will quickly clog the system and lead to pump failure.

Maintaining and Extending Filter Life

To sand filter Bestway served for a long time, follow these recommendations:

• 🧹 Weekly service:
  • Check the pressure on the pressure gauge
  • Rinse the filter when increasing the pressure by 0.3-0.5 bar
  • Clean the pre-filter basket (if equipped)
• 🔧 Monthly maintenance:
  • Check the tightness of connections and hoses
  • Clean the viewing window (if any) from deposits.
  • Lubricate O-rings with silicone grease
• 📅 Annual Maintenance:
  • Complete sand replacement (every 3-5 years)
  • Checking the condition of the valve and replacing worn parts
  • Cleaning the filter tank from plaque and deposits

To increase the service life of sand, you can use special means, for example, Bestway Pool Filter Cleaner or analogues. They dissolve organic deposits and restore the filtering ability of sand. Add a cleaner to the regime Recirculate according to the instructions on the package.

If the filter is used seasonally, follow these steps before storing it for the winter:

1. Wash the filter in the mode Backwash and Rinse.
2. Drain all water from the system, including the pump and hoses.
3. Remove sand from the filter and rinse the tank with clean water.
4. Store the sand in a dry place and the filter unassembled indoors.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the operating modes of the Bestway sand filter

How long should the filter operate in Filter mode per day?

The minimum time is 1 full cycle of water exchange in the pool. For a pool with a volume of 10 m³ with a pump with a capacity of 2 m³/h, this will take 5 hours. Optimally - 8-12 hours a day, divided into 2 cycles (morning and evening).

How often should the filter be washed in Backwash mode?

The frequency depends on the intensity of use of the pool:

• For daily bathing 3-5 people - every 3-4 days
• When used 2-3 times a week - 1 time every 7-10 days
• For rare use - once every 2 weeks or when the pressure increases by 0.3 bar

Can I use a filter without sand?

No, this will lead to pump failure. Sand not only filters water, but also protects the pump from water hammer. As a last resort, you can temporarily use special filter cartridges for sand filters, but not longer than 1-2 weeks.

Why does the pool water become cloudy after rinsing?

This happens for three reasons:

1. You missed the mode Rinse after Backwash — dirt from the pipes got back into the pool.
2. The sand in the filter is too fine or worn out and needs to be replaced.
3. Water blooms have begun in the pool (algae proliferation) - shock chlorination is required.

Which sand is best to use for the Bestway filter?

The best option is quartz sand with a fraction of 0.4-0.8 mm (for example, Bestway 58008 or analogues). Alternatives:

• 💎 Glass filter sand (lasts longer, retains fine particles better)
• 🧂 Special filter granules (for example, Zeoplus)

Do not use river sand, marble chips or construction sand - they will damage the filter!