Bestway sand filter: operating modes, settings and secrets of effective filtration

Sand filter Bestway - This is the heart of any pool cleaning system, on which not only the clarity of the water depends, but also the durability of the equipment. However, many pool owners use it at minimum settings, not even suspecting that choosing the right mode can save up to 30% electricity and increase the service life of filter sand by 1.5 times. In this article we will analyze all operating modes of sand filters Bestway (from models 58388 to professional 58475), their hidden functions and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to green water or pump failure.

Have you ever noticed that after washing the filter, the water becomes cloudy, and the pressure gauge shows higher than normal pressure after just a few hours? This is a sure sign that you are using the wrong mode or breaking the sequence of operations. We will not limit ourselves to standard instructions from the manual - here you will find practical life hacks, tested on pools with a volume of 3 to 50 m³, as well as a table of compatibility of modes with types of contaminants (from dust to algae).

Basic modes of the Bestway sand filter: what each means

On the housing of the filter unit Bestway you will find a rotary switch with 5-6 positions (depending on the model). Each of them performs a specific function, but not all owners understand their real purpose. For example, mode Rinse often confused with Backwash, although they solve fundamentally different problems.

Here is a complete list of modes and them physical impact per system:

• 🔄 Filter — standard water purification mode. The water passes through the sand layer, where particles as small as 20 microns are retained. In this mode the pump should work at least 8–12 hours a day for pools up to 20 m³.
• 💦 Backwash — cleaning sand from accumulated contaminants using a reverse flow of water. Required when the pressure on the pressure gauge exceeds the norm by 0.3–0.5 bar.
• 🚿 Rinse — removing residual dirt from the pipeline after backwashing. Without this step, dirt may return to the pool the next time you turn on the filter.
• 🔁 Recirculate — water circulates, bypassing the sand filter. Used to distribute chemicals or when the filter breaks (temporary solution!).
• ⚡ Waste — direct pumping of water from the pool, bypassing the filter. Used to reduce water levels or remove large debris (for example, after a rainstorm).
• ❄️ Winter - only for models with a 6-position valve (for example, Bestway 58475). Opens drainage holes to drain water before conservation.

Important: in modes Backwash and Waste The water goes down the drain, so prepare a drain hose in advance! The length of the hose must ensure water drainage to a distance of at least 3 meters from the poolto avoid re-contamination.

When and how often to wash the filter: table by types of contaminants

The frequency of washing depends not only on the intensity of use of the pool, but also on the type of contamination. For example, after a dust storm or water treatment with algaecide, sand becomes clogged 2–3 times faster. Below is a table to help determine the optimal interval between flushes:

Type of pollution	Signs	Recommended flushing frequency	Additional actions
Dust, sand, small debris	Muddy water, sand at the bottom	Every 5–7 days	Use a pool vacuum cleaner
Algae (green water)	Greenish tint, slippery walls	Every 3–4 days + chemical treatment	Increase filtration time to 14–16 hours/day
Cosmetics, creams, oils	Film on the surface, greasy stains	Every 4–5 days	Add absorbent (eg Bestway ChemConnect)
After shock chlorination	Strong chlorine smell, white flakes	12–24 hours after treatment	Rinse the pressure gauge glass until clear water

Critical error: if after washing in the Backwash mode the water in the pressure gauge glass remains cloudy, this means that the sand in the filter is already worn out and requires replacement. Continued operation will lead to an increase in pressure and the risk of rupture of the housing!

⚠️ Attention: Never switch modes while the pump is running! This can damage the valve O-rings and cause leakage. Always turn off the power and wait until the engine stops completely (10-15 seconds).

Step-by-step instructions: how to properly rinse the Bestway sand filter

The washing process seems simple, but more 60% of filter breakdowns occurs precisely because of a violation of this procedure. Follow the checklist below to avoid common mistakes:

Turn off the pump and move the valve to position Backwash

Connect the drain hose and direct it to the sewer

Turn on the pump for 2–3 minutes (until the water in the pressure gauge glass is clear)

Turn off the pump and turn the valve to Rinse

Turn on the pump for 30–60 seconds to rinse

Return valve to mode Filter and resume filtering -->

Please note two key points:

1. Washing time in mode Backwash depends on the degree of contamination. For light turbidity, 1.5–2 minutes is enough; for heavy contamination (for example, after winter) it may take up to 5 minutes.
2. Mode Rinse often overlooked, but it is important: without it, dirt from the pipes will fall back into the pool the next time you turn it on.

If after flushing the pressure on the pressure gauge does not drop to normal (usually 0.8–1.2 bar for new filters), this could mean:

• 🔧 Clogged nozzles at the bottom of the filter (requires disassembly and cleaning).
• 🏖️ Wear of sand (needs replacement, average service life is 3-5 seasons).
• 🔄 Malfunction of the pressure gauge (check by blowing into the tube - the arrow should deviate).

Optimizing filter operation: how to save energy and extend the life of sand

Many pool owners leave the filter on 24 hours a day, not realizing that this not only increases their light bills, but also reduces the life of the sand. The optimal work schedule depends on three factors:

1. Pool volume (the more, the less filtering is required).
2. Intensity of use (public swimming pools require continuous filtration).
3. Water temperature (at +28°C and above, the risk of algae increases by 2 times).

Here are tested schemes for different scenarios:

• 🏊 Family pool 10–20 m³ (3–5 people): 2 cycles of 4 hours (morning/evening) with washing once every 5 days.
• 👶 Children's pool up to 5 m³: 1 cycle 2–3 hours a day + washing once a week.
• 🌳 Outdoor pool (lots of leaves, dust): continuous filtration 12 hours + daily rinsing.
• ❄️ Winter preservation: draining the water, washing the sand and turning the valve into Winter.

To automate the process, use a timer (for example, Bestway 58389), which will turn on the filter at night (electricity is cheaper). Also note multi-speed pumps (if your model supports it): Speed 1 reduces energy consumption by 40% while maintaining effective filtration to keep things clean.

What happens if you don't wash the filter?

Without regular washing, the sand cakes, forming dense channels. Water stops passing evenly through the filter, pressure increases, and ultimately:

1. The load on the pump increases (risk of overheating).

2. The quality of filtration decreases - particles up to 50 microns slip into the pool.

3. Sand can escape into the pool through a damaged valve.

4. The service life of the pump is reduced by 2–3 times.

Typical faults and how to avoid them

Even when used correctly, sand filters Bestway may fail. Here are the most common problems and their causes:

Symptom	Possible reason	Solution
The pump hums, but does not pump water	Impeller or suction filter clogged	Clean the impeller, rinse the prefilter
The water is cloudy after washing	Sand wear or damage to the drainage system	Replace sand, check injectors
Leaking from under the valve	O-ring worn or loose seal	Replace the ring (part no. Bestway 58012), lubricate with silicone
The pressure is rising too quickly	Sand is too fine or not enough	Add sand with a fraction of 0.5–0.8 mm to the level of 2/3 of the body

The problem with air in the system. If you notice that the pump is "suffocating" for air (gurgling sounds are heard), check:

• 🔌 Tightness of connections on the suction line.
• 💧 Water level in the pool (if it is below the skimmer, air enters the system).
• 🔧 Pump cover - it must be tightly screwed on and the O-ring is intact.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sand the water remains cloudy for more than a day, check the direction of flow in the filter! Some models Bestway (for example, 58388E) have a specific design of the distribution tube - if assembled incorrectly, water can pass past the sand.

Replacing sand in the filter: which one to choose and how to fill it correctly

Average service life of quartz sand in filters Bestway — 3–5 seasons, but with intensive use or using the wrong fraction, it can become unusable within a year. Signs that it’s time to change the sand:

• 🌊 The pressure on the pressure gauge increases in less than 24 hours after flushing.
• 🔍 Sand particles appear in the water (visible at the bottom of the pool).
• 💧 After washing, the water in the pressure gauge glass remains cloudy.

Suitable for replacement only quartz sand faction 0.4–0.8 mm (for example, Bestway 58008 or Intex 28605). Do not under any circumstances use:

• 🏖️ Construction or river sand - it is too fine and tracks quickly.
• 🪨 Gravel or large fractions - they do not retain small particles.
• 🧂 Glass sand (unless it is certified for swimming pools) - can damage the seals.

Replacement process:

1. Disconnect the filter from the mains and drain the water through the Waste.
2. Remove the top filter cover and remove the old sand (you can use a vacuum cleaner).
3. Rinse the inside of the housing with water and check the integrity of the nozzles.
4. Pour new sand onto 2/3 body height (usually 20–25 kg for filters Bestway).
5. Install the lid, fill the filter with water through the modes Rinse → Filter.

Chemical treatment and its effect on filter performance

The filter and pool chemicals work in tandem: without the correct balance of chlorine and pH, even the most powerful pump will not cope with algae. However, some chemicals may damage the sand filter. For example:

• 🧪 Liquid chlorine in high concentrations it corrodes valve sealing rings.
• 💊 Tablets with high stabilizer content (cyanuric acid) reduce filtration efficiency.
• 🧴 Flocculants can stick sand if used without mode Recirculate.

Optimal scheme of interaction between chemistry and filter:

1. Add chemicals to the pool when recirculation mode turned on (Recirculate) for 1–2 hours for even distribution.
2. Switch to mode Filter and leave for 4-6 hours to completely clean.
3. If a flocculant was used, rinse after 12 hours (Backwash).

For models Bestway with the system ChemConnect (for example, 58475) chemicals can be added to the skimmer basket - it will dissolve gradually without loading the filter.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Bestway sand filters

Can I use a salt electrolyser with a Bestway sand filter?

Yes, but there are two things to consider:

1. Salt accelerates corrosion of metal parts of the pump. Wash the filter more often (every 3-4 days) and check the seals.
2. After shock chlorination with salt, be sure to rinse the filter in the Backwashto remove sediment.

For models Bestway with plastic housings (for example, 58388E) salt systems are safe at salt concentrations up to 4 g/l.

Why does the pool water become cloudy after rinsing?

There are three reasons for this:

1. Insufficient rinse time (Rinse). Increase it to 1-2 minutes.
2. Sand wear. If flushing does not help, replace the sand (see section above).
3. Damage to the filter drainage system. Disassemble the filter and check the integrity of the tubes.

What is the water consumption when washing in Backwash mode?

On average, one wash in mode Backwash spends 150–300 liters of water (depending on the model). To save:

• Use drain water for irrigation (if it does not contain chlorine).
• Reduce the rinsing time to 1.5–2 minutes (if the water in the pressure gauge glass has become clear).

Is it possible to leave the filter running over the winter?

No! Even if the pool is not drained for the winter, a filter is needed:

1. Rinse in mode Backwash and Rinse.
2. Remove all sand and dry the housing (wet sand will freeze in winter and destroy the filter).
3. Switch the valve to mode Winter (if any) and drain the system.

For regions with frosts below –10°C, it is recommended to dismantle the filter and store it in a warm room.

What is the difference between Bestway 58388 and 58475 filters?

Main differences:

Characteristics	Bestway 58388	Bestway 58475
Performance	2000 l/h	3000 l/h
Valve	5 positions	6 positions (+ Winter)
Sand volume	8 kg	15 kg
Suitable for swimming pools	Up to 15 m³	Up to 30 m³

Model 58475 also has a reinforced housing and is suitable for 24/7 operation, while 58388 It is recommended to use intermittently.