New Pool w Pentair DE Filter and Separation tank

[carpenterss]

So, the PB told me to back wash about once a month and I did that for the first time this past weekend (the PB did the first backwash). We have backwash tank/separation tank that (I am told) keeps us from losing a bunch of water during the back wash process. I am trying to learn as much about the equipment as I can to take good care of it, so please bear with me as it is all new to me. After the back wash I added six scoops of DE into the skimmer per PB instructions. Afterwards I noticed the pressure gauge on the top of the DE filter (d'oh). Restarting the system, I watched and as the pump started up (the highest speed), the pressure got all the way up to 25 (the Clean Filter mark) and then dropped back down to 15. Is that within normal ranges or could I have not done the back wash properly?

Here is a view of the two tanks.

 

[xyz]

Nice lookin tele. Can we get a better photo?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Golf,

Perfectly normal... The faster the pump runs, the higher the pressure gage will read.

In my opinion, backwashing once a month is totally unnecessary. Your really only have to backwash, or clean the filter, when it gets dirty. So how do you tell if it is dirty?

Here is what TFP recommends...

1. Since you have a VS pump you need to check the status of the filter at the same RPM each time. I suggest 2500 RPM.
2. Starting with a clean filter, record the pressure gage reading.
3. Periodically check the pressure gage (at the same RPM as step1) and when the pressure has increased by 25 to 30% then it is time to backwash.

You can just dump dry DE into the Skimmer but that does not work well for me. I suggest you get a five gallon bucket. Put your 6 scoops of DE into the bucket and then add water with a hose. You will be surprised how much water you can add. Then stir to make a slurry. And then, with the pump running, slowly pour the DE slurry into the Skimmer.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[carpenterss]

Golf,

Perfectly normal... The faster the pump runs, the higher the pressure gage will read.

In my opinion, backwashing once a month is totally unnecessary. Your really only have to backwash, or clean the filter, when it gets dirty. So how do you tell if it is dirty?

Here is what TFP recommends...

1. Since you have a VS pump you need to check the status of the filter at the same RPM each time. I suggest 2500 RPM.
2. Starting with a clean filter, record the pressure gage reading.
3. Periodically check the pressure gage (at the same RPM as step1) and when the pressure has increased by 25 to 30% then it is time to backwash.

You can just dump dry DE into the Skimmer but that does not work well for me. I suggest you get a five gallon bucket. Put your 6 scoops of DE into the bucket and then add water with a hose. You will be surprised how much water you can add. Then stir to make a slurry. And then, with the pump running, slowly pour the DE slurry into the Skimmer.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim, I will start taking note of the pressure as recommended. I think the pump settles down to the lowest speed (1440 rpm if I remember right) after the initial startup. And that is where it is when the gauge is at 15.

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Nice lookin tele. Can we get a better photo?

Here ya go xyz! Very proud of that one. I built it for my best man 17 years ago. I had USA guitars build the neck, but I did everything else. Mahogany and Maple.

 

[xyz]

Nice!