Bump, Flush & Re-coat: Give Your Earth Filter a Fresh Start
When your earth filter pressure climbs quickly or dirty water returns to the pool after regeneration, it may be time for a thorough cleaning. In this tutorial, The Great Escape walks you through how to clean and flush your earth filter, restore water flow, and re-coat the filter with fresh earth for proper filtration.
Key Takeaways:
Clean your earth filter when pressure rises more than 10 psi within 24 hours or less, or when cloudy or dirty water returns to the pool for more than 30 seconds after regeneration.
Proper cleaning involves bumping the filter, draining and flushing the system, then repeating the procedure for the best results.
Record your pressure gauge reading after adding fresh earth. This precoat pressure gives you a baseline for determining when the filter needs future regeneration or cleaning.
Step-by-Step Process:
Turn off the pump and use your shut-off valves to stop water flow from the skimmer and return.
If you don’t have shut-off valves, use a Hayward 1022 black cap or rags to prevent water from entering the filtration system.
Move the bump handle down slowly and then up briskly. Repeat this process 8 times.
Open the vent valve beneath the bump cover and open the filter drain. Allow the water and dirt to drain completely.
As the water flow begins to slow, open the shut-off valves to thoroughly flush the system.
Close the filter drain and vent valve.
Return the shut-off valves to the open position, turn on the pump, and allow the tank to fill with water.
Repeat the cleaning procedure for the best results.
Once the filter is clean and you see a steady flow of water returning to the pool, prepare to re-coat the filter with earth.
Add 4 lbs. of earth into the skimmer as quickly as the plumbing will accept it. If you don’t have a measuring scoop, 44 oz. or 5½ cups equals 1 lb.
Note and record the pressure gauge reading after adding the earth. This is your precoat pressure and provides a reference for future filter maintenance.
Resources & Explanations:
Bump Handle — Used during cleaning to help release accumulated material from the filter before draining and flushing.
Vent Valve & Filter Drain — Allow water and collected dirt to leave the filter during the cleaning process.
Filter Earth — Recoats the filter after cleaning so it is ready to resume proper filtration; this procedure calls for 4 lbs.
Pressure Gauge — Recording the pressure after recoating establishes your precoat pressure, giving you a useful baseline for knowing when the filter needs attention again.
FAQs:
Q1: When should I clean my earth filter?
A: Clean the filter if the pressure gauge rises more than 10 psi within 24 hours or less, or if cloudy or dirty water shoots back into the pool for more than 30 seconds after regeneration.
Q2: How many times should I move the bump handle?
A: Move the handle down slowly and up briskly 8 times as part of the cleaning procedure.
Q3: Why should I repeat the cleaning procedure?
A: Repeating the process helps thoroughly flush the filter before fresh earth is added.
Q4: How much earth should I add after cleaning?
A: This procedure calls for 4 lbs. of earth added through the skimmer. If you don’t have a measuring scoop, the script uses 44 oz. or 5½ cups as the equivalent of 1 lb.
Q5: Why should I record the pressure after adding the earth?
A: That reading becomes your precoat pressure. Keeping it on hand gives you a baseline for judging when the filter needs to be regenerated or cleaned again. A properly cleaned and recoated earth filter helps keep water moving steadily through your pool’s filtration system.
At The Great Escape, we want to give you the know-how to confidently care for your pool equipment and get the most from your backyard investment. If you have questions about your earth filter or filtration system, reach out to your local Great Escape team. We’re happy to help!
Comments