How to Backwash a Jandy Pool Filter: A Step-by-Step Guide

Jandy pool filters are known for their reliability and advanced design, making them essential for maintaining clean pool water. However, learning maintenance tasks such as backwashing regularly during busier seasons can become necessary.

The process of reversed water flow in your filter to flush away dirt and debris collected within it and ensure maximum filtration efficiency is known as backwashing. Regular backwashing helps extend the lifespan of your pool filtration system and ensures its maximum performance.

If you need help backwashing a pool filter safely, this concise guide offers all of the steps required.

What Is A Jandy Pool Filter

Jandy filters are world renowned for efficiently filtering dirt and impurities from pool water. They capture these tiny particles as they pass through them so they do not return into circulation.

Over time, however, any trapped debris accumulates inside and must be regularly cleared out by cleaning out your filter system.

Types of Jandy Pool Filters

Jandy offers three different types of pool filters:

Jandy Cartridge Filters

Cartridge filters use pleated polyester mesh as a filtering material. The mesh captures debris as water passes through, making maintenance straightforward but periodically necessitating removal and cleaning.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filters

DE filters filter water using a fine powder that is made of fossilized organisms. The DE powder coats filter grids and traps microscopic particles as water flows.

DE filters offer superior water clarity but require more maintenance compared to cartridge filters. Regular backwashing is required to remove trapped debris.

Sand Filters

Sand filters collect dirt and debris from the water as it flows through and filter it using special-grade sand. Like DE filters, they are easy to use and maintain, and backwashing is a good way to clean them.

Jandy Pool Filters Components

All Jandy filters share several common parts, even though the details vary from model to model.

• Tank: Contains the filter media.
• Pressure gauge: Measures the internal filter pressure and indicates when cleaning is required.
• Multiport Valve for Sand and DE Filters: Controls the water flow during filtering and backwashing.
• Drain Plug: Allows draining of tank contents during maintenance tasks.

Cleaning a Jandy Pool Filter

Cartridge filters need to be maintained regularly depending on the level of debris present and their condition. As a general guideline, If the pressure is higher than baseline measurements by 8-10 PSI, clean them using a new filter.

Here’s how to clean a Jandy filter cartridge:

1. Close all valves and turn off the pump to isolate the filter.
2. Drain any water in your tank by activating the air relief valve located on the top of the filter.
3. Loosen any clamps or collars holding down the top of your tank before opening its lid and removing its contents.
4. Take care to empty and rinse each cartridge separately, spraying the pleats with a hose will give you optimal results. If they are very dirty, soak the filters in a solution for cleaning them.
5. Check the cartridges to see if they are damaged. Replace them if they are damaged or older than three years.
6. Replace the lid and reinstall the cartridges.

Backwashing a Jandy Pool Filter

Backwashing is the reverse flow of water that removes dirt and debris trapped in a filter media. It can also be used to clean DE and sand filters.

1. Set the multiport valve in the "Backwash position" and turn off the pump.
2. The pump should be turned on for 2 to 3 minutes, or until all the water is clear in the viewing glass.
3. Set the multiport valve in the "Rinse position" and turn off the pump. The pump should be run for 30 seconds.
4. Set the multiport valve on "Filter" and then turn the pump back on.
5. Add fresh DE powder for DE filters to recoat grids.

Replacing a Jandy Pool Filter

If the filter is properly maintained and periodically cleaned, you can maximize the filter life. Around the three-year mark, it is usually time to replace the Jandy cartridge filter. The same applies if it is damaged.

• To access your cartridges, follow steps 1-3 of the cleaning process.
• Throw away old cartridges before placing new ones correctly seated into their places.
• Replace the lid and secure the clamps. Then, restart the system.

Remember that you can always purchase top-quality replacements for Jandy filters from top brands like Atomic Filters, ensuring your pool remains clean and clear.