In this post, we go through the step-by-step procedure to backwash a Bestway pool filter on your above ground pool.

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Want a video of this procedure? Watch my video on how to perform the Backwashing Procedure.

How to Backwash a Bestway Pool Filter Pump

When I got my Bestway Pool, I found the instruction manual to be a bit on the “lite” side when it came to details about how exactly to backflush the filter, or how to best use any of the pump settings for that matter, so it took me a while, but after researching and playing around with it, I finally arrived at a point where I am comfortable with what the settings are and when to use them.

Want to know how often you should be backwashing your filter pump? Download my handy free Pool Care Cheatsheet PDF.

I hope this can help save you some time and effort in getting your pool as clean as possible as quickly and easily as possible!

This is the Bestway Pool Pump Filter that I have – Bestway Pool Pump Filter

Along with the PolySphere Balls used for filtering – Filter Balls for Above Ground Pools

Some questions come up about which chlorine to use. I use Clorox pool shock and test strips:

• Pool Shock Treatment: Clorox Xtra Blue2
• Pool Chemical Test Strips: Pool Test Strips
• Pool Chloring Floater: Pool Chlorine Floater
• Pool Solar Cover: Solar Cover 18′ Round
• Pool Brush: Sturdy Pool Brush

Backwashing Procedure – Step-by-Step – Bestway Filter Pump

So now let’s start the backwash procedure. I usually try to do a backwash about once a week, and that works well for me.

You should also do this any time you add new filter media, such as filter sand or Polysphere Balls in order to rinse it before sending it into your pool.

If the pump isn’t off already, turn it off. Turn the handle on the filter pump to the “X” (stop) position.

If you have a plug on the drain port, remove it. If you have a drain hose and an adapter that will fit to the drain port, install those now. Otherwise, the water will just spray out. I’m not worried about the water spray hitting anything, so I just leave it open.

To start the backwash procedure, turn the pump handle to the double arrow “Backwash” position. Even with the pump off, you will get some water beginning to drain out, this is normal.

Now turn on the pump. Water will begin spraying out of the drain port.

The backwash setting reverses the flow and forces water backward through the filter sand or Polyspheres and out. Think of all the gunk that was trapped up against the upstream side of the filter media, and now that’s being pushed back and out of the system.

Keep backwashing until the water coming out is clear. Typically, this is about a minute or so.

When you’re done back-washing, turn off the pump, and go immediately to the “Rinse” setting and turn the pump back on.

The rinse setting changes the flow direction back to normal, but instead of the output going into your pool, the water comes out the drain port. This rinses out the filter material and let’s it settle back into its normal position. Rinse for about 30 seconds or a minute, until the water is clear.

Turn off the pump and set the lever back to the Filter (Play) Position and you’re all set!

That completes the backwash procedure for your pool.

Turn on the pump again to begin filtering your pool as normal.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filter Pumps

Question: How often should I perform a backwash?

Answer: For normal maintenance, this should be done about once a week. If you notice your pool getting dirty, you may want to increase the frequency.

Question: What is the normal pressure reading when filtering the pool?

Answer: The pressure value for normal filtering is about 4.5 psi.

Question: How often should I filter my above ground pool?

Answer: As a rule of thumb, plan to filter about 4-6 hours per day. But it depends on usage, the more you use it, the more filtering you should do.

Question: How long should I backwash for?

Answer: Keep the backwash going until the water runs clear. Typically, this is about 1 minute or so.

Question: Do I have to backwash at the beginning of the season, or when changing sand?

Answer: Yes! Backwash new sand to rinse out the small particles so they don’t get into the pool.

Question: How long should I “Rinse” for?

Answer: Rinsing your filter media is usually done right after performing a backwash (flush). It is normal to rinse for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Question: Do I have to add water to my pool after backwashing and rinsing?

Answer: Yes. Both the Backwash and Rinse cycles will remove water from your pool. You will need to add water to your pool to remain at the same level. That being said, the amount of water removed is usually minimal, so depending on the size of your pool, you probably won’t notice that the amount of water has decreased.

Question: Can I change settings while the pump is running?

Answer: NO! Always turn off the pump using the rocker switch, before changing settings. This will give you the longest life for your pump.

Question: What is the strainer cartridge for and how do I clean it? Am I supposed to put a filter in that?

Answer: The strainer is just for catching larger debris. You don’t put another filter inside that. To remove the strainer, you need to plug the input ports with the plugs that would have originally come with your pool. Once the inlet ports are plugged, set the pump to the stop (X) position and remove the cover. Then you can remove the strainer and clean it without water draining out of your pool. Don’t forget to remove the plugs when you are finished cleaning the strainer.

Question: What is the point of the “Recirculate” setting? It moves water but doesn’t filter…

Answer: The recirculate setting is great for mixing. It can be helpful if you’ve added chemicals and want to get them mixed and well distributed throughout your pool (without getting immediately caught in your filter). It can also be helpful for heating. For example, if you have a solar heater and want to mix the hot and cold water up more quickly than normal, recirculate will help you do that.

Question: How often should I change the sand (or polysphere balls) in my filter?

Answer: Some people change the filter material every year. Others clean it and get 2-3 years out of it.

Question: Are Polysphere Balls as good at filtering your pool as sand?

Answer: Yes, this is what I use. Polysphere balls are a relatively new and innovative product designed to replace traditional sand and other filter media like diatomaceous earth (DE) in pool filters. Polysphere balls are lightweight filter media made from a durable polymer material. They are designed to have a larger surface area compared to sand, which allows for better filtration and more efficient removal of debris and contaminants. Polysphere balls have other advantages such as easy backwashing and reduced water consumption during cleaning.

Question: I prefer to use sand as opposed to Polysphere balls. What kind of filter sand should I use?

Answer: 20-Grade Silica Sand.

Question: What is a pool chlorine shock treatment that works well and is cost effective?

Answer: I use this 6-pack of 1 lb Clorox Xtra Blue2. It works great for me, and I highly recommend it. About once a week, I sprinkle one of the 1-lb bags into the pool, then run the filter and the pump for about 4-8 hours to get it mixed in.

Question: There is too much air in the filter trap strainer. How do I remove the air?

Answer: Turn off your pump and then slowly open your strainer cover until you hear air coming out and your strainer fills up with water. Then tighten.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading my blog! I hope this was helpful to you!

Click here to download a printable PDF – Swimming Pool Maintenance Checklist.

Do you have any questions that I missed in the FAQ section? Let me know in the comments! I’ll be happy to answer as best I can and add it to the list!