Backwash vs Rinse- Which is Better?

Swimming pools are exemplary exercise and recreational sites. Our love for our little oasis is unbound. And that love demands care. That includes proper cleaning, chemical balance, regular leak check-ups and timely resurfacing, to name a few. The hygiene and cleanliness of your pool depends a lot on the state of your pool filters.

Backwash and Rinse are two efficient methods used to clean the swimming pool filters and are responsible for their long-term use. The secret to a dazzling pool is a mix of filtration along with adequate and proper cleaning of the filters. The following article will provide the detailed procedure and differences between the backwashing and rinse methods.

What Is a Backwash?

“Backwashing is a process that allows the water to move in the reverse direction in such a way that it enters from the bottom of the filter bed, washes out the bed and reappears from top of the filter.” says Lubna.

The general procedure for backwash is written below. However, the procedure might be slightly different depending upon the manufacturer or company.

  • First of all, you have to turn off the pump of the swimming pool and rotate the valve of the backwash which could be a plunger or multivalve to the backwash setting. Also, make sure that the handle locks are in place.
  • Backwash after powering up the pump for 2 minutes or when the view–glass emerges clear. You can also switch between backwash and rinse a few times for proper cleaning. Throw away the waste, dirt, or DE (diatomaceous earth) in the waste bin. Separation tanks may also be available in some swimming pools to discard this waste.
  • While dumping the DE or dirt accumulated in the filter, be assured that the pump is off so the automation system or timer does not reactivate.
  • At last, flush the filters by unlocking the release valve present at the upper side of the filter in order to release or drain the water.
  • Additionally, unfasten the drain plug, with the help of a screwdriver, located at the bottom of the tank and permit the water to drain. This step is done for rigorous cleaning of the pool and thorough drainage of water.

How Often is Backwash Required?

Backwash is required every 2 weeks in conjunction with the general maintenance. One more theory suggests doing the backwash operation everytime the pressure gauge reads 8 to 10 psi (pounds per square inch) higher than the beginning level.

Advantages of Backwash

Backwash procedure is synonymous with effective filtering. Furthermore, adequate filtration also helps in preventing water-borne diseases caused by bacteria and protozoa.

Disadvantages of Backwash

The contaminants and debris from a backwash may contain hazardous chemicals that are thrown away without treatment. This should be taken care of as much as possible. Most modern pools have separation tanks to automatically take care of but in cases when such luxury is not available, disposable bags should be used.

What Is a Rinse?

A rinse cycle is the process of flushing away all the debris and dirt that is left after cleaning the swimming pool filters i.e. after backwashing. This procedure uses water to clear away the detritus and reset the filtration material. It is usually done after backwash.

  • The rinse process continues for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
  • When this option is selected, water flows in a normal direction through the filter but is routed to the waste pipe rather than returning to the pool.
  • In the rinsing cycle, the water runs down through the sand to remove the persisting dirt and debris from the filter and pipes in case of the sand filters.·       
  • In the case of DE filters, rinsing after backwash allows the removal of dichotomous earth powder and contaminants.

How Often is Rinse Required?

Same as backwashing, rinse your pool every week or two. Rinsing is also required after a storm or torrent. When using sand or DE filters, the pressure with which the water flows through the filtering system rises as the quantity of dirt and debris in the tank grows. Consequently, rinsing is essential when the pressure gauge shows an 8 to 10 psi (pounds per square inch) increase in pressure from the beginning level.

Advantages of Rinse

The rinse technique returns the sand to its original place for optimal filtering. Moreover, it is important for proper cleaning of the swimming pool as it releases the remaining contaminants and debris with the flow of water.

Disadvantages of Rinse

The rinse process is not efficient enough to thoroughly clean the swimming pool filters by itself so it should always be accompanied by backwashing.

Conclusion- Which One Is Better?

A pool’s usability and life are solely dependent on its sanitation and maintenance to keep it functioning. Backwashing and rinsing are considered two great procedures to prevent the filters from being clogged and ruined by dirt, debris, contaminants, and deadly microorganisms.

The more efficient one of the two in this regard would be the backwash since it is more effective and reliable as compared to the rinsing cycle. In addition, this cleaning method leaves the pool a disease-free place. We highly recommend a dedicated work boot, like the Ever Boot Ultra-Dry work boot, for any procedure that involves entering a wet pool for your own safety.

It would, however, be technically false to consider these two as independent and competing procedures to achieve a sparkling pool. They should be regarded as adjuncts or supplementary practices as backwash’s efficiency is highly dependent on a rinse and rinse itself is not sufficient to independently clean a pool.

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