Do you have questions about how to use your above ground pool’s pump and filter system? At Discount Pools Direct, our expert team is here to help you keep your above ground pool operating smoothly all year long. We’re committed to providing our Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Georgia customers with the information resources you need to care for your new above ground pool. From filtering to backwashing and even winterizing your pool, we have the tips you need to maintain your pool efficiently and ensure your water stays crystal clear.
On sand filter system pumps, the multiport valve will operate in the same manner, regardless of brand. As you prepare to use your multiport valve there are a few details to note in order to prevent avoidable damage to your pump.Â
It is important to note before you begin, any time you are making changes to the settings of your pool’s multiport valve, the first step is to ensure that your pump is off. Within your multiport valve, there is a spider gasket that can become damaged if the pool pump is not off prior to making changes to your settings, leading to water leaks from the pump’s waste port and requiring the spider gasket to be replaced.Â
As you begin changing the setting on your pump, the handle of your multiport valve will wear out prematurely if you do not adjust setting positions in a consistent direction. We recommend that you always move the handle for your pump’s multiport valve in a clockwise direction to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on your equipment.Â
It is vital to your pool and pump’s health to ensure your multiport valve is plumbed correctly. Before starting your system for the first time, whether you or an installer set up your pump, you’ll want to verify that all plumbing is configured correctly. If you’ve recently set up your pump and it does not appear to be working properly or at all, it’s important to double check the plumbing set up for your pump. On the multiport valve, there are labels to help you set up your plumbing. The Pump label should be connected to the hose leading to the pump itself. On the return side of the multiport valve, which returns the water to your pool, there is a label reading ‘Return’. The Waste label should connect your multiport valve to your waste line. If you have any questions related to the plumbing of your pump or the pump and multiport valve, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Discount Pools Direct. We’re here to help.
The Filter function will be the setting your pump and filter will be running in the majority of the time. You may wonder, ‘how often should I run my pump and filter’? The professionals at Discount Pools Direct recommend allowing your pump and filter to run 24/7. Keeping your pool pump running at all times is helpful in maintaining your pool’s chemical balance and keeping your water clear year round. As your pool pump runs on low amperage, you should not expect to see a significant increase in your electrical bill should you choose to run your pump at all times.Â
The Waste function is designed to help you drain water out of your pool, should your water level rise too high. The most common cause of this issue is a rain storm. The Waste function bypasses your sand filter as the water you’ll be draining from your pool does not need to be filtered.Â
The Closed function is ideal designed for when you need to perform maintenance such as cleaning your skimmer basket or pump basket and need the water shut off or during your pool winterizing process. The Closed function shuts the multiport valve off so that no water is passing through your pump.
Your pump’s Backwash function is going to be your pump’s second-most used setting, just behind the Filter function. If your pool pump only has one speed, there is no need to make changes when backwashing your pool, however, if you have a two-speed pump system, Discount Pools Direct recommends backwashing your pool on the ‘high’ speed. You will want to time your backwash. Your pump should run on the Backwash function for about two minutes.Â
Backwashing serves to help clean the sand in your pump’s filter. You’ll want to backwash your pool around every ten days to two weeks. After completing the backwashing process, it’s time to move your pump setting to the Rinse function.Â
After having disturbed the debris in your pump’s filter during the backwashing process, it’s time to set your multiport valve to the Rinse function. You should run your pump on the Rinse setting for about 30 seconds before returning your multiport valve to the Filter function.
The Winterize function is a seasonal setting for your pump. This setting will only be used if you are planning to winterize your pool, depending on the weather in your area.Â
The Recirculate function is important, particularly if you’re experiencing a problem with algae in your pool. If you are in the process of clearing your pool water up, you’ll want to avoid filtering large amounts of algae through your pump’s sand filter. When adding chemicals to help eliminate algae, you’ll want to use the Recirculate function to bring the water from the skimmer through the pump and multiport valve while bypassing the sand filter to send the water back into the pool. This will allow you to remove the algae through alternative means, such as vacuuming your pool, while keeping your sand filter clean, prolonging the time needed between sand changes. The normal time between sand changes should average around five years.Â
Still have questions related to your pool pump and multiport valve set up and functionality? The expert team at Discount Pools Direct is here for you! Contact us with any questions or issues not covered here. We’re committed to helping you get the most out of your above ground pool. We’re proud to serve our Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Georgia shoppers and customers nationwide. Give us a call at 1-800-986-0748.Â
DISCLAIMERS/SOURCES:
Discount Pools Direct | Pump TutorialÂ
