For light vacuuming, you can leave your multiport valve filter set to “Filter.” For bigger jobs and larger amounts of debris, set your filter system to the “Waste” setting, which does sends the water down the drain, rather than through the filter.
To begin vacuuming your pool:
If you do have this option, it is highly recommended that whenever you have algae, you will need to vacuum to waste. This option allows you to vacuum the algae up and send it out through the backwash line, avoiding getting algae into your filter sand.
WASTE/DRAIN: Another filter bypass setting, but this setting sends the water out of the waste pipe (hose), instead of returning it to the pool. This setting is used to lower pool water level or to vacuum to waste, which is best when vacuuming algae or heavy amounts of dusty, silty debris.
Vacuum to Waste (Sand, DE or Cartridge Filters with Multi-Port Valves) When you "Vacuum to Waste" you are pumping the debris you vacuum directly out of the pool and sending the water out through the waste/backwash line, and not through the pool filter.
For light vacuuming, you can leave your multiport valve filter set to “Filter.” For bigger jobs and larger amounts of debris, set your filter system to the “Waste” setting, which does sends the water down the drain, rather than through the filter.
Filter Settings
Drain/Waste: Opting the drain or waste setting will remove pool water without forcing it through the filter. Backwash: This clears out any debris, dirt and other contaminants that may have accumulated on the filter.
Heavy debris, like leaves and algae, can quickly plug up the sand in the filter, requiring a backwash within a very short amount of time. By using recirculate, you can keep the water moving, circulate the chemicals you are using, and keep the debris inside the pool, where it can be vacuumed to waste.
Most of the dirty and other foreign particles that enter your pool's system will end up here. But the dirt that accumulates at the bottom of the pool does not go to the filter. Backwashing a filter will lead to your pool being dirty temporarily. For a clean pool, do not backwash your filter before vacuuming.
If you vacuum to waste, you are bypassing the filter all together and you don't run the risk of the algae bypassing your filtration and/or sanitation system and kicking back out into your pool.
A reason for the dirt returning could be a damaged cartridge. If your cartridge is ripped or damaged in any way then the dirt can get back into the pool. The next time you wash the cartridges make sure you see if they are in good condition.
Although vacuuming should be combined with pool shocking, it's better to vacuum the pool before you shock the water. A good scrubbing and vacuuming of the pool walls and floor will ensure that dirt and debris that can affect the water chemistry is removed before the chlorine is added.
Once you have cleaned the pool, you should move on to the sand and DE filter. The expert says you should backwash them. However, for a cartridge filter, it is best to remove the cartridges and hose them off.
Every pool should cycle through all of its water at least once a day, so most pool owners will want to run their pumps for at least 4-8 hours daily. But you don't have to run those 4-8 hours all at once so you can split the pump time up at different parts of the day to ease your energy budget.
Ensure the pool pump is running. Pour the mixture from the bucket into the water around the edges of the pool. Let the pump run for about 6 hours or more and test the water. Don't use the pool right away – wait for the free chlorine levels to drop to 1 – 3 ppm before it is safe to swim.
In order to prevent residual blow back into the pool, once you've finished backwashing it's highly advisable to rinse the filter. Just as the backwash lifts and flushes the sand, the rinse resets the sand to its original position for optimum filtration.
You might experience too much water in pool due to rain, hence, monitor your water level. Use your backwash line or waste to drain the excess water as the pool continues to get full. However, make sure you don't drain the water past the skinner openings to prevent the motor's burning due to the pump catching air.
Benefits of Using HEPA Filters
A normal vacuum would recirculate these particles back into the air. HEPA-filtered vacuums trap the particles instead. In order to achieve maximum efficiency, a true HEPA filter is needed, not just a filter that mimics its style.
Never overfill your vacuum cleaner bag or bin because it can clog your vacuum and release dust back into your room. If you're using a bagless vacuum, make it a habit to empty it after every use. For vacuums that use bags, empty them before they get too full.