What Size Backwash Hose Do I Need? (Find Out Now!)

If you are a pool owner, you know that there are numerous different maintenance tasks to keep up with in order to ensure that your swimming pool remains clean and functional. One of these important maintenance tasks that helps keep your pool’s filter system in proper working order is known as backwashing.

Backwash hoses are optional but they make backwashing your pool’s filter quick and easy. They are designed to transport the water from the outlet on your pump to the designated disposal location. This brings us to the question at hand: “What size backwash hose I need?”

Generally speaking, you need a backwash hose that is long enough to accommodate the distance that you want to transport the backwashed water. Just in case, always opt for a hose that is longer than you need as you can always cut it. Whereas, the inside diameter of the hose will correspond to your pool filter’s attachment point. Aim to purchase a backwash hose with an inside diameter that is roughly 0.25” larger than your pool filter size.

That said, let’s take a deeper look at backwashing as a whole and other considerations involved in selecting the ideal backwash hose for the job.

Put simply, backwashing refers to a method that thoroughly cleans a swimming pool’s filter in order to avoid needing to clean it manually. Specifically, the method involves reversing the flow of water both in and out of the filter tank. The procedure should be performed until the water runs clear through the waste line.

Both Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and sand filters are backwashed in order to increase flow rate, remove trapped debris, flush out contaminants, and reduce pressure in the system.

How often you’ll need to backwash your pool’s filter system will depend on how frequently you use your pool and how dirty it gets during swimming season. In most cases, you’ll want to backwash about once a week. As dirt and debris collect in the filter bed, resistance to flow rises, which results in a reduction in water discharge to the pool.

When the flow is inadequate for ideal water circulation, or when the pressure gauge displays a pressure increase of eight to 10 pounds above the clean pressure, this means it is probably time to backwash your pool filter. Another time where backwash your pool may be necessary is when treating cloudy water or after killing algae blooms. However, you should backwash before adding any chemicals into your pool, as the process will remove some of the pool’s existing water.

When looking for the best pool backwash hose for you, consider how long you will need it to be in order to handle the distance that you want to transport the backwashed water. Depending on your state of residence, there may be specific protocols in place regarding where you can dump this excess water. Backwash hoses usually come in 25, 50, and 100-foot lengths.

While can always adjust the hose if it’s too long, buying a hose that is too short will require you to purchase another and then join the two with insert connectors and clamps. So, in an effort to save money, always opt for a backwash hose that is longer than needed.

The inside diameter of your pool backwash hose directly corresponds with your pool filter’s attachment point. Most backwash hoses have a two-inch diameter, but you’ll often find them ranging from 1.25” to 3” in diameter. To find the correct diameter, you should measure your pool filter before you purchase a backwash hose.

A backwash hose that has an inside diameter that is too small will not fit over the filter and will require an attachment, or you’ll need to buy a larger hose. Whereas, hoses with an inside diameter that is too large may work, but it will take some extra tools and effort in order to ensure that the process works effectively.

With this in mind, for best results, try to buy a backwash hose with an inside diameter that is roughly 0.25” larger than the size of your pool filter.

Related Questions

Is backwash water hazardous?

In most cases, backwash water is not hazardous but it depends on where you pump your discharge water. For example, pools that have normal levels of algaecide or chloride pose a minimal threat, but higher levels can cause harm to plants, insects, and water creatures.If you’re not careful, diatomaceous earth (DE) water can suffocate a small stream or kill grass. Additionally, disposing of thousands of gallons of water downhill can result in erosion and/or flooding. To avoid any issues with over-saturation, move the hose often or run it into a storm drain, provided that this is permitted by local ordinance.

Should you backwash a pool after vacuuming?

Yes, it’s advised that you backwash your pool after you’ve vacuumed it. This will allow the filter to remove any dirt and debris from the system that you collected while vacuuming.

Do I need to backwash if I have a cartridge filter?

Pool owners with cartridge filters do not have to backwash. Instead, these filters should be removed, inspected to ensure they’re working properly, and hosed clean at least once ever swimming season.