How to backwash and vacuum your pool

I had had several customers ask me for this information, so here it is.  Any questions; give us a call at the Dolphin Pools office 318-340-0001

Swimming Pool Care Instructions

**Please note that any time you move the multi-valve (example – Filter, Backwash, Rinse, Waste, etc), the pump MUST first be turned off**

**If your pool has two skimmers, you will need to remove the basket from the skimmer not being utilized to vacuum through, and slide the cover plate at the bottom over the suction line in the bottom.  This will send all your suction through the other skimmer.  Shutting off the in-line valve to the bottom drains of the pool will also send more suction to the skimmer. **

Vacuuming Pool:  Small amount of dust/dirt/debris in pool.  Beginning in Filter mode.

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn pump back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have sent water through the filter during this process and have not lost pool water.

Vacuuming Pool:  Normal to above average amounts of dust/dirt/and debris in pool.  Beginning in filter mode. 

1. Turn pump off
2. Remove skimmer lid, place skimmer vacuum plate on hose and place in skimmer
3. Attach vacuum head and telescoping pole to other end of hose, and place in pool
4. Turn valve to waste and then turn pump on
5. Vacuum pool sides and bottom to remove debris
6. When complete, turn back off
7. Remove hose from skimmer and vacuum assembly from pool
8. Turn valve to Backwash
9. Turn pump back on
10. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
11. When clear, turn pump back off
12. Turn valve to Rinse and turn pump back on
13. Run until viewing bulb clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
14. When clear, turn pump back off
15. Turn valve to Filter and turn pump back on.  You have completed this process.  You have taken water out of pool during this process; you may need to add water back to pool.

Backwashing pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn valve to Backwash
3. Turn pump back on
4. Watch viewing bulb for water to clear (1 to 2 minutes)
5. When clear, turn pump back off
6. Turn valve to Rinse and then turn pump back on
7. Watch viewing bulb until water is clear (usually 30 seconds to 1 minute)
8. When clear, turn pump off
9. Turn valve to filter and then turn pump back on, you have completed this process

Lowering the Water Level of the Pool:

1. Turn pump off
2. Turn multi-valve to Waste
3. Turn pump back on and watch pool until desired water level is achieved
4. Turn pump back off
5. Turn multi-valve back to filter mode
6. Turn pump back on.  You have completed this process

Checking Salt Level via Breaker/Control Panel

Please note that these instructions are for pools using the IntelliTouch system by Pentair.  This is the system typically installed by Dolphin Pools.

1. Push the Menu button on the inside of the control panel
2. Push the down arrow key until you get to diagnostics, then hit the select button
3. Scroll down with the arrow key to Intellichlor, then hit the select button
4. The salt level of the pool will be displayed
5. When finished, hit the menu key until back at the main menu, you have completed this process

Make sure to regularly test the water chemistry of your pool.  The easiest way to test these levels are with the litmus strips that we sell in the pool store.  They are color coded and easy to read.

**If you have any questions about these or any other service processes with your pool, feel free to call our office.  Also remember that we offer free water testing and carry a complete line of chemicals and supplies**

Additional Note (Very Important)

It is never a good idea to empty your inground swimming pool.  When vacuuming, removing water, and backwashing; monitor your water to make sure your pool is at the right level and ready to swim.