During filtration the swimming pool water is pumped into the filter where sediment and dirt are trapped in the sand bed, allowing only clean water to return to the pool.

From time to time the filter needs to be cleaned of this dirt and debris because neglecting to do so will reduce the sand’s ability to filter and, ultimately, simply end up back in your pool. It is called the backwash process. It is when the water is pumped into the filter in a reverse flow and dirt and collected particles in the sand bed are dislodged and washed down the waste line. Backwashing the pool takes 2 – 3 minutes or until the water, visible in the sight glass on the side of the multiport valve becomes clear.

Rinsing is the immediate action that follows a backwash and that is the process of water being pumped through the filter down the waste pipe. This is to rinse and settle the sand before continuing with the filtration process. This needs to be done for 20 – 30 seconds. The backwash and rinse process needs to be done once a week or every 2 weeks depending on season and usage or when your automatic pool cleaner becomes sluggish.

This process wastes a lot of water and it costs you money filling the pool up again. That is where the Speck Pumps WaterWise Backwash Tanks can help you save water and save money.

The system is simple but brilliant, and so easy to use. Instead of doing the normal backwashing down the drain, connect your backwash waste-line to the inlet connection on the top of the tank and connect a return pipe to the fitted valve at the bottom of the tank to your pool. Water can now be pumped into the tank. Once done with the backwash and rinse processes, treat the water with a bit of chlorine and a flocculant (available at your nearest pool shop) and let the water settle for a day. The water can then be “pumped” back into the pool via gravity feed by opening the fitted valve at the bottom of the tank!