Backwash gently and you'll be fine.
Yes, but the key is to avoid sudden pressure changes that can crack the grids. Most damage happens when people blast water through too fast.
Here’s the sequence that works:
- Turn off the pump. Wait 10 seconds for pressure to drop.
- Move the multiport valve to BACKWASH (or push the slide valve gently).
- Turn the pump back on slowly — don’t flip the breaker and let it roar to life. Let the pressure build gradually.
- Backwash until the sight glass runs clear (usually 2-3 minutes).
- Turn off the pump again. Move valve to RINSE for about 30 seconds.
- Turn off pump, set to FILTER, restart normally.
Biggest mistakes: Backwashing with the pump still running (pressurizes the grids against an empty chamber), or rattling the valve handle too fast. Also, never overshoot the backwash time — if it’s clear after 2 minutes, stop. Running a DE filter on backwash for 10 minutes can flex the grids and fatigue the seams.
Add DE only after the backwash and rinse are complete. And if you’re using a grid cleaner chemical, soak gently — no scrubbing with brushes that can tear the fabric.
Take your time with the valve transitions. That’s where grids die.