Watch the pressure gauge, not the calendar.

Backwash when the pressure rises 8-10 psi above the clean starting pressure — not on a fixed schedule.

Peak season varies. If you’ve got a full pool of kids splashing around all day, you might need to backwash every 3-4 days. If it’s just you and a couple laps, maybe every 2 weeks. The gauge doesn’t lie. A dirty filter restricts flow, which makes your pump work harder and wastes electricity. Backwashing too early just wastes water.

Check your pressure once a week during peak season. If it’s climbed 8-10 psi, backwash. If not, leave it alone.

Your filter will tell you when it’s full. Listen to it.