How To Backwash a Pool Filter With No Valve Label

Step 1

DEFINE STANDARD SEQUENCE - Most 6 position Multiport Valves have the same sequence of operating settings positioned around the MPV dial. Going in a clockwise direction that sequence is: FILTER, WASTE, (WINTER), CLOSED, BACKWASH, RECIRCULATE, and RINSE. All settings except  "WINTER" stop on a deep slot. The "WINTER" setting is generally positioned on a shallow slot to allow water to drain from the valve. The "WINTER" setting is in parentheses because it is not always included in the sequence or when it is, its position in the sequence varies by manufacturer. Since it is inconsistent, we will generally ignore "WINTER"

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Step 2

STATE THE PROBLEM – From the discussion above you can be fairly confident of the sequence of modes around the MPV dial, but you can't be sure where it starts.  And once you have established the start point, you will have to check that the actual sequence is the same as stated above and that you don’t have a rouge valve that doesn't comply with the standard sequence.

Step 3

SET COMMON START POINT – I reviewed most of the common MPVs, including side mounted and top mounted valves, and sand and DE valves and concluded that the “WASTE” setting on all these MPVs is consistently located around the Waste Line port. Therefore, we will use the Waste Line as our starting reference point. With the pump off, rotate the MPV handle so that it is sets in the deep slot about 30 degrees counter-clockwise (CCW) from the Waste Line Port. Note: A couple of Praher Valves are designed so that the "WASTE" slot is located right over the Waste Line. In these cases, rotate the handle so that it is in the deep slot over the Waste Line. Don't confuse it with the shallow slot, "WINTER" that is often set over the Waste Line between "WASTE" and "CLOSED"

Step 4

CHECK THE WASTE SETTING – With the handle in what should be the “WASTE” position, turn on the pump. Water should flow out of the Waste Line. If no water in the Waste Line, turn the pump off and go to Step 10.

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Step 5

CHECK THE FILTER SETTING – Going in a CCW direction, the next setting in the valve sequence should be “FILTER”. Turn the pump off and rotate the handle CCW until it clicks into the next deep slot. When your turn the pump back on, you should see bubbles coming out of the pool returns indicating that you are in the “FILTER” mode or the “RECIRCULATION” mode. Check the filter pressure gauge. If it is has a pressure reading, you are in the “FILTER” mode. If no bubbles from return lines, turn the pump off and go to Step 10.

Step 6

CHECK THE RINSE SETTING – Turn the pump off. Rotate the valve handle CCW to the next deep slot. When you turn the pump back on, you should see water coming out of the Waste Line. 
If no water in the Waste Line, turn the pump off and go to Step 10.

Step 7

CHECK THE RECIRCULATE SETTING – Turn the pump off. Rotate the valve handle CCW to the next deep slot. When you turn the pump back on, you should see bubbles coming out of the pool returns. To verify that you are in the “RECIRULATE” mode, the filter pressure gauge should read “0” since the filter is being bypassed.  If no bubbles from return lines, turn the pump off and go to Step 10.

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Step 8

CHECK THE BACKWASH SETTING - Turn the pump off. Rotate the valve handle CCW to the next deep slot. When you turn the pump back on, you should see water coming out of the Waste Line. If no water in the Waste Line, turn the pump off and go to Step 10.

Step 9

CHECK THE CLOSED SETTING – If all the other settings check out, you can skip this one. It blocks the filter so the water has nowhere to go. You should avoid running the pump in this mode.

Step 10

MARK LABEL SETTINGS – If you completed all steps above successfully, you have identified all your valve settings. Label them on the valve with a permanent marker for future reference. If you did not complete all the steps successfully, you have a MPV that does not comply with the standard settings. Call you valve manufacturer for instructions.

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