what does waste mean on a pool filter

What Does Waste Mean on a Pool Filter?

If you own a swimming pool, it’s important to understand the different functions and settings on your pool filter. One setting that may cause confusion is “waste.” In this article, we will explain what waste means on a pool filter, when to use it, and how to properly set it up.

Function of a Pool Filter

Before we dive into what waste means on a pool filter, let’s first discuss the primary function of a pool filter. The purpose of a pool filter is to remove debris and contaminants from your pool water, such as dirt, leaves, and bacteria. There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and diatomaceous earth (DE) filters.

The majority of pool owners use sand filters, as they are the most common and affordable option. Sand filters use a bed of sand to filter out debris and contaminants from the water. As pool water flows through the sand, larger debris is trapped on top, while smaller particles penetrate the sand, ultimately ending up in the “laterals,” which are the drainage pipes located at the bottom of the filter.

Settings on a Pool Filter

Most pool filters have several settings, which allow you to control how the filter operates. These settings include:

- Filter: This is the default setting for your pool filter. When your filter is set to “filter,” water flows in through the pool skimmer, goes through the filter, and then returns to the pool through the return jet.

- Backwash: When debris builds up in the filter, it can cause the water flow to slow down. In order to increase the flow rate, you need to backwash your filter. This setting reverses the flow of water, sending it out through the laterals and flushing out the debris.

- Rinse: After backwashing your filter, it’s important to rinse it out to remove any remaining debris. This setting works just like the filter setting, but does not send water back to the pool.

- Waste: As the name suggests, this setting allows you to waste water from your pool. When you set your filter to “waste,” water comes in through the pool skimmer, bypasses the filter, and goes directly out through the waste line.

- Recirculate: If you need to increase water flow without filtering the water, use the “recirculate” setting. This setting simply sends water back to the pool without going through the filter.

What Does Waste Mean on a Pool Filter?

Now that we have discussed the different settings on a pool filter, let’s dive into what waste means on a pool filter. When you set your filter to “waste,” water bypasses the filter and goes directly to the waste line. This setting is used when you have excessive debris in your pool or need to lower the water level, as it will remove water from the pool.

It’s worth noting that when you use the waste setting, you are sending water directly to the sewer, which is not environmentally friendly. Additionally, you are wasting water, as you are not filtering it before sending it to the sewer. As such, it is important to only use the waste setting sparingly and only when necessary. If you have a lot of debris in your pool, it is recommended to use the backwash setting first, as this will remove debris from the filter without wasting water.

How to Properly Set Up the Waste Setting

If you do need to use the waste setting, it’s important to properly set it up to avoid damaging your pool equipment. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Turn off the pool pump and ensure that the skimmer basket is clear of debris.

2. Move the multiport valve handle to the waste setting.

3. Turn the pool pump back on and monitor the water level in the pool.

4. Once the desired water level is reached, turn off the pool pump.

5. Move the multiport valve handle back to the filter setting.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different settings on your pool filter is essential if you want to properly maintain your pool. The waste setting should only be used sparingly and when necessary, as it generates unnecessary waste and is not environmentally friendly. Be sure to follow the proper steps when using the waste setting to avoid damaging your pool equipment.