So, your pool looks fine to you. Sparkling enough to fool your neighbors. But behind the scenes, your filter is crying, your pump is struggling, and your pool is plotting revenge. That little habit of skipping backwashing? It’s about to get expensive.
Mistake 1: Thinking Backwashing Is Optional
If you treat backwashing like a “when I remember” task, your filter is likely packed with dirt. A clogged filter reduces water flow, stresses your pump, and leaves your pool a cloudy mess.
- Check your pressure gauge weekly.
- Backwash whenever the pressure rises 8–10 psi over normal.
- Don’t wait for the water to look bad, by then, damage has already started.
Ignoring this step is like never changing your car’s oil. It will fail. It’s just a matter of time.
Mistake 2: Forgetting To Rinse After Backwashing
Backwashing alone isn’t the full process. Forgetting to rinse sends fine debris straight back into your pool.
- Backwash for 2–3 minutes or until water runs clear.
- Switch to rinse for 30 seconds.
- Return to filter mode.
Skipping this step means you just gave your pool a dirt smoothie.
Mistake 3: Believing Chemicals Fix Everything
You can pour in shock, algaecide, and clarifier all day. None of it helps if your filter can’t breathe.
- Test your water 2–3 times a week.
- Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6.
- Clean your filter before blaming your chlorine.
Chemicals are not magic. Without proper flow, they just swirl around like a wasted science project.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Other Signs Of Trouble
If you notice cloudy water, weak return jets, or a pump that sounds like it’s wheezing, your filter is begging for attention.
- Check skimmer and pump baskets daily.
- Vacuum at least once a week.
- Schedule a professional filter cleaning once a season.
The longer you ignore these signs, the bigger the repair bill will be. Your pool doesn’t forgive laziness.
If you stick to this routine, your pool will actually work with you instead of against you. Skip it, and you’re just funding your future repair bills.
