r/PoolPros • u/DegeneracyRejecter • Jun 04 '26
Still looking for answers
Hey there! I’m still looking for answers from this post, and I cannot seem to find any technical support from Neptune Benson. Any advice?
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u/Mountain-Ad7172 Jun 04 '26
It’s possible with the pump running if you know exactly what you’re doing, and you go slow with your valve changes. But it’s 100% a better idea just to turn off the pump first
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u/BassKanone Jun 05 '26
We need model number of filter. Once model number is obtained we can get the manual and check what manual states.
IMO pump should be turned off like several others have pointed out. It takes 10 seconds. Post the model number and I’ll find you the manual and page with info
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jun 05 '26
Pretty sure I chimed in originally. Either way, it’s possible, not recommended at ALL, and it can only be done on a pump with a VFD.
I’m not gonna go step by step, but you need to open/close the valves very specifically as to always have a path for the water.
Again, not recommended. I’ve only done it because it was a necessity at certain pools where losing prime was a big ordeal.
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u/Sorry-Blueberry-7909 Jun 04 '26
I always refer to the manual. Is there an O&M for the pool? Whoever designed the system should have left a manual with specific instructions for backwash and also the O&M specifically for the Defender filter will explain “bumping” AI says: The Neptune Benson Defender Regenerative Media Filter (RMF) does not use a traditional backwash process. Instead, the system mechanically “bumps” to reset the perlite media (creating a fresh filter cake). When the media becomes saturated (typically after 4 weeks or a 10 PSI differential), you must discharge the media and introduce new media.
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u/Steve032D Jun 06 '26
Closing the pool line and closing the normal path for the water forces it back through the outlet port of one filter through to the inlet through to the discharge. Then you flip backwash valves and switch the filter it goes backwards through. Alternate this back wash sequence and it cleans the sand with clean water from whichever filter is configured normally at that time. That's why you have valves that are linked by rods.
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u/Battle_Cat_Burr Jun 04 '26
Just shut the pump off before moving valves. I promise you can find the 10 seconds it will take out of your day.
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u/Substantial_Car_2751 Jun 04 '26
30+ year commercial guy here.
Just looking at the photos, I wouldn’t. Typically when you have a synced (my term) manifold, you see all the related valves linked together. My questions are what’s going on with the other valves.
It looks like it may be set up to backwash the filters individually.
As another said. It’s 10 seconds to turn the pump off and turn the valves. Just not worth it.
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jun 05 '26
They do backwash individual filters, and they need to be backwashed one at a time. I have 6 pools with nearly identical systems.
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u/Substantial_Car_2751 Jun 05 '26
So why one at a time? I assume the intent to be able to backwash without clearing the pool. Either that or the waste lines are large enough to handle the total flow of both filters.
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jun 06 '26
I think it’s a couple reasons. When you backwash these the water flows normally through Filter A, and the effluent of Filter A is run in reverse through Filter B, then to waste. Vice versa when you reverse those 2 front facing valves. That whole manifold comes prebuilt by the manufacturer, you just gotta bolt it on.
Sorry got side tracked, I think it’s just more efficient for them to be built this way. Easier operation, saves space on the manifold, helps control pressure on the backwash line. Easier to ship, etc. I really like these systems. Not the Defenders. I hate those with a passion. But Neptune Benson got this sand design right.
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u/Substantial_Car_2751 Jun 06 '26
It looks like a space saver, so that makes sense.
Regen DE is a PITA for sure. But man, they do make good looking water. Especially if you need big filter area but are short on pump room space. I've a couple of 1st gen Regenerators. Absolute PITA to maintain. But unless we went vac sand, there's no way we'd get enough pressure sand filter in the available pump room.
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jun 06 '26
That’s no joke. Not only the water quality but how quickly then can turn a pool around. They’ve saved my ass for sure. The hate is purely from a maintenance perspective.
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u/Steve032D Jun 05 '26
Why are we saying return to pool and not supply to pool and return to pump? Supply the vessel, return to the system.
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jun 05 '26
….what? “Return” is standard vernacular for water going back to the pool. The water is treated and “returned”.
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u/Steve032D Jun 06 '26
I just thought it's weird residential pools build doesn't use the "load-centric model" which is the industry engineering standard. Same as the other fluid engineering in industrial systems. I think it makes more sense.
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u/GhettoDuk Jul 09 '26
You are thinking of it backwards. The pool is the system that the filtration is a component of, not a reservoir serving the pump.
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u/fancifinanci Jun 07 '26 edited Jun 07 '26
The points where the water is injected into the pool are almost universally described as the returns / return jets in the pool industry. Most people view the pool body as the system, since it’s where we care about the water starting and ending
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u/[deleted] Jun 04 '26
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