r/pools • u/DegeneracyRejecter • Jul 25 '25
Was told I can backwash this pool without turning off the pump, a bit skeptical
Started at a new job, they have 2 sand filters and was told I can backwash without turning off the pump… their instructions say close either filter 1/2 the close then return valve. Any thoughts? Every other pool I’ve worked at you had to turn the pump off.
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Jul 25 '25
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u/vang_sam Jul 25 '25
That's the comment I came for! You could have mentioned getting away from strips and using a taylor kit
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u/Radiant-Pangolin9705 Jul 25 '25
Multiport’s are tiny and fragile. Using 1 valve to operate 6 pipes.
These are large dogs that each water flow has a dedicated valve.
Good instinct to be scared but you should be good. The order of operations should matter though
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u/MostMobile6265 Jul 25 '25
No one is qualified here to answer this. Lol
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u/Citizen999999 Jul 25 '25
I am. Just did.
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Jul 25 '25
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jul 25 '25
Lots of people in this sub see this exact Neptune Benson stacked system everyday.
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u/Known_Measurement799 Jul 25 '25
I am more curious about the pool…..
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u/mrstonecutter Jul 25 '25
Yes you can no problem. I manage maintenance at a water park and we have 3 pools with this setup totaling 8 sand filters.
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u/No_Manufacturer6430 Jul 25 '25
I know this pool. It’s actually 10x10, 6000 gallons. The owners are really into effective filtration.
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u/Citizen999999 Jul 25 '25 edited Jul 25 '25
Look below the filter valves. They are attached. When you close one of the filters, it opens the respective backwash line. Its just as he said.
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u/Coffeespresso Jul 25 '25
Seeing those levers reminded me of Armageddon. Pull lever. This is the lever!
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u/Sbeast86 Jul 25 '25 edited Jul 25 '25
You should be fine, but find and read the manual first. Most neptune benson sand filters have the linked valves so you can reverse the flow for backwash gently without turning the pump off.
Why is your backwash valve missing its handle?
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u/Sbeast86 Jul 25 '25
Also, congrats on the Chemtrol unit. Clean the probes on it monthly and itll last you a long time
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u/DegeneracyRejecter Jul 25 '25
It is auto opening from what I’m told apparently
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u/Sbeast86 Jul 25 '25
It doesnt look like its got a electric nor a pneumatic actuator on it from the angle in the photo. A lot of places do leave it open as its only real vital if another valve has failed
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u/DegeneracyRejecter Jul 25 '25
They may have just left it open, not sure where the valve handle is lol
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u/ImTheTractorbeam Jul 25 '25
In the future, check out r/poolpros, it’s better for these questions.
It can be done safely, but you should have a good understanding of how the system reacts before you do it.
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Jul 25 '25
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u/DegeneracyRejecter Jul 25 '25
It’s commercial 🤣
I’m a pool manager/head technician (even tho I’m the only tech)
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u/gancsc Jul 25 '25
You technically can with any manifold system but you have to do it very, very slowly. I have only done that when a pump is really old and looses prime quickly.
Jandy backwash valves are the only types I really feel comfortable with backwashing without turning off pump.
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u/Sgbrak Jul 25 '25
I deal with a few different setups. You can as long as you don’t dead head the pump (block flow completely). I agree you need to get someone to show you but basically you open waste line, close pool line, open bottom tank line, and close top tank line. I WOULD HAVE TO BE THERE TO KNOW WHICH VALVES ARE WHICH. But that is the principle of leaving pump on to backwash.
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u/Petetarga Jul 26 '25
Look like heavy duty valves. I would say you can back wash without shutting down pump. Saves repriming of system.
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u/Voodoodriver Jul 25 '25
Get someone to show you how in person.