What Setting Should Pool Filter Be On When Vacuuming?

Pool filters play an essential role in keeping your swimming pool clean and healthy. They work tirelessly to remove dirt, debris, and other impurities from the water, ensuring that you and your family can swim in crystal clear water. However, if you’re planning to vacuum your pool, you might be wondering what setting your pool filter should be on. In this article, we’ll explore the different pool filter settings and help you determine which one is best for vacuuming your pool.

Pool Filter Settings

Before we dive into the different filter settings, it’s important to understand how pool filters work. There are three main types of pool filters:

Sand filters

Cartridge filters
DE (diatomaceous earth) filters

Each of these filters works differently, but they all have the same basic function: to trap and remove contaminants from the water. Pool filters typically have multiple settings that allow you to control how the water flows through the filter. Here are the most common pool filter settings:

Filter – This is the standard setting for most pool filters. Water flows through the filter, trapping contaminants as it goes.
Backwash – This setting reverses the flow of water through the filter, flushing out trapped debris.
Rinse – After backwashing, the rinse setting is used to flush out any remaining debris and return the filter to its normal operating position.

Waste – This setting bypasses the filter entirely and sends water directly out of the pool. It’s typically used for draining the pool or lowering the water level.
Circulate – This setting bypasses the filter and simply circulates water around the pool. It’s useful for mixing chemicals or directing water towards a specific area of the pool.

What Setting Should You Use When Vacuuming?

Now that we’ve covered the different filter settings, let’s talk about which one is best for vacuuming your pool. The answer depends on the type of pool filter you have.

Sand Filters

If you have a sand filter, the best setting for vacuuming is the “waste” setting. When you vacuum your pool, you’ll be removing a lot of debris, and you don’t want it to clog up your filter. The waste setting bypasses the filter and sends the water directly out of the pool, so you can vacuum without worrying about clogging up your filter. However, keep in mind that using the waste setting will lower your water level, so be sure to add fresh water to your pool when you’re done.

Cartridge Filters

For cartridge filters, the best setting for vacuuming is “filter.” Cartridge filters don’t have a “waste” setting, so you’ll need to use the standard filter setting when vacuuming. However, be sure to clean your cartridge filter after vacuuming, as it will likely be full of debris.

DE Filters

If you have a DE filter, the best setting for vacuuming is “filter.” DE filters have a similar function to sand filters, but they use diatomaceous earth to trap contaminants. Like cartridge filters, DE filters don’t have a “waste” setting, so you’ll need to use the standard filter setting when vacuuming. Be sure to clean your DE filter after vacuuming, as it will be full of debris.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best setting for vacuuming your pool depends on the type of filter you have. If you have a sand filter, use the “waste” setting. If you have a cartridge or DE filter, use the standard “filter” setting. Regardless of which setting you use, be sure to clean your filter thoroughly after vacuuming to keep your pool clean and healthy.

Further reading: What Do I Set My Pump On To Vacuum My Pool?

FAQs for What Setting Should Pool Filter Be On When Vacuuming?

1. What is the best setting for pool filter when vacuuming?

The best setting for your pool filter when vacuuming depends on the type of pool filter you have. If you have a sand filter, you should set it to “waste” or “backwash.” If you have a DE filter, you should set it to “backwash.” If you have a cartridge filter, you should remove the cartridge and clean it separately.

2. Can I vacuum my pool with the filter on “circulate” or “recirculate”?

It is not recommended to vacuum your pool with the filter on “circulate” or “recirculate.” These settings do not filter the water, so any debris you vacuum up will stay in the pool. You will need to manually remove the debris from the pool using a skimmer net or other tool.

3. What happens if I vacuum my pool with the filter on the wrong setting?

If you vacuum your pool with the filter on the wrong setting, you may damage the filter or the pool pump. For example, if you vacuum with a sand filter set to “filter,” the sand can be sucked out of the filter and into the pool, causing damage to the pump and other equipment. Always make sure you have the correct setting for your filter before vacuuming your pool.

4. How often should I vacuum my pool?

The frequency of pool vacuuming depends on the amount of debris in the pool. If you have a lot of trees or other debris around your pool, you may need to vacuum more often. As a general rule, you should vacuum your pool at least once a week to keep it clean and free of debris.