How do I backwash my sand filter?

[Kimcoltonterry]

Thanks Matt, what is the normal pressure reading supposed to be, a ballpark figure?
Thanks.
This is only our second year with a pool (as if you couldn't tell!!)

[sevver]

Mine reads 15 psi normally.

[bsbrega]

Mine reads 16. I had a pump for 14 years and it read 18. It all depends. The thing you should make note of is what YOURS reads after you've backwashed it and the water is clear. Then the thing is to keep an eye on it and ensure that it stays pretty much there. When you see it climb (for me, it was never), backwash. If the pressure drops, you could be sucking wind, er, air somewhere. For me, that usually meant the skimmer basket got outta place, and the water was coming in funny. Remember the old (very old) Haley's MO commercial: Normal is what's normal for YOU. Yes I'm old. It takes a big man to admit it!

[Kimcoltonterry]

bsbrega, LOL!!! I kind of had the feeling that someone would say that it differs, but I had to ask because I had just backwashed and had NO idea what normal was!! I am going right now to find NORMAL....wish me luck <very rarely do I see normal around here...>