How to Locate the Backwash Valve in a Swimming Pool

A pool's backwash valve is responsible for pushing water through the pool filter so debris gets removed from the water supply. The valve helps clean the filter by running water in reverse through it to remove accumulated dirt. A pool's valve system needs regular inspection to ensure that everything works properly. This device is not the only valve a pool relies on, but it is quickly identifiable if you must locate it.

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the pool filter. The backwash valve connects to the filter to control the direction of the water flow.
- 2
  Look for a push-pull valve attached to the filter. A push-pull valve resembles an air pump in that it is a cylinder with a round handle at the top that moves up and down like a plunger. This is the backwash valve if your pool uses the push-pull valve type.
- 3
  Search for a multiport valve attached to the top of the filter if you don't see the push-pull variety. This is the other type of backwash valve, and it has a disc at the top that functions as a selector switch, with one of the positions usually labeled "Backwash." At the bottom of the valve housing, visible from the side, are multiple valve openings.
  
  The filter will have one valve type or the other connected to it but shouldn't have both. Whichever one you find is the backwash valve.

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