Patent Publication Number: US-11648495-B1

Title: Non-discharge backwash filter system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/018,934 entitled “Non-Discharge Backwash Filter System” to Goettl et. al. that was filed on Sep. 11, 2020, which application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/898,687 entitled “Non-Discharge Backwash Filter System” to Goettl et. al. that was filed on Sep. 11, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Aspects of this document relate generally to a pool filter system, and more specifically to a pool filter system that reduces water waste and maintenance through recycling the backwash water through a separate filter system simultaneous with pool filtering. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, there are three primary types of filters that are commonly used within the swimming pool industry. They are the sand media filter, cartridge media filter and diatomaceous earth (DE) media filter. Each filter type has perceived advantages and disadvantages. 
     A sand filter is the simplest to clean via a manual backwash function common to sand filters that reverses the normal flow of water through the filtration media, lifting the sediment into the reverse flow of water (backwash). The water is then discharged to waste or landscape. The typical backwash cycle discharges a substantial amount of water, and that water is wasted and not reused or recycled. This is extremely wasteful of water resources. While a sand filter is the most common filter type, there is a growing concern that current and future regulatory, municipal and HOA restrictions may limit the use of sand filters with standard backwash due to the consumption and disposal of backwash water which is significant. The standard sand filter backwash formula for determining the water used is: filter surface area SF×15 GPM×backwash duration in minutes (minimum 2-3 minutes). Example: 4.9 Square Foot filter×15 GPM=73.5 GM; 73.5 GPM×2.5 minute backwash duration=183.75 gallons used for a backwash interval. Therefore, the total water loss to backwash a common 4.9 size sand filter=184 gallons. Based on the recommended once per week backwash intervals for common sized pools, water losses can exceed 1000 gallons per month due to backwash functions. 
     Both DE and cartridge filers have filter cartridges or replacement media that are costly and labor intensive to service and clean. Each filter provides varied levels of efficiency. However, much of the cleaning efficiency is also dependent on proper sizing, service, maintenance and water flow rates through the filter. DE and cartridge filters also involve water waste, most often through cleaning or washing of the filter cartridges. Backwash and cleaning water disposal challenges for all filter media types further become compounded with limited physical spaces associated commonly with new construction subdivisions. 
     All major swimming pool filter types load with sediment during operation causing the pressure loss to increase significantly across the media as the filter loads with sediment, thus decreasing water flow and increasing energy costs due to higher-than-otherwise-required motor powers to generate the required water flow at the higher pressure required to compensate for the sediment accumulation within the filter media. Cleaning intervals are typically each week for sand filters and can be months with cartridge filters. This causes significant restriction in water flow and consumes excessive pump motor horsepower as well as inhibits water flow to pool system components resulting in reduced performance and efficiency of the entire pool. Manual cleaning and maintenance of current technology filter media types is unpredictable and leads often to dramatic inefficiencies throughout the pool system causing poor system performance and dramatic losses of efficiency and high energy consumption. 
     Additionally, conventional filter technologies require that the normal operation of the pool must be stopped to clean or replace the filtration media. Stopping the normal operation of a pool is not preferred by the user and causes interruption of normal pool component functions and is very time consuming. Interruptions of normal pool component functions leads to additional pool system inefficiencies and wasted energy. Cleaning or replacing filtration media of currently available filter technologies is costly and results in excessive active or passive water resource losses, filter media replacement costs and service labor costs. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of this document relate to a pool filter system comprising a main body comprising a plurality of segmented filtration chambers within the main body each filled with filtration media and fluidly isolated from each other except near their respective upper ends and lower ends, a water supply inlet extending into the main body, the water supply inlet configured to receive unfiltered water from a pool of water, a water return line configured to return filtered water to the pool of water, a control valve disposed within the main body and fluidly coupled to the water supply inlet, the control valve comprising a plurality of filtration chamber ports each aligned with the respective upper ends of a different one of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, a backwash nozzle configured to rotate within the control valve and sequentially align with each of the plurality of filtration chamber ports, and an internal backwash discharge valve in fluid communication with the backwash nozzle and a backwash discharge port, the internal backwash discharge valve configured to control discharge of water from the backwash nozzle to the backwash discharge port, wherein in a first position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a first filtration chamber port of the plurality of filtration chamber ports which is aligned with a first segmented filtration chamber of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers except the first segmented filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the first segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the first filtration chamber port, and wherein in a second position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a second filtration chamber port of the plurality of filtration chamber ports which is aligned with a second segmented filtration chamber of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers except the second segmented filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the second segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the second filtration chamber port, and a reverse flow discharge manifold adjacent the lower ends of the segmented filtration chambers and configured to pass filtered water into and out of each of the segmented filtration chambers, and pass filtered water to the water return line, wherein when water pressure increases within the reverse flow discharge manifold, the increase in water pressure causes water to backwash through the first segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the first position and through the second segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The internal backwash discharge valve may be configured to open for a predetermined amount of time corresponding to a predetermined volume of backwash water. Each of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers may have a curved shape configured to accommodate a pressure differential between each of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers. The backwash nozzle may have an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, wherein when the backwash nozzle is in the intermediate position, the backwash nozzle is not aligned with any of the filtration chamber ports of the plurality of filtration chamber ports, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers. The pool filter system may further comprise a backwash filtration system, wherein the backwash discharge port discharges backwashed water into the backwash filtration system. The backwash filtration system may have a sedimentation collection and separation system configured to settle sediment out of the backwashed water. The backwash filtration system may further have a final filtration chamber, wherein the sedimentation collection and separation system is configured to pass water to the final filtration chamber and a final filtration medium within the final filtration chamber is configured to filter water and return the filtered water to the pool of water. The pool filter system may further comprise a sensor in the final filtration chamber configured to sense water conditions and provide conditioning to the water based on the water conditions. 
     Aspects of this document relate to a pool filter system comprising a plurality of segmented filtration chambers each comprising filtration media and fluidly isolated from each other except adjacent their respective upper ends and lower ends, a water supply inlet configured to receive unfiltered water from a pool of water, a water return line configured to return filtered water to the pool of water, a control valve fluidly coupled to the water supply inlet, the control valve comprising a plurality of filtration chamber ports each aligned with the respective upper ends of a different one of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, and a backwash nozzle configured to sequentially align with each of the plurality of filtration chamber ports and pass backwashed water to a backwash discharge port, wherein in a first position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a first filtration chamber port of the plurality of filtration chamber ports which is aligned with a first segmented filtration chamber of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers except at least the first segmented filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the first segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the first filtration chamber port, and wherein in a second position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a second filtration chamber port of the plurality of filtration chamber ports which is aligned with a second segmented filtration chamber of the plurality of segmented filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers except at least the second segmented filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the second segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the second filtration chamber port, and a reverse flow discharge manifold adjacent the lower ends of the segmented filtration chambers and configured to pass filtered water into and out of each of the segmented filtration chambers, and pass filtered water to the water return line, wherein when water pressure increases within the reverse flow discharge manifold, the increase in water pressure causes water to backwash through the first segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the first position and through the second segmented filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The pool system may further comprise an internal backwash discharge valve in fluid communication with the backwash nozzle and the backwash discharge port, the internal backwash discharge valve configured to control discharge of water from the backwash nozzle to the backwash discharge port. The internal backwash discharge valve may be configured to open for a predetermined amount of time corresponding to a predetermined volume of backwash water. The backwash nozzle may have an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, wherein when the backwash nozzle is in the intermediate position, the backwash nozzle is not aligned with any of the filtration chamber ports of the plurality of filtration chamber ports, and the control valve is configured to supply water through the plurality of filtration chamber ports to all of the segmented filtration chambers. The pool filter system may further comprise a backwash filtration system, wherein the backwash nozzle discharges backwashed water into the backwash filtration system. 
     Aspects of this document relate to a pool filter system comprising a plurality of separate filtration chambers each comprising filtration media and respective upper ends and respective lower ends, a water supply inlet configured to receive unfiltered water from a pool of water, and a control valve fluidly coupled to the water supply inlet, the control valve comprising a backwash nozzle configured to sequentially align with each of the plurality of filtration chambers, wherein in a first position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a first filtration chamber of the plurality of filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water to all of the filtration chambers through the respective upper ends of each of the plurality of filtration chambers except at least the first filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the first filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the upper end of the first filtration chamber, wherein in a second position, the backwash nozzle is aligned with a second filtration chamber of the plurality of filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water to all of the filtration chambers through the respective upper ends of each of the plurality of filtration chambers except at least the second filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle, and supply water from the second filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle through the upper end of the second filtration chamber, and wherein when water pressure increases adjacent the lower ends of the filtration chambers, the increase in water pressure causes water to backwash through the first filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the first position and through the second filtration chamber to the backwash nozzle when the backwash nozzle is in the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The pool filter system may further comprise an internal backwash discharge valve in fluid communication with the backwash nozzle and a backwash discharge port, the internal backwash discharge valve configured to control discharge of water from the backwash nozzle to the backwash discharge port. The internal backwash discharge valve may be configured to open for a predetermined amount of time corresponding to a predetermined volume of backwash water. The backwash nozzle may have an intermediate position between the first position and the second position, wherein when the backwash nozzle is in the intermediate position, the backwash nozzle is not aligned with any of the filtration chambers, and the control valve is configured to supply water to all of the filtration chambers. The pool filter system may further comprise a backwash filtration system, wherein the backwash nozzle discharges backwashed water into the backwash filtration system. The pool filter system may further comprise a water return line configured to return filtered water to the pool of water from the plurality of filtration chambers. Each of the plurality of filtration chambers may have a curved shape configured to accommodate a pressure differential between each of the plurality of filtration chambers. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that he can be his own lexicographer if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function” (i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insert function]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step for performing the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material or acts for performing the claimed function. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification, drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a pool filter and backwash filtration system. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross section view of the pool filter and backwash filtration system of  FIG.  1   , taken along line  2 - 2 . 
         FIG.  3    is a close up view of the control valve shown in  FIG.  2   , taken from circle  3 . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the main body of the pool filter system from  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the pool filter system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of the control valve area shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  7 A  is a top view of the control valve in a first position aligned with a first filtration chamber port. 
         FIG.  7 B  is a top view of the control valve in a second position aligned with a second filtration chamber port. 
         FIG.  7 C  is a top view of the control valve in an intermediate position between the first and second filtration chamber ports. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the backwash filtration system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded view of the backwash filtration system of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a cross section of the backwash filtration system from  FIG.  8   , taken along line  10 - 10 . 
         FIG.  11    is a cross section of the backwash filtration system from  FIG.  8   , taken along line  11 - 11 . 
         FIG.  12    is a cross section of the backwash filtration system from  FIG.  8   , taken along line  12 - 12 . 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of implementations. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for such systems and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation. 
     The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of this disclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad of additional or alternate examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity. 
     While this disclosure includes a number of implementations that are described in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular implementations with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the implementations illustrated. 
     In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration possible implementations. It is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized, and structural, as well as procedural, changes may be made without departing from the scope of this document. As a matter of convenience, various components will be described using exemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However, this document is not limited to the stated examples and other configurations are possible and within the teachings of the present disclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the function and/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed exemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
       FIGS.  1 - 2    illustrate a pool filter and backwash filtration system  100  that comprises a pool filter system  200  and a backwash filtration system  300 . The pool filter and backwash filtration system  100  may be housed within a main body  102 , such as a pool filter housing  108 . The pool filter system  200  is configured to filter pool water  104  at full capacity for a pool of water  106  (not shown) and backwash a portion of the filter media  226  simultaneously, without any need for interruption of the ongoing filtering of the pool water  104 . Alternatively, the pool filter system  200  may be configured to first filter the pool water  104  and then backwash the filter media  226 . In either embodiment, the water  104  that is typically discharged during backwash to waste or the environment may instead be passed to the backwash filtration system  300 . The backwash filtration system  300  is configured to filter the backwash water  104  and return it to the pool filter system  200  or to the pool of water  106 , which returns the water  104  to the pool of water  106 . Thus, the significant water losses of the typical backwash cycle are avoided through the implementation of the pool filter and backwash filtration system  100 . In addition, in embodiments where the pool filter system  200  and the backwash filtration system  300  are integrated into one system, the filtration and backwash functions can be automated and performed as often as is useful, thus limiting the human labor involved and maximizing the efficiency and performance of the system. For example, a typical pool filter requires regular cleaning that does not occur because the labor involved discourages the pool owner from taking action. This failure to clean causes poor system performance, dramatic losses of efficiency, and higher energy consumption, as discussed above. Implementing the pool filter and backwash filtration system  100  avoids these issues by limiting the need for an individual to get involved at all. Due to the ongoing and automatic backwash operation of the pool filter system  200 , the pool filter system  200  operates at a predictable pressure loss and does not experience fluctuations like a conventional pool filter does. Instead, the pressure drop across the filter media  226  remains at consistent low levels. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates pool water flow through the pool filter and backwash filtration system  100  when the pool filter system  200  is simultaneously filtering pool water  104  and backwashing a portion of the filter media  226 . Water flow is indicated by arrows shown in the Figure. Water  104  from the pool of water  106  enters the pool filter system  200  through a water supply inlet  202 . The water  104  is passed from the water supply inlet  202  to a control valve  204  fluidly coupled to the water supply inlet  202 . As shown in  FIG.  2   , the water  104  may be passed up through a center  206  of the pool filter system  200  to the control valve  204 . As shown in more detail in  FIGS.  3 - 7 C , the control valve  204  may have a backwash nozzle  208 , a plurality of filtration chamber ports  210 , and an internal backwash discharge valve  212 . Each of the plurality of filtration chamber ports  210  is aligned with the respective upper ends  214  of a different one of a plurality of filtration chambers  216  (see  FIG.  4   ). Each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  is segmented and may have a curved shape configured to accommodate a pressure differential between each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  ( FIG.  4   ). When used, the curved shape reinforces the strength for the walls of each filtration chamber  216 . Each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  may be fluidly isolated from each other except near their respective upper ends  214  and lower ends  234 . 
     The backwash nozzle  208  is configured to sequentially align with each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . The backwash nozzle  208  may be actuated electronically, hydronically, or mechanically. When the backwash nozzle  208  is aligned with a particular filtration chamber of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 , the backwash nozzle  208  limits the flow of water  104  from the control valve  204  to the particular filtration chamber through the upper end  214  of the particular filtration chamber to be backwashed. For example, in a first position  218 , the backwash nozzle  208  is aligned with a first filtration chamber  220  of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  (see  FIG.  7 A ). When in the first position  218 , the backwash nozzle  208  limits the flow of water  104  from the control valve  204  to the first filtration chamber  220  through the upper end  214  of the first filtration chamber  220 . As another example, in a second position  222 , the backwash nozzle  208  is aligned with a second filtration chamber  224  of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  (see  FIG.  7 B ). When in the second position  222 , the backwash nozzle  208  limits the flow of water  104  from the control valve  204  to the second filtration chamber  224  through the upper end  214  of the first filtration chamber  224 . In a particular embodiment, the backwash nozzle  208  is configured to rotate within the control valve  204  to sequentially align with each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . An actuator  225  may be coupled with the backwash nozzle  208  to rotate the backwash nozzle  208 . In addition, the backwash nozzle  208  may align with more than one of the filtration chambers  216  at any given time. For example, the backwash nozzle  208  may be sized to align with both the first filtration chamber  220  and with the second filtration chamber  224  simultaneously. 
     Returning to  FIG.  2   , the control valve  204  supplies the water  104  to the plurality of filtration chambers  216  except the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208 . Each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  contains filter media  226  which is configured to filter sediment  228  (not shown) out of the water  104 . Each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  may then pass the filtered water  104  to a reverse flow discharge manifold  230  through the lower ends  234  of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . The reverse flow discharge manifold  230  is configured to pass the filtered water  104  into and out of each of the filtration chambers  216  and pass the water  104  to a water return line  232 , which returns the water  104  to the pool of water  106 . Alternatively, the lower ends  234  of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  may be in fluid communication with each other and with the water return line  232  and the filtered water  104  may be passed directly from the plurality of filtration chamber  216  to the water return line  232 . 
     As the pool filter system  200  operates, the water pressure within the reverse flow discharge manifold  230  or adjacent the lower ends  234  of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  may increase. Because the water  104  does not freely flow through the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208 , such as the first filtration chamber  220  when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the first position  218  or the second filtration chamber  224  when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the second position  222 , the increase in water pressure causes the water  104  to backwash through the filtration chamber (or filtration chambers) currently aligned with the backwash nozzle  208 . Therefore, during a backwash cycle, the water  104  is split into a first stream of water  236  and a second stream of water  238 . The first stream of water  236  passes through the plurality of filtration chambers  216  and then is returned to the pool of water  106  through the water return line  232 . The second stream of water  238  backwashes through the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208  and then passes through the upper end  214  of the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208  and, in embodiments having a plurality of filtration chamber ports  210 , through the corresponding filtration chamber port to the backwash nozzle  208 . For example, when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the first position  218 , the second stream of water  238  passes through the first filtration chamber  220 , through the upper end  214  of the first filtration chamber  220 , and through a first filtration chamber port  240  of the plurality of filtration chamber ports  210  to the backwash nozzle  208 . As another example, when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the second position  222 , the second stream of water  238  passes through the second filtration chamber  224 , through the upper end  214  of the second filtration chamber  224 , and through a second filtration chamber port  242  of the plurality of filtration chamber ports  210  to the backwash nozzle  208 . As a third example, if the backwash nozzle  208  is sized to align with both the first filtration chamber  220  and the second filtration chamber  224  simultaneously and is aligned with both simultaneously, the second stream of water  238  passes through both the first filtration chamber  220  and the second filtration chamber  224 , through the upper ends  214  of the first filtration chamber  220  and the second filtration chamber  224 , and through the first filtration chamber port  240  and the second filtration chamber port  242  to the backwash nozzle  208 . 
     Returning to  FIG.  3   , the backwash nozzle  208  directs the water  104  coming out of the upper end  214  of the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208  to the internal backwash discharge valve  212 , which is configured to control the discharge of water  104  from the backwash nozzle  208  to a backwash discharge port  244 . For example, the internal backwash discharge valve  212  may be configured to open for a predetermined amount of time corresponding to a predetermined volume of backwash water. When the internal backwash discharge valve  212  is closed, the flow of water  104  through the backwash nozzle  208  is stopped. The predetermined volume of backwash water may be based on the volume capacity for water of the backwash filtration system  300 . The predetermined amount of time may be determined based on the predetermined volume of backwash water and on the flow rate of water  104  through the backwash nozzle  208 . The backwash discharge port  244  may discharge the water  104  to the backwash filtration system  300  (see  FIG.  2   ), or directly to the environment from the discharge port  244  in cases where a backwash filtration system  300  is not used. 
       FIG.  7 C  illustrates the backwash nozzle  208  in an intermediate position  246  between the first position  218  and the second position  222 . When in the intermediate position  246 , the backwash nozzle  208  is not aligned with any of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . Therefore, the backwash nozzle  208  does not limit the flow of water  104  from the control valve  204  to any of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . As a result, when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the intermediate position  246 , the control valve  204  is configured to supply water  104  to all of the filtration chambers  216 . Thus, the pool filter system  200  filters the water  104  in all of the filtration chambers  216  and does not backwash any filter media  226  when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the intermediate position  246 . In this way, when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the intermediate position  246 , the flow of water  104  may enter the pool filter system  200  from the pool of water  106  through the water supply inlet  202 , pass through the control valve  204  into each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 , filter through the filter media  226 , and then pass through the water return line  232  back to the pool of water  106 . Generally, the internal backwash discharge valve  212  is closed when the backwash nozzle  208  is in the intermediate position  246 . 
       FIGS.  8 - 12    illustrate a backwash filtration system  300 . The backwash filtration system  300  may comprise the backwash discharge port  244 , a sedimentation collection and separation system  302 , and a final filtration chamber  304 . The backwash discharge port  244  may be fluidly coupled with the pool filter system  200  and configured to pass backwashed water  104  from the pool filter system  200  to the sedimentation collection and separation system  302 . The backwash discharge port  244  may pass the backwashed water  104  from the pool filter system  200  to the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  through an input port  306  of a first sedimentation chamber  316  of a plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 . 
     The sedimentation collection and separation system  302  is configured to collect sediment  228  (not shown) out of the backwashed water  104  when the backwashed water  104  flows through the sedimentation collection and separation system  302 . The sedimentation collection and separation system  302  may comprise the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  and a plurality of baffles  310 . Each of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  illustrated in  FIG.  11    has a length  312  greater than its height  314  (see  FIG.  10   ), and each is oriented with its respective length  312  positioned horizontally and may be stacked vertically above or below another of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  ( FIG.  11   ). The path for water flow through the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  passes through the first sedimentation chamber  316  in a top position of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 , through each of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  to a last sedimentation chamber  318  in a bottom position of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 . The path for water flow passes through a majority of the length  312  of each of the sedimentation chambers  308  sequentially, and winds down through each of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 . 
     The plurality of baffles  310  are configured to reduce the migration of sediment  228  within the flow of water  104  through the sedimentation collection and separation system  302 . For the embodiment shown, the plurality of baffles  310  are located within the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  and span the width  320  of each of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 . The plurality of baffles  310  thus create a series of pools  322  within the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  that sequentially overflow into the next pool  322 . This allows the sediment  228  to settle within each of the pools  322  so that the water  104  within each subsequent pool  322  contains less sediment  228  than the water  104  within the previous pools  322 . Other locations and configurations are also contemplated. 
     The sedimentation collection and separation system  302  for this embodiment is configured to facilitate the flow of water  104  through the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  at a predetermined velocity and a predetermined capacity that are selected to separate sediment  228  from the backwashed water  104  within a specified period of time. The velocity and capacity are based on the size and aspect ratio of the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308 . The sedimentation collection and separation system  302  may also comprise a sedimentation collection tray  324  positioned at a bottom  326  of each of the sedimentation chambers  308 . The sedimentation collection tray  324  may be removably coupled to the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  and may be configured to receive the sediment  228  from the backwashed water  104  as the backwashed water  104  passes through the respective sedimentation chamber  308  for manual removal from the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  (see  FIG.  12   ). 
     The final filtration chamber  304  is fluidly coupled with the sedimentation collection and separation system  302 , and is fluidly coupled with the last sedimentation chamber  318  through an output port  328  of the last sedimentation chamber  318 . The volume of the final filtration chamber  304  may be used to determine the predetermined volume of backwash water discussed above in relation to the internal backwash discharge valve  212  of the pool filter system  200 , where the capacity of the final filtration chamber  304  may be equal to the predetermined volume of backwash water. The final filtration chamber  304  has a final filtration medium  330  disposed within the final filtration chamber  304 . The final filtration medium  330  is configured to filter the water  104  and return the water  104  to the pool filter system  200 . In particular configurations, the filtered water  104  may be returned to the water return line  232  of the pool filter system  200 . Methods such as venturi suction, a pumping system, a gravity drain, a return line to the suction side of the pool system pump, or other similar methods may be used to return the water  104  to the pool filter system  200 . 
     The backwash filtration system  300  may also comprise a sedimentation sensor  332 , a water level sensor  334 , and/or a conditioning sensor  336  (see  FIG.  9   ). The sedimentation sensor  332  may be configured to measure a level of sediment  228  deposited in at least one of the sedimentation chambers  308  and notify a user when the level of sediment  228  has reached a predetermined level (see  FIG.  8   ) for emptying. In embodiments with a sedimentation collection tray  324 , the sedimentation collection tray  324  may then be lifted out of the backwash filtration system  300  and the sedimentation collection tray  324  may then be cleaned and replaced in the backwash filtration system  300 . In embodiments without a sedimentation collection tray  324 , the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  may also be lifted out of the backwash filtration system  300  and cleaned. The sediment  228  that is collected within the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  may thus be removed from the backwash filtration system  300 . Because the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  is not located within the pressurized portion of the pool filter system  200 , the sedimentation collection trays  324  and the plurality of sedimentation chambers  308  may be removed and cleaned without interrupting the normal operation of the pool filter system  200 . 
     A water level sensor  334  may be located within the final filtration chamber  304  and configured to automatically turn on or shut off the flow of filtered water  104  to the water return line  232  of the pool filter system  200  or to the pool of water  106  when the water level within the final filtration chamber  304  has reached one or more predetermined levels. The water level sensor  334  may be a float valve or any similar mechanical or electrical automatic switching device. The water level sensor  334 , in particular embodiments, limits over-draining of the final filtration chamber  304  and thus limits the introduction of air into the pool system. The conditioning sensor  336  may be configured to sense water conditions and provide conditioning to the water  104  based on the water conditions. Thus, additional water treatment methods, including chemicals, supplements, or conditioning, may be introduced into the pool of water  106  through the pool filter system as needed or desired. 
     The pool filter system  200  and the backwash filtration system  300  may be used to implement a method for simultaneous filtration and non-discharge backwash operation of a pool filter. Such a method may comprise any or all of the following, as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . First, water  104  is received from the pool of water  106  through the water supply inlet  202  of the pool filter housing  108 . The water  104  is then passed within the pool filter housing  108  to the control valve  204  and split into the first stream of water  236  and the second stream of water  238 . The first stream of water  236  is forced in a first direction  248  through each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216  except the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208  and the second stream of water  238  is forced in a second direction  250 , opposite the first direction  248 , through the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208 , and then through the backwash nozzle  208 . The first direction  248  may be a downward direction and the second direction  250  may be an upward direction, opposite the first direction  248 . The first stream of water  236  may be filtered through the filter media  226  within each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . The backwash nozzle  208  may then be rotated to a subsequent position, such as from the first position  218  to the second position  222 , and the step of forcing the water  104  in a first direction  248  and a second direction  250  may be repeated. The step of forcing the second stream of water  238  through the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208  may comprise backwashing the second stream of water  238  through the filtration chamber aligned with the backwash nozzle  208 . The backwash nozzle  208  may be paused in the intermediate position  246  for a predetermined amount of time, during which time the water  104  may be forced in the first direction  248  through each of the plurality of filtration chambers  216 . During the time that the backwash nozzle  208  is in the intermediate position  246 , the internal backwash discharge valve  212  remains closed. The internal backwash discharge valve  212  may be opened for a predetermined interval when the backwash nozzle  208  is aligned with a filtration chamber  216  and the second stream of water  238  may be passed through the internal backwash discharge valve  212  and the backwash discharge port  244  to the sedimentation collection and separation system  302 . The sediment  228  may then be settled out of the second stream of water  238  within the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  and the second stream of water  238  may be passed to the final filtration chamber  304 . The second stream of water  238  may then be filtered through the final filtration media  330  within the final filtration chamber  304 , and the first stream of water  236  and the second stream of water  238  may then be returned to the pool of water  106 . 
     Additionally, a level of sediment  228  deposited in the sedimentation collection and separation system  302  may be measured and a user may be notified when the level of sediment  228  reaches a predetermined level. A level of water  104  may be measured within the final filtration chamber  304  and the flow of the second stream of water  238  through the final filtration media  330  may be shut off when the water level within the final filtration chamber  304  reaches a predetermined minimum level. The water conditions in the final filtration chamber  304  may be sensed and conditioning may be provided to the water  104  within the final filtration chamber  304  to alter the water conditions. 
     It will be understood that implementations of a non-discharge backwash filter system are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices and components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies, devices and components consistent with the intended operation of a non-discharge backwash filter system. Accordingly, for example, although particular non-discharge backwash filter systems, and other assemblies, devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of non-discharge backwash filter systems. Implementations are not limited to uses of any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that the assemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a non-discharge backwash filter system. 
     Accordingly, the components defining any non-discharge backwash filter system implementations may be formed of any of many different types of materials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shaped objects provided that the components selected are consistent with the intended operation of a non-discharge backwash filter system implementation. For example, the components may be formed of: polymers such as thermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide; Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets (such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone, and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copper alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any other suitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. In instances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by a standard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made in accordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or other requirement. 
     Various non-discharge backwash filter systems may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. Some components defining a non-discharge backwash filter system may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another, while other components may be purchased pre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with the integral components. Various implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures as added to and improved upon through the procedures described here. 
     Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, a nut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material forming the components. 
     It will be understood that non-discharge backwash filter systems are not limited to the specific order of steps as disclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of the assembly of a non-discharge backwash filter system indicated herein are given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not as limitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble non-discharge backwash filter systems. 
     The implementations of a non-discharge backwash filter system described are by way of example or explanation and not by way of limitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also be used with similar results for a variety of other applications employing a non-discharge backwash filter system.