Pump filter backflushing

So, I have never messed with the back-end of this before (loading my own apps using code) but I think that is what I need for this project.

I have a small duck pond and a 400 gph pump in it with a pre-filter. I need to turn the pump off once an hour for approximately 10-15 seconds to allow some water to back-flow through the pump and partially clean the filter. The problem is if it stays off too long the pump does not want to start back up.

Michael
it would help us if you gave a few more details.

Do you currently have control of the pump through smartthings?
How is it powered 12/24v dc? 120/240v ac?

The code for this kind of app is reasonably easy to create if you already have the pump on a switch or smartplug