how to change the sand in a pool filter

How to Change pool filter sand

Most manufacturers recommend that you change your filter sand most every v-seven years. "Why do I demand change the sand at all?", you ask? Well, over time as water rushes through the filter, the jagged edges of the sand which help to trap droppings wearable down and become smooth. When this happens the sand can no longer trap droppings and particles finer and contaminants can pass through the filter sand and back into your pool.

If your pool water is chemically balanced, the filter system is running the proper length of time (8-12 hours a day) and the bather load is normal, but the water volition not articulate upward even if you employ a clarifier, you probably need new sand.

Another indication that it may exist time to change the filter sand is when your filter cycles become very brusque, and you need to backwash the filter very oft – more than you had to exercise in the past.

Filter Sand and Filter Sand Alternatives

Earlier you start taking apart your filter you volition want to make sure y'all take the new filter sand gear up to go. The only sand advisable for use in pool filters is #twenty silica sand, which is .45 -.55mm in size. Do non substitute any other kind of sand; it will not work properly in the filter. Check your specific sand filter'southward instructions to decide how much sand is necessary, and don't add too much or too little filter sand.

If you would like to increase your ZeoSand filter'due south cleaning power, consider some sand alternatives, like ZeoSand. ZeoSand is made of a loftier purity, natural mineral (zeolite) that has a surface area 100 times greater than regular pool filter sand. This allows smaller particles to exist trapped, improving water clarity and increasing the time betwixt backwashing. It is added in the same manner as regular filter sand, but you lot tin use nearly 50% less ZeoSand. If your filter ordinarily requires 300lbs of sand, y'all tin use 150lbs of ZeoSand.

Remove the Old Filter Sand

Step 1 is to Remove the old filter sand

Before yous begin working with the filter y'all will need to plow your pool pump off and disconnect power to the pump at the circuit breaker. Next y'all will drain the h2o from the filter. Remove the drain cap or plug on the filter to allow the h2o to drain.

After the water is drained you tin brainstorm taking apart the filter to remove the erstwhile sand. Filters with the multiport valve mounted on summit (most residential filters) will require that you disconnect the plumbing running in and out of the valve. If y'all use PVC and do not have unions on these pipes, you volition demand to cut the pipage to remove the multiport valve. Choose a location to cut that will permit an inch or ii of uncovered pipe on either side, so that you can easily reconnect the pipes with a coupling.

Y'all may wish to consider installing unions when you reconnect the pipes to allow for easier service to the filter sand in the future. Sand filters with the multiport valve mounted to the side will have a dome on top that tin can be removed to gain access to the sand and will not require you to remove the multiport valve.

After removing the valve, you lot volition observe a middle standpipe sticking upward inside the tank. Use tape, a cup or a rag to block the opening of the centre piping to prevent sand from falling down into the pipe every bit you remove it or add new.

To remove the sand from the filter you can either scoop it out with a plastic cup or utilize a wet/dry out Shop Vac and suck it out. One time y'all get a proficient amount of sand removed yous may exist tempted to just pick up the filter and dump out the residual, but exercise Not practice this! There are plastic laterals at the bottom of the tank (pictured above) which could suspension very easily under the pressure of the sand falling out.

As yous become shut to the laterals, use care to avoid bumping and mayhap cracking the laterals in the tank lesser. After years of chemicals and high rate water menstruum, they are probably brittle and tin can suspension easily.

Clean and Inspect the Filter tank and Internals

Step 2 to installing new filter sand is to clean and inspect

Once you take all the old sand removed yous will need to make clean the filter tank and inspect for any harm. Run a garden hose in the tank and wash the inside thoroughly.

Inspect each of the laterals closely for any cracks and supervene upon them if necessary. If your laterals are quite old, you may consider replacing the entire fix at the aforementioned time every bit you change the filter sand. You don't want to echo this entire procedure to supervene upon the laterals tomorrow, or next year.

Yous can find the correct laterals for your sand filter tank in our filter parts department. Afterward inspecting the internal standpipe and laterals, replace the bleed cap/plug that was removed earlier at the bottom of the tank. Then add water to the tank, deep enough to cover the laterals – to provide a cushion when adding the new filter sand.

Add New Filter Sand or Sand Alternative

The third step in replacing your filter sand

After calculation water to the tank you can beginning pouring in the new filter sand. Be certain that whatever you used before to cover the middle pipe is still in place so you don't pour the new filter sand into the center pipe as you add information technology to the filter tank.

If you have chosen to use a filter sand alternative thoroughly read any instructions to brand sure y'all do not skip whatsoever necessary steps for that item production. Gently scoop the sand (or whatsoever sand alternative you take chosen) into the tank, or you can set the bag upwardly on pinnacle of the tank and slice open the lesser with a razor knife.

Be sure to keep the center pipage straight and firmly sitting on the tank'south bottom throughout the filling process. If it ends upward crooked or besides high, you won't be able to properly re-install the multiport valve and volition have to remove the sand to realign the standpipe.

If adding regular filter sand, wear an advisable dust mask. Silica dust can be hazardous, then take care not to exhale in the sand grit while adding it to the filter tank.

In one case you take added the amount of filter sand recommended by the filter manufacturer, remove the tape or whatsoever covering you used on the center piping and re-install the multiport valve. Reconnect the plumbing to the multiport valve. Information technology is a skilful idea to backwash and rinse the filter for a few minutes to remove the sand dust before you begin normal filtering.

When you are ready, turn the pump off again and change the multiport valve setting to "filter" and turn the puddle pump back on. Note the reading on the pressure gauge; this is the clean sand filter pressure that you want to maintain. Any fourth dimension you run into the pressure level 8-10 psi over this reading you will want to aftermath to clean the filter sand.

While it may seem like a lengthy procedure, most people seem to be able to modify their filter sand in just a few hours. As with almost tasks, the starting time time may accept you lot a scrap longer, but yous'll know what to await in the time to come.

If y'all have any questions before or during the filter sand change process delight give u.s.a. a telephone call at 1-800-288-7946, we are always happy to help!

jackie-wolski-3
Jackie Wolski
InTheSwim Staff Blogger