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A sparkling pool is loved by everyone. But, if the water of your pool is getting dirty and unclear, even though you have tried to sanitize it, probably it’s due to dirty sand filter.
There are three filters in the pool and a sand filter is one of them. These filters are used to filter out debris and dirt. It is filled with sand particles inside the filter manifold which helps to trap particles in the range of 20 – 100 micron.
The efficiency of the sand filters decreases with time, but you may need to backwash the filter once in the year remove all the dirt trapped inside. After prolonged use, you need to change the sand to get it functioning to its full.
When to change the sand filter of your pool?
The ideal time to replace the sand in your filter is considered to be after five years of use. The gradual loss of efficiency is usually not easy to detect.
How full should my pool sand filter be?
If you want to change the sand in the filter after five years of use, you must know the quantity of the sand to add to the filter. It is crucial to know the exact level of sand in the filter to work it properly.
Mostly, the type of sand used in the filter is the # 20-grade silica sand with a 45 – 55 mm quantity. Put the sand till the filter container is 2/3 full. It creates enough space on top that provides the sand enough space to run perfectly.
If you do not fill the sand up to that level, your pool water will remain cloudy. It does not matter the number of hours your filter runs. The pool water will remain full of debris. However, the manufacturer’s manual tells how much of your filter space should be full. Usually, the expected level of sand should be 2/3 of the filter.
How to change sand in the sand filter?
Replacing the sand in the sand filter of your pool is not such a hectic job. So there is no need to hire a professional to get your pool sand filter to be replaced. Just follow these easy steps.
Tools you may need
- Screwdriver
- Hacksaw
- Shop-Vac
- Duct Tape
- Silica Sand (better to check manufacturer’s manual for quantity to add-in)
- Garden Hose
- Utility Knife
- Lubricants and unions
Step by step procedure to change the sand in the filter.
1. Preparation
The first step is to get ready and collect all the tools and things you need to start the process. It’s better to buy high-end no.20 Silica Sand. The amount of sand can range from 3.50 lbs bags to 150 lbs depending on the filtration system you use. Before starting the process turn off the pool system.
As you switch off the pump, make sure to turn the drain cap for releasing pressure. The half-click counter turn will be enough to let out the air. You will see the air burst out just instantly remove the cap to drain out the water inside the tank. After that remove all waste hose that is connected with a waistline of the Multiport value.
2. Remove the Multiport Valve
Now remove the Multiport Valve. If your filter has unions, unscrew the attachments that link the water piping to the pool pump and return ports to remove the valve. It’s preferable to manually cut out the piping that links the two ports on a filter without unions. You can install unions if they are not installed.
3. Replace the Sand and prepare the tank
Tape the pipe’s mouth as soon as the Multiport Valve is removed to prevent sand from entering and clogging the laterals. After you’ve sealed the pipe, use a plastic cup to carefully empty the sandpit so the tops of the laterals at the bottom of the tank are clear.
Slowly rotate the 10 laterals to the side of the pipe until they clear the cavity, then lift the pipe and lateral assembly out of the sand. Look for any gaps in the laterals and patch any that seem to be broken or worn out. If they appear clogged, soak them for a few hours in a bucket of cleaning solution.
Fill half of the filter tank with water to act as a cushion for the fresh sand when it is poured in. The presence of water in the tank also ensures that the laterals are not clogged.
Replace the lateral assembly and pipe within the tank; make sure the 10 laterals are always rotated up. After the lateral assembly is in place, return the 10 laterals to their downward position by turning them 90 degrees.
4. Add new sand
Hold the sandbag over the tank and use some sharp objects to open it. Fill the tank with sand until it is 2/3 complete. Place one bag after the other, depending on the size of the jar. Other than the sand suggested for the pool filter, don’t use any other sand. By mixing D.E powder into your new sand, you can improve its quality.
Final Step: Change the filter sand
Once you’ve finished replacing the sand in the pool filter, you’ll need to complete the final steps to get your sand filter back up and running.
Remove the tape from the pipe’s mouth and replace the Multiport Control Valve in its original location with care. To lock the Multiport in place, make sure you set up the valve clamps around the tank and tighten them nicely.
Link the return ports and the unions to the pool pump and glue the pipes back together with straight couplers.
After you’ve finished setting up the filter, it’s time to backwash it, so make sure your waste line is exiting in the correct place. Turn the Multiport Valve handle to the backwash position while the pump is still turned off, and then turn the pump back on.
After the pool pump has been fully primed and the wastewater has a consistent current, run it for two minutes.
