how to change the sand in pool filter

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

How to Change the Sand in Pool Filter: A Comprehensive Guide

If you own a pool, one of the most important things you need to do is to maintain it to ensure that it remains clean and safe for swimming. Part of keeping your pool in good condition is to change the sand in your pool filter regularly. A pool filter is a critical component of your swimming pool’s circulation system. It is responsible for filtering out dirt, debris, and other contaminants from your pool water. In this article, we will show you how to change the sand in your pool filter and give you some helpful tips to make the process smoother.

Why You Need to Change the Sand in Your Pool Filter

The sand in your pool filter needs to be changed every three to five years, depending on how often you use your pool. Over time, the sand particles can break down and become less effective at filtering out contaminants. Dirty sand can also cause your pool water to become cloudy or hazy, which is not aesthetically pleasing and can affect the safety of your pool.

Before You Start: Gather Your Tools and Supplies

Before you start changing the sand in your pool filter, you need to gather all the necessary tools and supplies. These include:

● Pool filter sand

● Tarp or plastic sheet

● Sand filter cleaner

● Pool pump

● Screwdriver

● Wrench

● Water hose

● Bucket

● Shop-vac (optional)

Subtitles:

1. How to Drain the Pool Filter Feature

2. How to Remove the Old Sand

3. How to Clean the Filter Tank

4. How to Add New Sand to the Pool Filter

5. How to Finish the Job

How to Drain the Pool Filter thoroughly

The first step in changing the sand in your pool filter is to properly drain the unit. This is important to avoid damaging your pool pump or filter. You can do this by turning off your pool pump and closing the valves leading to and from the pool. After this, you should open the air relief valve on the pool filter to vent all the air inside. Attach the hose to the drain plug located near the bottom of the filter and drain the water out. Doing this ensures that you have all the water drained to the best of your capacity.

Now, you can also take this opportunity to clean out the pool filter before putting new sand in. Use a sand filter cleaner, which is designed to remove mineral buildup, dirt, and other contaminants from your pool filter. Clean the filter tank thoroughly and rinse it out with a water hose.

How to Remove the Old Sand

Once the filter tank is emptied, you can now proceed to remove the old sand. To do this, you need to remove the valve assembly from the top of the tank. You will need a screwdriver or a wrench to do this, depending on the type of tank you have. Once the valve assembly is removed, you can easily scoop out the old sand using a shop-vac or a bucket.

How to Clean the Filter Tank

After removing the old sand, you need to clean the filter tank thoroughly. Check the laterals at the bottom of the tank, and if they are damaged, you should replace them. Once you confirm that the laterals are good to go, use the hose to rinse the tank thoroughly. Ensure it does not contain any remnants of dirt or sand that may affect the pool water later on.

How to Add New Sand to the Pool Filter

After cleaning the filter tank, you can now add new, clean pool filter sand. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when adding sand to your pool filter. Fill the tank with water to about halfway, which minimizes the impact of sand shock. Start pouring the sand at the top and position a funnel in the stem. The sand will settle on the bed of sand filter laterals, ensuring that the water flows correctly in the sand filter bed.

How to Finish the Job

Once you’ve added the new pool filter sand, you can now put the valve assembly back on top of the tank. This may require some screwing and unscrewing of bolts, depending on the type of tank you have. Reconnect any piping and electrical components that were removed earlier. Last but not least, restart the pool pump and fill the pool with water to ensure everything is working correctly.

Conclusion and Recommendation

In conclusion, changing the sand in your pool filter is an important process that you should perform every few years. Not only does it ensure that your pool water remains clean, but it is also essential for the longevity of your pool filter. We hope that the tips provided above will help you change the sand in your pool filter smoothly. If you don’t feel confident tackling this task, hire a professional pool cleaner instead. A professional has the skills and experience necessary to ensure that your pool filter is changed correctly.