how to fill your pool filter with sand

How to Fill Your Pool Filter With Sand

Swimming pools are always a delightful addition to any backyard, but maintaining it is not a piece of cake. To keep your pool crystal clear, you need the right equipment, and one of the essential ones is a pool filter. A pool filter helps to remove debris and contaminants from the water, ensuring that it stays clean and safe. Sand filters are quite common for swimming pools, and they are relatively easy to maintain. However, knowing how to fill your pool filter with sand is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.

Selecting the Right Sand

Preparing the Filter Tank

Filling the Filter

Backwashing and Rinse

Final Thoughts

Selecting the Right Sand

Before filling your filter with sand, it is vital to ensure that you are using the right type. The sand should be specially graded to trap particles in the 20-100 microns range. You should also make sure that the sand is labeled as pool filter sand or filter sand to avoid using the wrong product. Although inexpensive, play sand, builder's sand or all-purpose sand, doesn't have the correct consistency, nor does it create enough pressure to pass water through it, which causes issues in the filtration process.

Preparing The Filter Tank

Now that you have the correct sand for your filter, it is time to prepare the filter tank. First, make sure the power to the pump is turned off. You can now remove the cover from the top of the filter being careful not to damage any internal components. If a valve is installed between the pump and filter tank, now would be a good time to close it. Now, use a hose or a bucket to wash off any existing sand, rocks, or debris that may be present within the filter tank, which can clog and damage the system.

Filling the Filter

After washing the filter tank, you need to fill it up with fresh sand. Although the amount of sand required will depend on the size of your filter, it's always recommended to check with your filter manufacturer. Ensure that the sand is poured in slowly, which will prevent it from clogging together and help balance the pressure across the filter. You can also use a funnel to make the process more manageable, preventing the sand from spilling over the filter walls.

Backwashing and Rinse

After filling the filter tank with sand, you can now connect the valve to the tank back, then use a hose or bucket to rinse the sand amount in the tank to ensure all is clean before making use of the system after the reboot.

Final Thoughts

Filling up your pool filter with sand is a straightforward process, but it's critical to handle it with care to prevent any damage to the filter or pump. Always ensure that you use the right type of sand and the correct amount for your filter tank size. While installing a sand filter might seem intimidating, the process is relatively easy and doesn't require professional help. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a fully functional and efficient sand filter system.