how to start up a sand pool filter

How to Start Up a Sand Pool Filter

As a pool owner, you know that keeping your pool sparkling clean is an important part of enjoying your backyard oasis. One of the essential pieces of equipment for maintaining a clean pool is a sand filter. If you've recently installed a new sand filter or are starting up an older one for the season, you'll need to follow a few key steps to ensure the filter operates effectively. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting up a sand pool filter.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you get started, make sure you have all of the necessary supplies on hand. You'll need the following items:

- Pool pump

- Sand filter tank

- Sand

- Water hose

- Plumbing fittings and hoses

- Teflon tape

- Wrenches or pliers

- Multiport valve

Prepare the Sand Filter Tank

To prepare the sand filter tank, make sure it is clean and free of debris. Remove the filter drain plug located at the bottom of the tank and fill the tank halfway with water. Next, add the appropriate amount of filter sand according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, you will need 100 pounds of sand for a 200-pound sand filter. After you’ve added the sand, reattach the filter drain plug.

Connect the Sand Filter

Next, you’ll need to connect the sand filter to the pool pump. Attach the plumbing fittings and hoses to the intake and outlet ports on the sand filter tank, using Teflon tape to ensure a tight seal. The multiport valve should be attached to the top of the sand filter tank, making sure it is securely connected.

Connect the Pool Pump

To connect the pool pump, attach the pump's discharge hose to the intake port on the sand filter. Then attach the return hose from the multiport valve to the pool’s return line, ensuring a tight seal with the appropriate plumbing fittings and hose clamps. Once the pump is connected, prime it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Backwash and Rinse the Filter

After you've connected the sand filter to the pool pump, you'll need to backwash and rinse the filter. This process removes any impurities and debris from the filter sand. Make sure the pool pump is turned off before performing any maintenance on the sand filter. Follow these steps to backwash and rinse your sand pool filter:

- Turn off the pool pump and move the multiport valve to the backwash setting.

- Turn on the pool pump and let it run for approximately two minutes or until the drainage water runs clear.

- Turn off the pump and move the multiport valve to the rinse setting.

- Turn the pool pump back on and let it run for approximately 30 seconds or until the water runs clear.

Start Up the Filter

Once you have prepared and connected the sand filter, backwashed and rinsed the filter, you are ready to start up the filter. To start up the filter, follow these steps:

- Turn off the pool pump and move the multiport valve to the filter setting.

- Once the valve is in the filter setting, turn on the pool pump.

- Check the pressure gauge on the sand filter to ensure that the filter is operating within the recommended pressure range. If the pressure is above the recommended range, backwash the filter again.

- Once the pressure is within the recommended range, your sand pool filter is now fully operational.

Conclusion

Starting up a sand pool filter is a simple process once you have all of the necessary supplies and follow the manufacturer's instructions. By preparing the sand filter tank, connecting the filter, backwashing and rinsing the filter, and starting up the filter, you can ensure that your pool stays sparkling clean all season long. With the right maintenance and upkeep, your sand filter can last for many years to come.