how to change sand in my pool filter

How to Change Sand in Your Pool Filter

Owning a swimming pool can be a lot of fun, but with fun comes responsibility, including regularly maintaining your pool equipment to ensure that it works properly for years to come. One of the essential pieces of equipment is the pool filter, which is responsible for removing debris from your pool water. Over time, the sand in your pool filter can become dirty, which affects the filter's performance, resulting in poor water quality. Hence, it's crucial to know how to change the sand in the pool filter. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of changing the sand in your pool filter.

1. Determine the Right Time to Change the Sand

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you need to change the sand in your pool filter. The best way to know if it's time for a change is to check your pool's water quality. Suppose you notice that your pool water is looking cloudy or that the filter pressure is higher than usual. In that case, these are clear signs that the sand needs to be changed.

2. Turn off the Pump and Drain the Filter

Before you start changing the sand in your pool filter, ensure that the pump is turned off to avoid any accidents. Turn off the electrical source of the filter and valve off the filter's inflow and outflow. Allow the system to drain completely so that the sand is dry when the time comes to remove it.

3. Remove the Old Sand

The next step is to remove the old sand from the filter. Unscrew the filter head and carefully remove the lateral assembly. You may want to be gentle, as some of the laterals can be brittle and break over time. Once you've removed the assembly, use a garden hose to wash the sand out of the pool filter. After all the sand is out, ensure that the laterals are clean and clear of debris.

4. Clean the Tank

After removing the old sand, it's time to clean the filter tank. Use a brush to scrub the inside of the tank, making sure that all debris, dirt, and algae has been removed. Rinse the tank thoroughly several times before proceeding to the next step.

5. Fill the Filter with New Sand

After cleaning the tank, it's time to add new sand. The amount of sand needed varies based on the filter's size. For example, if you have a 24-inch diameter tank, it will require about 200 pounds of sand. Before adding the new sand, ensure that the valve at the bottom of the tank is set to 'filter' and not 'backwash.'

6. Reassemble the Filter

After adding new sand, reassemble the filter. First, put the lateral assembly back in place, followed by the filter head, ensuring that the O-rings are in the right place. Check that all bolts and screws are securely fastened before turning on the pump.

7. Backwash the Filter

Finally, it's time to backwash the pool filter. Turn on the pump, and set the valve to 'backwash,' letting the filter run for three to five minutes. Shut off the pump and set the valve to 'rinse.' Turn the pump back on for 30 seconds before turning it off again and setting the valve back to 'filter.'

In conclusion, changing the sand in your pool filter isn't a challenging task, but it does require following some specific steps to ensure that it gets done correctly. If you're unsure of whether you can change the sand yourself, it's always best to contact a professional pool maintenance company to do the job for you. By following our guide, your pool filter will be ready to function correctly and help maintain your pool's water quality for many years to come.