how to get sand out of a pool filter

Author: PoolKing - Pool Sand Filter Manufacturers

How to Get Sand Out of a Pool Filter

As a pool owner, one of your biggest headaches might be dealing with a pool filter clogged with sand. Sand in your pool filter can lead to poor filtration, cloudy water, and other problems. Fortunately, there are several ways to get sand out of a pool filter.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the different methods you can use to remove sand from your pool filter. We’ll also provide tips and tricks to make the process as easy and efficient as possible.

Understanding How Sand Gets into Pool Filters

Before we get into how to remove sand from your pool filter, it’s important to understand how sand gets in there in the first place. Sand usually enters a pool filter if there’s an issue with the pool’s sand filter system. Here are some common reasons why sand might be getting into your pool filter:

- A broken or damaged lateral: The lateral is a component in the filter that supports the sand bed. If it’s broken or damaged, it can allow sand to enter the pool filter.

- Cracks in the tank or body of the filter: Over time, the tank or body of the filter may develop cracks or holes that allow sand to get in.

- Poor filtration or backwashing: If the pool filter isn’t filtering properly or isn’t being backwashed correctly, sand can enter the pool filter.

- Neglecting to rinse new sand: If you’re putting new sand in the pool filter, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly before you install it. Otherwise, residual dust and debris can find its way into the filter.

Now that we’ve gone over the causes of sand in your pool filter, let’s look at the steps you can take to remove it.

Method 1: Backwash the Filter

The first thing you should try when you notice sand in your pool filter is to backwash the filter. Backwashing will help remove any loose sand from the filter’s sand bed, so it’s a good first step in addressing the problem.

Here’s how to backwash your pool filter:

- Turn off the pool pump and the filter.

- Turn the filter’s multiport valve to the backwash setting.

- Turn the pump back on and let it run for 2-3 minutes, or until the water in the sight glass (located on the filter’s valve) runs clear.

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

- Turn the pump back on and run it for 30 seconds to flush out any remaining debris.

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

Method 2: Clean the Filter’s Lateral System

If backwashing the pool filter didn’t work, you may have a broken or damaged lateral. In this case, you’ll need to remove the sand from the filter and inspect the lateral system.

Here’s how to do it:

- Turn off the pool pump and the filter.

- Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the filter’s tank and let the water drain out.

- Remove the filter’s top or lid.

- Remove the sand from the filter using a shop vac or scoop.

- Inspect the laterals for damage or signs of wear. If you find any damaged laterals, replace them.

- Reassemble the filter and sand bed, making sure to follow the correct specifications for the amount of sand required.

Method 3: Replace the Filter’s Sand

If your filter’s sand is old or hasn’t been replaced in a long time, it may be time to replace it. Over time, sand can become clogged with debris and lose its effectiveness, which can lead to sand entering the pool filter.

Here’s how to replace the sand in your pool filter:

- Turn off the pool pump and the filter.

- Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the filter’s tank and let the water drain out.

- Remove the filter’s top or lid.

- Remove the sand from the filter using a shop vac or scoop.

- Thoroughly rinse the filter tank to remove any remaining sand or debris.

- Add the recommended amount of new sand to the filter, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

- Reassemble the filter and sand bed.

Method 4: Call in the Professionals

If you’re not comfortable working on your pool filter or can’t seem to get the sand out, it’s time to call in the professionals. An experienced pool technician can diagnose the issue with your pool filter and offer solutions to fix it.

DIY Pool Filter Maintenance Tips

To prevent sand from getting into your pool filter, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your pool’s filtration system. Here are a few DIY tips to help you maintain your filter:

- Backwash the filter regularly: Backwashing the filter every few weeks will help prevent sand from building up in the filter’s sand bed.

- Keep the pool clean: Skim the pool regularly and vacuum it weekly to remove any debris that might clog the filter.

- Check the filter pressure: Make sure to check the pressure gauge on your pool filter and backwash it when the pressure reaches 8-10 psi above the normal operating pressure.

- Rinse new sand before adding it to the filter: To prevent residual dust and debris from entering the filter, it’s important to rinse new sand thoroughly before adding it to the filter.

- Replace the filter sand every 3-5 years: Over time, the sand in your pool filter can become clogged with debris and lose its effectiveness, so it’s important to replace it every 3-5 years.

Conclusion

Sand in your pool filter can be frustrating, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a problem that’s easily solved. If you notice sand in your pool filter, start with backwashing and move on to more advanced methods if needed. And don’t forget to perform regular maintenance on your pool’s filtration system to prevent sand from clogging the filter in the first place.