The regular maintenance that you have to do to keep the performance of your sand filter is by changing the sand of the unit. Commonly, once every 3 to 5 years you have to change the sand of your pool filter.
You can consider changing the sand of your pool filter when you notice these signs:
- Slower performance – Of course, when the sand has been in the filter for too long, it will reduce the performance of the system. You will find that the pool water gets cloudy more often.
- Leaks on Multiport Valves – One of the factors that cause this problem is the aged sand of the filter.
- Pressure Issues – As the sand age, you will find the pressure buildup which reduces the filtering performance.
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When you are planning on changing the sand in your pool filter, the tutorial on How to Change Sand in Pool Filter below will show you how.
How to Change Sand in Pool Filter
Changing the sand of your pool filter is not a really complicated job that you can get done in no time. There’s no need to call a pro, you just have to prepare some necessary tools and some new packs of sand.
Prepare these supplies:
- Pool filter sand
- Duct tape
Prepare these tools:
- Shop-vac
- Garden hose
- Screwdriver
- Flashlight
- Backwash hose
- Utility knife
- Dust mask
You need to prepare those supplies and tools for this tutorial.
Drain the Filter
Before you drain the water of your pool filter, you have to completely turn it off. Be sure to check the timer and turn it off as well. You can’t have your filter on without the water inside it since it can cause serious damage. Since draining may take quite a long time, you can start draining it in the morning and start the process of replacing the sand in the afternoon.
- Find the switch of the filter and turn the filter off.
- You can also cut the power for more safety.
- Completely drain the water.
Remove the Multiport Valve and Pipes
When the water is completely drained, you can remove the valves along with the pipes.
- On top of the filter tank, you will find the clamp that secures the valve, Unscrew the clamp with the screwdriver and remove it.
- If the pipes come with unions, you can simply disconnect them from the filter. But, you may need to cut it with a saw if they are permanently attached, be careful if you have to cut the pipes or consider calling an expert.
- To ease the job in the near future, you can install the fittings on the new pipes.
- Twist the multiport valve gently and lift it carefully. Avoid damaging the part of the filters inside the tank.
Shield the Standpipe
You will find an open standpipe once you remove the multiport valve and you need to cover it so the sand won’t contaminate your pool water.
- Use duct tape to cover the open pipe.
- Make sure it’s covered properly but also easy to remove.
Remove the Old Sand
Now, it’s time to remove the old dirty sand from the tank. It’s so recommended for you to use shop vac to remove the sand instead of scooping them out with hands, it will be a very exhausting job that will take ages to finish.
- Insert the nozzle of the shop vac and suck out the old sand inside the tank from the bottom.
- Do this step gently as you may damaging the fragile components at the bottom of the tank.
- Wear gloves and mask if necessary.
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Clean Up the Tank
When you are sure that you have sucked out as much sand as you can, you have to rinse the tank thoroughly with water.
- Use the garden hose to clean out the remaining side inside the tank, you can use a spray nozzle for more effective effort.
- Clean the outside part of the tank as well.
- If necessary, you can inspect the remaining sand inside the tank with a flashlight.
Add New Sand
Prepare your pool filter sand since it’s time for you to add them to your filter. Wear gloves and a dust mask to protect yourself.
- Wait, before adding the sand, you need to fill the tank with some water. Just add it a little bit of water which is enough to work as the cushion when the sand touches the bottom of the tank to avoid damaging the laterals.
- Read the manual of your pool filter to find out the amount of sand that you need.
- Slowly pour the sand into the filter.
- If you want to improve the performance of your pool filter, you can mix some cups of Diatomaceous Earth (D.E) powder with the new sand.
- Fill the tank with water until it reaches the level of the new sand.
Reassemble the Components
After the sand is safely set inside the tank, you have to attach all the components that you have removed. The multiport valve, clamp, and pipes should be secured properly again.
Backwash the Filter
Before getting the filter to work, you need to backwash it to remove the debris that may come with the new sand.
- Attach the backwash hose to the filter and position the valve to the backwash mode.
- Turn on the pump for about two minutes.
- Turn off the pump, position the valve into the rinse mode, and rinse the filter for about 1 minute. See the sight glass to check whether the water is clean enough or not.
- Turn off the pump.
Enjoy the Filter
Now, your brand new sand is ready to work so you can turn back on the filter.
- Position the valve to the filter mode.
- Turn on the pump again.
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So that is the tutorial on How to Change Sand in Pool Filter that you can follow easily!
