Having a pool filter is as important as having water in the pool. The sand pool filter does its job by efficiently and sustainably achieving clean water for the pool without spending a lot of money to do so. It saves time as well since sand pool filters never clog.

It’s essential as well to know when to change the sand in your pool filter strategically. You can’t sacrifice a clean pool just because you don’t know how and when to change it. In this article, we’ll show you simple steps on how to do it.

What is a Sand Pool Filter?

For those of you who are not familiar or a newbie of the pool mechanism, a sand pool filter is the one responsible for catching all those harmful contaminants from the water. Those contaminants can be: algae, insects, different types of bacteria, other wastes, and the list goes on.

Those contaminants are filtered by the sand, so it would separate from the pool where we swim. Sand is an excellent filtration tool that has been long used for treating drinking water systems, wastewater systems, and even septic tank systems.

Also, it’s important to note that using regular sand is not the thing here. For filtration purposes, only three types of high-quality sands are being used, such as zeolite sand, silica sand, and glass sand. So never attempt to get just any sand to use as a filter around your area, or you might mess up the whole filtration system in your pool.

  1. How to change the sand filter of the pool?

 Step 1: Gather all the materials.

First, you’ll need to gather all the tools and materials that you will need for this task. The following things you will need are:

  • New pool filter sand
  • Diatomaceous earth powder
  • Garden hose
  • Backwash hose
  • Screwdriver
  • Duct tape
  • Utility knife
  • Shop-vac
  • mask

 Step 2: Draining the Filter

  • For you to drain the filter, you would have to turn off the pump as well as the filter. Upon turning both off, check the timer of the pump and change the automatic turn on settings for the meantime. Usually, the pump automatically turns on if the timer is set according to schedule. Changing its settings can help you have a smooth flow of work instead of dealing with an on and off-pump.
  • Then, take out the pump’s drain plug, which is located at the bottom of the filter tank. You will have to let all the water let loose, making sure nothing’s left inside.
  • Make sure to start early when doing this step since draining the water could take a long time depending on how big your pool is.

Step 3: Detach all the hoses or pipes

  • You will have to take out all the hoses or pipes that are attached to the multiport valve. If the valve was plumbed by using a PVC pipe, then you should need to cut the pipes for this reason. If you have a hacksaw to do this, it should be easier to cut it.
  • After successfully cutting the pipes, start connecting the union fittings.
  • Then, using your screwdriver, you will need to take out the clamp that secures the valve from the tank.
  • Turn it around so it could open up and pull it on the multiport valve and have it taken out.

Step 4: Check the Sand Pipe

  • You will have to check the inside part of the tank where the open pipe is located. Have it covered using duct tape so the sand could not enter inside.
  • If you forgot or failed to cover the sand pipe, the sand would enter and populate the pool once the pump starts going.

Step 5: Take out the Sand

  • Now, grab your shop-vac suction that takes out all the sand. If you don’t have a shop-vac, you can manually scoop out the sand, but it would take you a long time to do so. Check for hardware stores or from your friends and neighbors if they have a shop-vac that you can rent or borrow.
  • Then after taking out the old sand, use your garden hose to clean any sand residues onto the drain hole. While doing this, multitask by using your flashlight to check any damages inside that you need to fix.
  • Start replacing the drain plug from the tank and hose down the tank filling up halfway. Make sure you’re holding the standpipe and laterals, ensuring that they will remain on the center of the tank while filling it with water.

Step 6: Fill up with new sand

  • Now the fun part begins. First, you’ll need to put your mask on so you won’t inhale the dust or sand inside.
  • Then ask someone that can help you fill a bag of sand inside the tank. Open it with a utility knife and start filling it up.
  • Pour it slowly into the tank while checking if the duct tape is still intact on the sand pipe. You don’t want the sand to get in the pool. If you have to, then put more duct tape as needed.
  • Fill it up until it goes all the way up—just one bag at a time.

Step 7: Fill up the tank all the way

  • After filling it up with sand, it’s time to fill it with water all the way up. Remember how you filled it with water halfway? You should fill it up now after putting the sand.
  • Then attach the new multiport valve, pipes, and collar and also check if the fittings are tight and strong.
  • You’ll need to connect the backwash hose and set the multiport to backwash. Prime and turn on the pump, backwashing the filter for 3 minutes. Then turn off the pump and have its multiport valve set to rinse before turning the pump back again.

Step 8: Test the new sand filter

Always monitor the pressure gauge and take down its running pressure. If the pressure is above 10 psi, then backwash the filter. This will help you from excessive backwashing and to maintain a clean pool. This will also serve as a guide when doing maintenance checks for your pool filter. Always monitor if it’s going on at normal pressure.

Reasons why you should you change sand filter in your pool

First, you would know the basics of the sand filter. Most sand filters can be used for as long as 3-5 years on average. At that time, the sand could no longer do its job pretty well because of all that gunk that built up over time. You can also notice the quality of the water in the pool if it’s getting murky and dirty. This could mean that there’s more stuff that got clogged in the sand filter.

This is the time where you need to make an action and stop anyone from using the pool for the meantime. You will need to change the sand filter so you can achieve clean water for your pool again.

Important tip: If you’re not experienced with the task, or maybe you’re not comfortable doing it, it won’t hurt to seek professional assistance.

How often should I change pool filter sand?

On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages.

Is it hard to change sand in pool filter?

To change the sand in your sand filter you will have to remove the Multiport Valve on the top of your filter. If your filter was not installed with union connections, you will have to cut the piping to your filter. When you reinstall the filter after replacing the sand, this would be a good time to add unions.

How do you remove old sand from pool filter?

How do I know if my sand filter is bad?

If you’ve noticed that the backwashing cycles have become shorter, then you should check to see if the sand filter is dirty or greasy. If the filter is dirty or greasy, then don’t be surprised if it takes on the appearance of sandy lard. When this happens, the water doesn’t flow through the sand filter media.

How often should I backwash my sand filter?

How Often Should I Backwash? A good rule of thumb is to backwash once the pressure displayed on your pressure gauge is 8-10 psi over the starting level. Backwashing after heavy rains, treating for algae, or when trying to clear cloudy water will keep your filter working efficiently.

How many years does a sand filter last?

Your sand filter can last anywhere from 15 years to 25 years or more if cared for and maintained well. Most of the time, you may need to replace parts like valves and gaskets, but you probably won’t need to replace the whole system for many years.

Can you backwash a sand filter too much?

Can You Backwash Too Much? If you backwash your pool too much i.e. time duration and/or close frequency then yes you can cause a lot of problems. Some problems that can arise from backwashing your sand pool filter too much are: Loss of water – 500+ litres of water can be lost in each backwashing cycle.

How much does it cost to change sand in pool filter?

Replacing a pool sand filter can be as cheap as $290, but can also cost as much as $1,000 or more, on average, depending on how big your pool is and what type of sand filter you choose. In some cases, you may be able to replace just the sand, which only costs about $25-$35 for a 50 lb.

How do you know when the sand in your pool filter needs changing?

How many bags of sand do I need for a pool filter?

It is usually sold in 50lb bags and can be found in any pool store. One should always consult with their pool filters owner’s manual for exact sand requirements.

Sand Filter System – Sand Requirements.

Filter System Sand Needed
Pentair SD40 Sand Filter 150 lbs
AquaPro 19″ Sand Filter System 150 lbs

How often should pool filter be changed?

Usually, pool owners replace their filters every 3 to 5 years. To determine when to replace your filter, consider how long you’ve had it, whether or not your performed regular maintenance, how often the pool was used, and its current performance.

What happens if not enough sand in pool filter?

Before we begin, it is worth noting that you need to use the correct amount of sand that your filter requires. Too much sand and your filter will likely not run correctly or may break when reassembling. Too little sand and you will have cloudy water no matter how much your filter runs.

Should pool filter be full of water?

It’s meant to function only with water inside it. It’s not just that it can get wet and not be damaged. It’s that if it’s not wet—if it’s not full of water—it’ll be damaged.

Will a sand filter remove deceased algae?

The sand filter can be the best way to remove deceased algae from the bottom of the pool. So keep cleaning them out and rinsing them off. It would help if you backwashed sand filters or D.E. filters to make sure it is clear to remove all the algae.

Can deceased algae come back to life?

Yes, unless you eliminate the Algae spores, it will come back. You should power wash it while its empty. Power washing and draining the wash down will get the most spores out.

Do you vacuum a pool on backwash or waste?

It is recommended that you set the filter settings to waste whenever you have algae. This setting will vacuum the algae up and send it out through a backwash line. Just remember to vacuum as quickly as possible because the water will be exiting your pool quickly.

What is the brown stuff at the bottom of my pool?

The appearance of brown algae on the bottom of the pool is a sign of the beginning of an infestation of mustard algae. This is one of the most difficult types of algae to get rid of, and gets its name from its yellowish-brown color.

How do I get brown stains off the bottom of my pool?

And brown stains concentrated on the bottom can likely be attributed to dirt stains, typically enhanced by calcium buildup. The first step to deal with organic materials is to shock your pool, and scrub it. This will take care of organic material present in the pool, and the scrubbing will take care of the stains.