Need a Sand Change? DIY Today!
How to Change the Sand in your Filter
The silica sand in your filter should be changed every 3 to 5 years. When the sand is new it’s very rough but smoothes over time from the particles in the water. When the sand becomes smooth your filter is no longer efficient. An inefficient filter will require frequent backwashing as well as a higher consumption of chemicals.
TIP – Changing the sand in the spring before start up will save you some time as the sand is already dry instead of being wet and clumpy.
Prepping Your Filter
- Turn the pump off.
- Turn the multi port valve/filter head to CLOSE, if the filter doesn’t have a close position plug off the return. (stop water flow from filter to return/jet)
- Close all shut off valves or plug the skimmer.(stop water flow from skimmer to pump)
- Remove the drain plug to allow the filter to empty.
- Remove the bolts or clamp on the filter head and lift the head off.
Sand Removal
- Remove the sand with a wet/dry vac or scoop out by hand with a cup or ladle. If the sand is wet you can tape a stick to the wet/dry vac for easier removal.
- Be careful not to tip the filter, this can cause damage to the laterals inside.
Part Inspection
- Remove the laterals and stem/pipe from the filter, some snap or screw off the stem/pipe.
- Soak the laterals to remove all debris. If chemicals were used rinse them before installing back in the filter.
- Rinse the filter tank with water.
- Replace all broken parts.
Add Sand
- Place the drain plug back on the filter
- Place the stem/pipe and laterals back into the filter.
- Fill the filter tank half full with water. By doing this the weight of the sand won’t break the laterals.
- Cover the top of the stem/pipe so sand doesn’t fall into it.
- Add the sand. The amount of sand required is noted on the filter tank.
- Reassemble the filter head and open all plumbing.
- Start up the system on backwash to rinse all loose sand from the plumbing. If you don’t backwash the loose sand will end up in the pool.
Now carry on.
