Changing Pool Filter Sand

Pool Warehouse | February 14, 2020

Changing Pool Filter Sand

One concern or question often asked by swimming pool owners is when you should replace the sand in your pool filter. The answer is this: you want to replace the sand in your filter about every five years or so. While we have seen filters go 20 years or more without changing the sand and still do the job, they are not as efficient as they should be. We have found that after five years, your sand has worn enough to allow dirt to penetrate so deep that normal backwashing doesn’t clean it completely. The result is shorter filter cycles which require more frequent backwashing. With that said, we have decided to put together some resources to help our customers get the job done. Here are the steps for changing pool filter sand:

Changing pool filter sandStep One – Prepare your supplies, turn off the pool filter and drain the water

Before you change out the sand in your filter, it is necessary to pick up any supplies beforehand. If you did not have unions installed with your filter, you will have to cut the piping running to and from your filter. We recommend taking the time to install unions during this process for future maintenance. As an option, you can also buy replacement o-rings along with some silicone lubricant for your multiport valve. Because you do not have to change the sand out for about five years or so we strongly suggest replacement of the o-ring.

After you have all your supplies ready, it’s important to make sure that you turn the pool pump off along with the timer (if it has one). For added safety, you can turn off the pump straight from the circuit breaker. Once you’ve switched off the pump, turn the drain cap at the bottom of the filter tank to release the pressure. Turning it half a click counter-clockwise should let out all the air. When the initial burst of air pressure is out, remove the cap completely to drain out any water still inside the tank. Finally, disconnect the hose that is fixed to the waste line of the Multiport Valve.

Changing pool filter sandStep Two – Remove the multi-port valve

To be able to change the sand in your filter it is first essential to remove the Multiport Valve. If your filter has unions, remove the valve by unscrewing the attachments that connect the water piping to the pool pump and return ports. For a filter without unions, it’s better to cut out the piping that connects the two ports manually. After the port attachments are off, take out the Multiport Valve flange clamp which securely holds the filter in place. Unscrew the bolts that separate the clamp and with a slow twisting motion lift the valve off the pipe. The pipe attached to the valve has laterals (like tree roots) branching out into the sand. The combination of weight from sand and twisting can break the laterals, so take it easy.

Step Three – Remove the sand and clean the tank

Changing pool filter sand

As soon as you remove the Multiport Valve off the pipe, tape off the top of the filter pipe with duct tape so that sand will not be inserted in the laterals, clogging your filter. After you seal the pipe, use a Shop-Vac or a bucket to remove the old sand from your filter until the top of the laterals at the bottom of the tank are visible. Fold the 10 laterals up to the side of the pipe so that they clear the hole, then smoothly pull the pipe and lateral assembly out of the filter. Inspect if there are any breaks in the laterals, and replace as necessary to avoid sand from entering your pool. If they appear clogged just soak them in a bucket of cleaning solution for a few hours. Wash the tank with a garden hose and ensure the removal of all remaining sand. Replace the drain cap and fill the tank up halfway with fresh water – this water will cushion the new sand when adding & keep it from clogging the lateral assembly. Replace the lateral assembly and fold down laterals to their downward position.

Changing pool filter sandStep Four – Add the new sand and replace the o-ring

Make sure that lateral assembly is centered in the filter tank. Be very careful while you pour the sand into the tank. Fill up the tank to the point where the laterals are not visible anymore. Also make sure that you are leveling the sand as you pour, as an uneven sand distribution would completely ruin the filtration cycle and your pool’s water circulation. Try not to accidentally lift the pipe and the lateral assembly up off the bottom of the tank. As you won’t be able to push it back down afterward without making the laterals rotate up. Upward facing laterals will not allow your pool sand filter to function appropriately. Finally, remove the O-ring present at the bottom of the Multiport Valve and check for wear and tear, replace the whole ring if you find any. Lightly lubricate the O-ring with a silicone lubricant and place it on the underside of the valve.

Changing pool filter sandStep Five – Backwash and rinse the tank

Remove tape from the top of the pipe. If your filter did not have unions attached to it, now would be the right time to do so, or you can just glue the pipes back together with straight couplers.  Install multiport and secure with multiport flange by tightening both bolts on sides of flange – check the O-ring to ensure it is positioned correctly. Connect unions to pump, return and waste lines. Attach the backwash hose with your hose clamp and run the hose to the backwash area. With the pump OFF, depress the multiport valve handle fully and turn it to the “BACKWASH” position. Make sure that your waste line is rolled out to where you want to dump the pool wastewater. Prime the pump and turn it on. Backwash the filter for at least two minutes or until the filter’s sight glass is running clear. This helps get out all the sand dust and extra debris from the new sand. Shut the pump off, set the multiport valve to rinse, and turn the pump back on. Rinse the filter for one minute.

Step Six – Reactivate the sand filter

Turn the pool pump OFF and turn the valve handle to “FILTER”. Turn the pool pump ON. This is the normal operating mode for your filter. Note the pressure gauge reading. This is your clean sand filter pressure. You are ready to start enjoying your clean filtered water again.”

Some Tips to Keep Your Sand Filter Running Efficiently:

  1. Always clean the pool pump pre-filter after the suction to remove leaves and other retained dirt. This helps you avoid clogging and therefore facilitating the filtration process.
  2. Always keep the skimmer basket clear of debris.
  3. Use a sponge to keep the edges of the pool clear of excess dirt.
  4. Brush and sift the pool often. This helps to remove dirt and possible stains from the pool walls. It also helps to remove solid materials from both the surface and the bottom

By observing these tips you prolong the good dirt retention capacity of your filter. But it is always good to remember: it is important to carry out changing the filter sand of the swimming pool about every 5 years!

Please feel free to contact us if you want to more about Changing Pool Filter Sand or any pool maintenance we might be able to assist with. At Pool Warehouse, we know pools!

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