ANSWERS: 1
  • The most traditional method of filtering particles out of pool water is with a sand filter. Sand filters are made with specially chosen sands design to only let water through, while blocking a certain size of particles--usually 20 to 40 microns--a range that takes care of many germs, algae and bacteria. While not as effective as cartridges that can filter down to 10 microns, sand filters are still a popular option for the average pool.

    Sand Replacement

    Eventually, particles will fill up the sand in a sand filter and start to impede how well the filter system works. Typically, the sand in the filter needs to be replaced every three to five years, although this can depend on how dirty the pool becomes and how often the filter is being used. Older sand will start to clump in pockets and allow even dirty water to pass through the filter, especially if the pump is powerful and pushes the water through the older sand too quickly. How you change the sand depends on what type of system you have. Most systems have top mount filters, which pass the water down into the sand tank and allow it to pass through until it is collected by pipes at the bottom of the tank and recycled back through the system. In these systems, you should remove the valves to gain access to the sand itself in the filter. If you have a wet/dry vacuum, use it to siphon out old sand. A simple pail and trowel will also work. Clean the empty tank by hosing it down, then fill it about two-thirds full of water. This allows the new sand to be introduced to the system in increments, although you need to be sure to keep any vertical pipes free of sand. If you have a side-mounted tank, you can disassemble the top diffuser and take it off to expose the sand, which can then be removed and replaced in the same way. When you are finished, backwash the sand to get rid of the coarser particles and run the system for a few minutes to make sure there are no problems.

    Maintenance

    Besides replacing the sand, there are several other types of more common maintenance that should be done with sand filters. When the swimming season ends, you should winterize the filter by draining it of all water. Most filters come with a special drain plug of valve in the bottom design to drain the water. Make sure the other valves are closed when you drain the filter for winter. If sand is leaking back into the pool, this probably means there is something wrong with the filter "laterals" (the filter components that keep the water flowing into the sand but prevent the sand from moving back through the water). These are small, slitted tubes at the bottom of the sand filter that can sometimes break. You will need to replace these laterals if there is any sign of sand in the pool.

    Source:

    Hayward: Filters: Sand

    INYO Pools: FAQs

    Wet Head Media: Sand Pool Filter Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

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