Changing The Sand In Your Pool Filter

by Francis Lowe⁽⁴⁾
http://www.poolwarehouseuk.com/

We recommend that you change the sand in your filter every five years. It is possible to run a filter for longer, but its efficiency will decrease rapidly.

Filter sand comprises grains which are sized between 0.3mm and 0.5mm, and are initially quite rough. The roughness of the grains is what helps the sand to be efficient at removing the particles of dirt in the water, and return a clear, sparkling water to the pool. Over a long period of time the roughness becomes smoothed out, and the efficiency of the filter consequently diminishes. The system then has to run more frequently to achieve the same task. Your chemical costs may increase as you will have to use more sanitizer. In addition after five years your sand will have worn enough to allow dirt to penetrate so deep that normal backwashing won't clean it completely. The result is shorter filter cycles which requires more frequent backwashing. The consequence of this is shorter filter cycles and increased backwashing.

You need to start by removing the old sand. Start by opening the filter. If your filter is the type with a top mounted multiport valve, then you will have to disconnect the pipe work connected to the valve. If you do not have a union you will need to cut the pipes to remove the multipoint valve. This may therefore be a good time to install some, when re-connecting the pipe work. Filters that have a plug at the bottom are the easiest to remove sand from. To remove the sand, undo the plug and wash out with a hose. If your filter does not have this drain plug, you will have to remove the sand through the top with a scoop. Before you do this undo the drain plug to release any water. Remove the sand using a cup being very careful not to damage the laterals connected to the stand pipe. Filters which have the multiport valve as a side mount have a lid on the top which can be removed by unscrewing. It is now possible to clean out the old sand as described above. Once all the sand has been removed you will should clean and examine the laterals thoroughly. Most laterals will unscrew allowing easy removal from the tank for cleaning and examining. Check the laterals for any signs of breakage, and replace them if necessary. The laterals should be checked for any damage, cracks or splits, and replaced if necessary.

Finally, rinse out the tank and re-install the clean laterals. Now carefully fill the tank with new sand. Ensure that the sand bed is level after adding each bag of sand. Finally, reassemble the pipework.

Francis Lowe is a leading expert in swimming pool maintenance with a huge wealth of experience developed from 40 years in the industry.To see a full range of pool equipment, including swimming pool filters and pool filters see our website.

Article submitted Friday, February 17, 2012 & read 18 times.

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