Replacing the Sand in your Filter
Replacing the Sand in your Filter:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â If you ask pool owners what the best kind of filter for a swimming pool is, they will say Sand Filters. A sand filter works by trapping dirt and contaminants in the fine sand particles, filtering it similar to the way that mineral water is produced. In the swimming pool sand filter there is a pressure gauge on the multi port valve or on top of the filter, which tells you when the sand starts to get dirty. This is indicated by the pressure increasing and starts to read a higher pressure, when this happens it is indicating the sand needs cleaning. As the water is struggling to be pulled through the sand, this is done through a process called backwashing.
If the pressure continues to be high after backwashing it could mean the sand needs replacing. Sand is normally replaced every 5 years although this can depend upon a number of factors. To replace the sand on your swimming pool filter you must first remove the cap on top of the filter or in some cases the multi-port valve depending on the model. The best way to remove the sand is to use your hand and scoop out the sand, this needs to be done carefully so as not to damage the laterals which are based at the bottom of the filter.
When the sand is removed, rinse out with water, put filter back in place and refill with fresh sand. Read the specs on the side of filter to see correct amount of sand to add, when sand is full to the correct level top up with water. Re connect pipe work and backwash the sand for 15 seconds or till viewing glass runs clear. Turn pump off then rinse through for 20 seconds after this have filter on filtration. The reason you do this is to prevent sand going through to the pool. With a pool that is regularly maintained your fresh sand should last about 5 years.
Any questions on this or any other swimming pool maintenance issues please contact us on 0845 408 4976
