HOW TO REPLACE THE SAND IN YOUR SAND FILTER
The sand in your sand filter needs to be replaced every 3-5 years. Over time the sharp edges of the sand particle become worn and rounded, and the ability to capture contaminants is diminished. If you need a sand change, you will notice that your pool water is not as clean, and the interval between backwashing is shorter and shorter.
Let's take a look at the steps to change your sand.
1 / Collect all of the supplies required to replace the sand.
shop-vac - if you don't own a shop-vac, borrow one!
sand - purchase no.20 Silica Sand. Check with the manufacturer of your filter to determine the amount of sand that you will need.
duct tape
utility knife
2 / Turn the pump OFF
3 / Drain Filter
Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the filter. Slowly turn the plug counter-clockwise to release any pressure. Once the pressure is released, remove the plug completely and let all of the water drain out.
4 / REMOVE THE MULTIPORT VALVE
To remove the multiport valve:
Disconnect hose attached to WASTE line
Unscrew PUMP and RETURN port unions
Remove valve flange clamp (this is what secures the multiport valve to the filter)
Gently twist multiport valve off of standpipe
Carefully remove multiport valve completely
5 / COVER-UP PIPE OPENING
When you remove the multiport valve, you'll notice a pipe that runs straight down the middle of the filter. You do not want sand to enter the pipe. If it does, it can clog the laterals and damage your filter. Cover the hole entirely with duct tape.
6 / BEGIN REMOVING SAND
Use the shop vac to begin removing the sand from the filter tank until you can see the laterals at the bottom of the tank. Use a garden hose to rinse the remaining sand out of the filter drain hole.
7 / ATTACH DRAIN PLUG & FILL TANK HALFWAY WITH WATER
Place the drain plug back in the tank. Make sure the standpipe and laterals remain centered in the tank while you fill the tank about halfway with water. Adding water will help create a cushion to protect the laterals from the weight of the sand, preventing potential damage.
8 / ADD NEW SAND
Make sure that the tape is still in place, completely covering the hole of the pipe. Before opening the sand, place the bag on top of the tank with a corner extending over the mouth of the tank. Slice it open with a utility knife. Carefully add one bag at a time.
9 / ADD MORE WATER & REASSEMBLE
After you have added all of the sand to the tank, fill it to the top with water. Replace the multiport valve, collar, pipes, and hoses.
10 / BACKWASH & RINSE
Turn the multiport valve to BACKWASH, making sure that the handle is locked in place.
Attach the backwash hose and place it where you want to dump the wastewater.
Turn the pump ON and run for at least two minutes until the water in the sight glass runs clear.
Turn the pool pump OFF
Turn the multiport valve to the RINSE setting, making sure that the handle is locked in place.
Turn the pool pump ON and run the pump for 15-30 seconds.
Turn the pool pump OFF
Turn the multiport valve back to the FILTER position, making sure that the handle is locked in place.
Turn the pool pump back ON. This is the normal operating mode for your filter. Make a note of the filter's pressure gauge reading; this number is important! This number is the filters normal baseline reading.
If you've looked over the steps to replace the sand in your filter tank and frankly, it doesn't look like something that you would want to tackle yourself. Call the professionals, your pool is our business! 301-972-3800
/ HAPPY SWIMMING /