Replacing Your Sand Pool Filter

Replacing the sand in your pool filter is crucial in order to properly maintain your pool filtration system. Over time, the sand becomes saturated in organic debris, skin, hair and oils from the pool that it is no longer able to filter the water properly. It is recommended to change the sand in your filter every 3-4 years for best results. This will maximize the effectiveness of the filter and ensure you have clean and clear water.

The first step is to remove the sand from the filter. This is easiest with a shop vacuum however you can scoop the sand out by hand or with a small shovel if you don’t have access to a vacuum. The sand in an old filter can actually be full of bacteria so it’s best to avoid direct contact as much as possible.

Once the old sand has been removed, you will want to add water to the tank before putting the new sand in. The water with help absorb the impact of the falling sand in the filter tank. This step can be skipped, but if this is your first sand change, it is highly recommended to ensure that you don’t damage your system.

Next step is to put the new sand in. The sand you will want to use is a #20 silica sand which is specifically made for filtering. This can be found at almost all pool supply stores. If other types of sand are used, you will almost certainly have issues and could potentially damage your pool.

The amount of sand that you need to add with depend on your filter type and size, so make sure you check the specs of your filter. Overfilling or under-filling with at best case scenario cause the filter to not function correctly, and at worst case will damage the filter.

When filling the sand, make sure that you don’t get sand into the sand pipe. Since the sand pipe is wide open and right in the middle, it is advised to cover it with some tape to prevent sand falling in. Also make sure that the pipe is right in the center before you start filling, as it will not be possible to adjust it later once the sand is in.

Once you have filled the sand in, you can put the filter head back on and be sure that it is tight enough. Make sure you do not over-tighten, however, as you may crack the filter body by doing so. This would require a replacement filter tank.

The last step, and the first thing you should do when this is all done, is to do a backwash. Do this by overfilling the pool and then backwash for around 3 to 5 minutes, then do a 1 minute rinse cycle. Now you can set it to filter. This completes the sand filter replacement process.

Feel free to get in touch if you want further tips on this.

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