How To Lower Water Level In Pool With Sand Filter

Equally a pool possessor, you're no stranger to how important your filter system is. It keeps your pool clean, and your water clear. But every filter eventually needs to have it'due south filtering cloth changed. In this post, we focus on sand pool filters.

[Accept a cartridge filter? Bank check out this post to learn how to supplant your pool cartridge filter]

With that said, let's address the most common questions on the subject:

How often should I change puddle filter sand?

It's recommended to alter your pool filter sand every 3 – v years.

How do I know if my sand filter needs replacing?

Over fourth dimension, the sand in your pool filter dulls and it'due south ability to capture contaminants decreases. Assuasive more debris into your pool. And in some cases, you may notice clumps of sand finding it'south way into your puddle. These are telltale signs that your sand filter needs replacing.

In summary, change pool filter sand when your pool is no longer staying clean.

[Want crystal articulate h2o and squeaky clean puddle? Follow these pool care tips]

So now that we've addressed those important questions, let's become to the proficient function. How to alter your pool filter sand. We've broken the process upwardly into modest steps, but information technology'southward overall a adequately simple task.

How To Change Pool Filter Sand

Turn off pool pump

The very outset matter to do is turn off your pool pump. This prevents unfiltered pool h2o from getting into the filter. It also protects your pool pump from adventitious damage.

If your pump were to turn on during the process, it could run dry out and break downward.

[Experiencing pool pump bug? Learn how to troubleshoot your pool pump]

Drain filter | Remove drain plug

Locate the drain plug at the bottom of your sand filter. Slowly turn the plug counter-clockwise to release any pressure, then fully remove it. Yous'll detect water flowing out of the unit.

Wait until all the water is out before moving to the adjacent step.

Remove Multiport Valve

Removing your multiport valve is probably the most extensive work you'll have to do when you modify pool filter sand. So nosotros've broken it down:

Disconnect hose attached to "WASTE" line
Unscrew "PUMP" and "Render" port unions
(If your ports are "permanently" plumbed, and yous don non have unions you must cut the piping. This frees the ports, and allows you to add on unions for easier changes in the future)
Remove valve flange clench (secures multiport valve to filter)
Gently twist multiport valve off of standpipe (careful not to damage or crack laterals at bottom)

Encompass main pipe inside tank

After removing the multiport valve, y'all'll detect a pipe downwardly the eye of the filter. Cover upward the opening of the piping with some duct tape to prevent any sand from inbound. If sand gets in, information technology tin can clog the laterals and damage the filter.

Remove sand

At present it's time to get rid of the old sand.

In that location are a few ways you can approach this. If you happen to accept a shop vac, time to permit information technology polish. Otherwise, grab a modest plastic cup.

Shop Vac: Stick hose into filter and begin slowly sucking out sand

Loving cup: Scoop out sand until you accomplish the bottom

One time y'all've removed most of the sand, you should see a bunch of small plastic PVC fittings attached to the bottom of the standpipe. These are called laterals, and they're essential to the filtering procedure. Depending on their condition you may want to remove them and give them a good soak. We recommend doing and so if it's been a few years since you changed your sand. Check for whatsoever cracked or damaged laterals equally well, and replace them as needed.

*Remove laterals

Begin lifting the standpipe out of the filter.As you lot become about halfway out, flip each lateral up so that it'south as close to touching the standpipe as possible. This makes it easier for the laterals to clear the small opening at the summit of the filter.

-Soak laterals

Soak laterals in a bucket of warm water and cleaning solution to break downwards any hard clogs or crud.

Rinse out tank with hose

Use a garden hose to rinse out any remaining sand from inside the filter.

Reattach drain plug

With a make clean and sand-free filter, it'southward time to reattach the bleed plug. Advisedly screw the plug back in and give it a skillful tightening once you accomplish the end of the threading.

Fill up tank halfway with water

Brainstorm filling your tank up with water until y'all reach the halfway signal. Once there, carefully replace your standpipe/laterals — making sure to keep them centered. When the pipe is back within the filter, slowly unfold each lateral back to its original flat position.

Slowly add new sand

Yous're virtually done. Now it's time to add new sand. Just get-go, you lot need to know how much to add.

How much sand goes in a puddle filter?

The amount of sand y'all'll need is entirely dependent on the size of your puddle filter. Usually, each purse of sand is around fifty pounds. Therefore, if you find out the capacity of your filter, yous'll know how many bags of sand you'll demand.

Most average sized Sand Puddle Filters will demand almost 3 numberless of sands. Only if you can't effigy out how much sand you lot need, but fill your tank until the sand reaches about 6 inches from the opening.

Make full the tank with one handbag at a time. Once you've added your sand, you can safely uncover the standpipe.

Reattach Multiport Valve

Supervene upon your multiport valve, securely reattaching all unions, hoses, and clamps.

Backwash filter

Once you've properly reattached your multiport valve, plow your pool pump back on, and set your filter to backwash. Backwash the filter for about ii-3 minutes for that last cleaning sweep.

Run The Filter

Concluding, set the pump to "FILTER" and give yourself a pat on the back. Y'all successfully learned how to change pool filter sand.

Need visual help?

Our friends at SwimUniversity put together an excellent video that walks you through the procedure.

Check it out:

How To Change Pool Filter Sand | Closing thoughts

We promise this mail service is helpful for yous. Whether your original aim was to larn how change sand in a jacuzzi pool filter, or an higher up ground puddle filter, this quick guide will serve as an fantabulous resource. Of course, changing y'all pool filter sand does accept fourth dimension. Time that may be difficult to set bated. Consider hiring a puddle repair service to practice the job. They'll become it done efficiently and on-time, assuasive yous to rest easy and bask your pool in no time.

[Are y'all a new puddle possessor with a lot of questions? Check out our Pool Possessor Guide]