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Cleaning Sand Filter For Pool

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Replace The Filter Cartridge And Re

How to clean a pool sand filter – step by step

Return the cartridge to the filter, and secure it in place. Replace the filter top and close the clamps.

Turn the system back on, and open the air relief valve to release any excess air in the system. Keep the valve open until a steady stream of water sprays from it.

Check the pressure gauge to be sure its in the normal filter pressure range. If the pounds per square inch is off, you may have put the filter back together incorrectly, or something else may be wrong with the system. Troubleshoot the pool filtration system to identify and correct the problem.

Clean A Pool With A Sand Filter Step By Step

These steps cover how to clean a pool with a sand filter when the pool is not very dirty using the multiport valve on the filter setting. If your pool is very dirty you will probably need to vacuum on the waste setting. I have a separate post for this giving full instructions How to vacuum to waste.

Why Clean Your Sand Filter

Swimming pools need a chemical sanitizer to kill off pollutants like bacteria, viruses, and various various debris in the water. This is usually chlorine, but some pools use bromine, while others use salt.

Besides that, however, the water needs to be filtered from all the matter left behind and this is where the sand filter comes in, removing anything as small as 20 microns in your pool water.

Most pools run their system, circulating water and filtering out pollutants for roughly 8 hours a day. As runtime compounds, so does the amount of debris the sand filter purifies.

Sand filters become more effective the longer they work. This is due to the small size of the sand. As pollutants are caught and start plugging holes between sand grains, they begin to block subsequent pollutants from passing through.

With that being said, there will come a point where theres too many pollutants in the filter, which is when youll need to clean your filter out.

Sand filters have a pressure gauge on them that requires monitoring. Once it hits 8 to 10 PSI over the measurement taken when the filter was clean, youll have to reduce the pressure by cleaning the filter.

With regular cleaning, a sand filter can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, and sand only needs to be replaced every 3 to 5 years.

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Add Filter Cleaning Solution

Turn off the pump, and turn the valve to Filter. Remove the pumps strainer lid and our sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket. Then, replace the pump lid.

Turn the pump on for about 15 seconds, just long enough to transfer the cleaner from the pump to the filter. Turn off the pump, and leave it off for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Backwash The Filter Again

Bestway 1500GPH Flowclear Sand Filter Swimming Above Ground Pool ...

Backwash the filter for 3 to 5 minutes again to remove the build-up of dirt and debris dislodged by the filter cleaner. Turn the filter system back on.

If you dont already have a sand filter, you may want to consider investing in one. The time youll save in cleaning is time you can spend enjoying your pool.

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How To Backwash A Pool Sand Filter

If you notice that your pool water is not as clear as it used to be, it may be time to clean your filter. If you have a sand filter, this process is called backwashing. In order to check if your filter needs to be backwashed, take a look at the pressure gauge. There will be a place that marks the normal pressure. If the needle is 10 psi over this point, then it is time to clean your filter.

Over time, the sand in your filter acquires dirt and debris from the pool. These particles make the filtration process less efficient. Backwashing your sand filter will restore the cleaning power of your sand filter so you can get back to swimming in clear water. The process is fairly simple, just follow the steps below:

  • Roll out your backwash hose to someplace that the water can go.
  • Turn off your pump at the breaker
  • Set the multiport valve to backwash
  • Turn the pump back on and run until the sight glass is clear
  • Turn the pump off at the breaker
  • Set the multiport valve to rinse
  • Turn the pump on and let it run for about 30 seconds to reset the sand
  • Turn the pump off
  • Set the multiport to filter
  • Turn the pump back on
  • Roll up the backwash hose, being sure to get all the water out

That’s all you have to do! If you have any questions, the experts at Pinch A Penny are happy to help. Call or visit a store near you!

Best Ways Of Cleaning Pool Filters

Part of in-ground and above ground pool maintenance is keeping the filter clean. This is a task made easier if you have pool friendly plants and trees as part of your landscaping.

The best way to clean your pool filter depends on several factors: what type of filter you have, how often you use your swimming pool, what your climate is like, and whether or not you have hard water.

Always be sure to thoroughly read the cleaning instructions for your specific pool filter before performing any maintenance procedures to avoid accidental damage.

There are three principal styles of pool filters: cartridge filters, sand filters, and diatomaceous earth, or DE filters. Each kind of filtration system has unique advantages and different maintenance protocols.

Read on to learn all about how to clean a pool filter cartridge, backwash a sand or DE filter, and extend the working life of your pool filter.

If you are trying to clean a green pool, filter cleaning is an important part of the process.

Read Also: How To Get Algae Off Bottom Of Pool

Start Filtering Your Pool Water Again

Now that your pool pump is off and you have a nice clean sand filter again, its time to move the handle on your multiport valve back into its normal operating mode which is marked filter.

Once this is done, turn your pump back on and let your filter run to continue keeping your pool water crystal clear.

A properly backwashed above-ground pool = crystal clear water and inflatable donuts

Turn On The Pump And Check The Sight Glass

How To Backwash and Clean Above Ground Sand Pool Filter

Now turn on your pool pump. You will immediately see the sight glass fill up with cloudy water. Run your pump until the water in the sight glass turns clear. This will normally take two minutes or less to do.

Dont run your filter system on the backwash cycle any longer than you have to because you lose water from your pool while doing it. Also, be aware that the more often you backwash your pools filter sand, the less time the backwashing process will take.

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Reduce The Need To Backwash

As we mentioned earlier, leaves and other debris can lead to you needing to backwash your pool sand filter more often or even dump the water out if the water gets too dirty. One of the best ways to prevent this from happening is to invest in a good pool cover. We have a guide on how to buy and fit a pool cover and we think it’s a good read for anyone who wants to reduce the need to backwash their pool sand filter.

How To Clean It

Wondering how you clean a sand filter? Follow this fifteen-step process and youll have a clean sand pool filter before you know it.

  • Turn off the pump before you do anything else. This protects all of the pumps internal components.
  • Close valves on return lines and the suction. This will prevent the debris from going back into your pool.
  • Open the pump cover and empty the filter basket of any debris that is inside.
  • Refit the cover of the pump securely back in place.
  • Attach the backwash hose and open the valve to let the outlet begin to drain.
  • Turn the pumps lever to its BACKWASH setting.
  • Then, open the valves to the pumps suction and return lines.
  • Now you can go ahead and start the pump.
  • Backwash the filter until it runs clear, which usually takes anywhere from 1-2 minutes or until the water you can see in the sight glass looks clear. Make sure any electric heater is turned off.
  • Once its finished you can turn off the pump.
  • Turn the lever to the RINSE setting.
  • Allow the pump to rinse for about 45 seconds. This may be longer or shorter for you depending on how dirty your filter is.
  • Turn the pump off.
  • Turn the valve to FILTER, which is its normal position.
  • Finally, you can close the drain outlet and turn the pump back on as normal. If you had to turn an electric heater off earlier, you can turn that back on as well.
  • For a video tutorial, we recommend the Step-By-Step Guide on How To Clean A Pool Sand Filter by Ecological Time below-

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    How Often Should You Backwash

    As sand filters are not as effective as cartridge filter in removing finer particles, its important to backwash on a frequent basis.

    A good rule of thumb is to backwash once the pressure displayed on your pressure gauge is 8-10 psi over the starting level. Most pressure gauges on sand filters have a red and green zone.

    When the needle is close to or within the red zone, its a good time to backwash.

    Also, backwashing whilst killing an algae bloom or when trying to treat cloudy water will remove any algae deposits within the sand and keep your filter working effectively.

    How Often Should You Backwash Pool Filter

    Bestway 1500GPH Flowclear Sand Filter Swimming Pool Cleaning Pump

    There are some differing opinions about how often should you backwash a pool. Some say you should only do it when it is absolutely essential , others say you should backwash every week as part of your regular weekly pool maintenance while others believe you should do it every time you vacuum your pool.

    Certainly, the amount of use the pool gets will make a difference to the frequency of cleaning and therefore the frequency of backwashing. When it is just my wife and I here, perhaps swimming only once or twice a week, then I may go 2 weeks between cleaning and backwashing. If we have young family staying and it gets used all day, every day, then I may need to clean and backwash every few days.

    It depends too whether you have a sand filter or a DE filter. DE filters should be backwashed less often than sand filters, perhaps as little as every 4-5 weeks.

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    How Often Should I Change The Sand In My Swimming Pool Filter

    This is a great question because there will come a time when you need to put fresh sand in your swimming pools filter. The problem is its hard to give you an exact answer. Thats because the conditions that each swimming pool is used and maintained under are different.

    Pools with a higher bather load tend to need the sand changed in their filters more often and for pools that are seldom used, they can go for long periods without a sand change.

    The environmental conditions that a pool is subject to also play a factor in when its time to change filter sand. An example is if your pool is in a windy location, you will build up dirt faster in your filter than if your swimming pool is more sheltered.

    Based on my 26-years of experience in the swimming pool maintenance business I have some general pool sand change guidelines for you.

    The first is that you should change the sand in your swimming pool filter at least once every two years. Every year is even better and will help your pool stay crystal clear.

    Also, consider changing your filter sand if you are starting to have to backwash your filter every few days to keep your pools circulating system flowing properly.

    My Sand Is Channeled How To Fix It

    • Open up the filter so the sand bed is exposed.
    • Stick a garden hose into the sand and turn on the water. The sand should loosen up and all the dirt and gunk should float and overflow out of the filter.
    • You might need to stir up the sand a bit. Keep this up until the water overflowing out of the filter is clean.
    • If any sand is clumped together CAREFULLY break it up with something like a broom handle but BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE LATERALS. You will be surprised at how much stuff this gets out of your filter that backwashing doesn’t and I feel this ‘deep cleaning’ should be done yearly.
    • This should take care of the channeling but if the sand has a lot of calcium deposits you might want to follow this up with an acidic sand filter cleaner from the pool store.
    • GENTLY tap on the sand tank with a rubber mallot and watch the pressure gauge climb about 2 psi.

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    Can You Backwash Too Much

    If you backwash your pool too much i.e. time duration and/or close frequency then yes you can cause a lot of problems.

    Some problems that can arise from backwashing your sand pool filter too much are:

    • Loss of water 500+ litres of water can be lost in each backwashing cycle
    • Loss of silica sand resulting in increased consumption and replacement costs
    • Dilution of chemicals resulting in higher sanitisation costs
    • Lower overall filtration quality and lifespan.

    Why Is There Sand At The Bottom Of My Pool

    HOW TO Clean a Pool Sand Filter (POOL SERIES)
    • The sand you are using could be too small. Sand that is too small can travel through the laterals in the bottom of your filter and back to the pool. #20 silica sand, .45-.55mm in size, is required. This can be obtained at your local Hayward dealer.
    • Prior to adding sand, remember to always remove a lateral from the lateral assembly at the bottom of the filter. Try putting some of the sand you are going to add inside the lateral. Other than debris sand , 99% of the sand should stay inside the lateral. If most of the sand comes through the holes of the lateral, the sand is too small.Your pump may be too large or the sand level too high in the filter. When the filter is backwashing the water flow can cause the sand to rise high enough and overflow into the standpipe, which will allow the sand back into the pool. Refer to the Hayward owners guide or the filter label for the correct amount of sand for your filter.

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    How To Backwash A Sand Filter Full Step By Step Guide

    If you have a swimming pool with a sand filter then quite frequently you will need to backwash the filter to remove the dirt and other debris that gets trapped in it as part of your regular swimming pool maintenance.

    Backwashing a pool sand filter is a simple, straightforward process that involves switching the filter valve setting of the pool sand filter to Backwash and then running the pool pump for a few minutes. This reverses the flow of water in the filter which flushes the dirt out of the sand and discharges it through the water outlet.

    When you backwash a sand filter system, you are reversing the flow of pool water through the pool filter sand. The water passes through the filter from the bottom, rather than from the top, and dislodges all the dirt particles lodged in the filter sand to restore optimum filtration. The dirt is then expelled, either to the sewer or the yard/garden, depending on the set up.

    When To Clean Your Sand Filter

    Maintaining and cleaning sand filters can be a little more work than cleaning cartridge and diatomaceous earth filters, but there’s no need to worry! Once you know how to clean your sand filter, you’ll see it’s easy enough to do, and the results are sure to make your swim more enjoyable.

    When should I clean my sand filter?

  • You should perform a full backwash and chemical clean of your sand filter at least once a year, preferably when you close your pool.
  • You should perform a backwash clean anytime your filter pump reaches a water pressure of 10 psi over its average operating pressure level. An increase in water pressure in the pump and filtration system indicates that there is some filter blockage. You’ll also want to backwash your filters if you’ve had an algae breakout or have had significant rain causing debris to enter the pool.
  • Now that you know why and when to clean your sand filter, let’s get to the how!

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    When To Replace The Sand In Your Pool Filter

    In general, the sand in your pool filter should be replaced every three to five years. However, the working life of silica filter sand depends on how often you use the pool, oil and grease levels in the water, and if you have hard water.

    If you notice your filter running slowly or inefficiently, or the backwash cycles are shorter than normal, chances are your filter sand is dirty and clogged.

    With excess oil and grease buildup, the sand sticks together, and water cannot pass through as intended. Instead, it creates a channel along the side of the clumped sand and gets pumped back into the pool without filtration.

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