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What Kind Of Sand For Hayward Pool Filter

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How To Clean A Sand Pool Filter

Learn About Pool Filters | Hayward Pool Filters

To clean a sand pool filter, youll need to do something called backwashing. And before you ever get started, youll need to turn the power off at the breaker.

Then, youll look for a setting on your filter called backwash and turn it to that setting.

Next, check the waste hose to make sure its securely connected to the valve. Also make sure there are no kinks in it so it will allow for easy water flow.

Now, turn the power back on at the breaker and the pool pump. Let it run for a couple of minutes or until it runs clear.

Turn the pump off and set the valve to rinse. Turn the pump on again and let it run for another couple of minutes, or until it once again runs clear.

Once youre all done, you can set your pump back to filter to return to normal use.

For a more thorough walkthrough, check out this video:

When To Change Pool Filter Sand

This depends on the size of your sand filter in relation to the pool, but somewhere between 2-7 years.

Small sand filters of 16, 18 or 21 diameter need to replace the sand more often, every 2-5 years, sooner if the pool is used heavily, or has sticky tree debris, or a pump that is too large for the filter size.

Larger sand filters with 24 to 36 diameter tanks can often go longer between sand changes, simply because of the larger filter area. 5-7 years is the normal interval for larger sand filters.

The best time to replace filter sand is before you need to, but if you notice poor water quality, short filter cycles , or dirt passing through the filter, it may be time to replace the filter sand.

Why Change Pool Filter Sand

  • New filter sand has sharp, crisp edges that stack well into layers. Old sand has rounded edges that dont filter the water as well.
  • Oily dirt, dead algae, and other gummy residues build up and are pushed deeper into the sand bed with each backwashing.
  • Small amounts of sand can be lost during backwashing, and over many years time, can add up to a considerable loss.

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Our Teams Conclusion On Pool Sand Filters

We hope you enjoyed our guide on finding the best sand filter for your swimming pool.

At the end of the day, the best pool sand filter is one that is easy to maintain and performs well. These are the core features of this type of pool filter. Our teams #1 tested pick is the Hayward S166T Pro Series Sand Filter.

Do you agree with what we have on our top pool sand filters list? Let us know how you feel in the comment section below!

What Kind Of Sand Do You Use In A Pool Filter

Pro series sand filter

Whatever you do, dont make the mistake of just buying a bag of sand from your local supply store. You could end up with the sand youd use in a sandbox instead of what you need for your pool.

Pool sand is actually something called silica sand. Its not something somebody scraped up from the beach. Its closely inspected and properly graded especially for filters.

But in addition to pool sand, there are other alternatives, such as filter glass and filterballs.

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Zeosand 50 Pounds Swimming Pool Sand Premium Choice

ZeoSand is a bit different than other pool filter sands. Zeosand is half the weight of normal sand, which means it takes half as much ZeoSand to fill your filter. Although it is accompanied by a premium sticker price, since you only need half as much, it may actually be a more economical option in the end. Because of its different physical structure, ZeoSand can filter out much finer particles than normal pool sand is capable of, featuring 3 microns for ZeoSand compared to 20 microns for other pool filter sands.

The unique makeup of ZeoSand does come with a drawback though. This sand requires very extensive backwashing prior to use. Failure to do so results in zeo dust turning your pool green. When we first started running the ZeoSand, we noticed a bit of cloudiness in the water. After just a short while, it had spread to the entire pool. We had to start over, and this time backwashed it repeatedly for extended periods to make sure it was really cleaned. This drawback is enough to keep the ZeoSand out of our top two positions.

  • Requires extensive backwashing prior to use

What Should You Use In Your Pool Filter

Zeolite and sand are both suitable mediums for a swimming pool filter, and although zeolite is more expensive, it can filter out smaller particles. This enhanced ability may result in a clearer pool however, as most people with good eyesight can’t see particles smaller than 30-40 microns in size, the effect may not be as noticeable. For many people, the main benefit of using zeolite is that its ability to remove ammonium ions from the water helps to keep more chlorine available, which means you don’t need to shock your pool as often.

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Quikrete Pool Filter Sand

These filter balls really do look like fluffy little cotton balls, but theyre actually made of tightly woven polyethylene fiber.

They are simple, lightweight, and filter out particles as small as 3 microns. That efficiency stands up to the best DE filters on the market!

All you need is a 1.5 pound box to replace every 50 lbs of sand your filter requires. For most filters, that means you wont need more than two boxes.

When Do I Need To Replace My Sand

How to use your Swimming Pool Sand Filter | In-Depth Operational Guide
  • On average, sand should be replaced every 3-5 years. This may be longer if the pool stays clear, or shorter, if the filter runs all the time. The jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand ages. When this happens the sand can no longer trap debris particles and dirt can pass through the sand and back into the pool.
  • If the pool is chemically balanced, the system is running the proper length of time and the bather load is normal, but the water will not clear, even using a flocculant or clarifier, then the sand needs changing.
  • As the sand ages, it may start to clump and the water flow can form channels in the sand, allowing the debris to pass through. Channeling is often seen when the pump horsepower is too large and wants to move too much water through the filter.

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What Type Of Pool Filter Is Best

Everybody has different opinions on this. Sand filters are probably the most popular because theyre inexpensive and last a long time.

But DE filters are the most efficient, filtering out the smallest particles of any other media.

Cartridge filters are a good middle of the road choice. They filter out more debris than sand but less than DE.

However, these are very convenient and easy to maintain. You simply toss and replace when theyre too dirty to hose off.

Do You Know What Kind Of Sand For Pool Filters Is Safe

Each season, do you find yourself tempted to save a bit of money by making a swap thats not a big deal? If youre like many homeowners around the world who enjoy the luxury of a private pool, youve probably wondered at some point: Can I use playsand in my pool filter?

Well, the short and simple answer is, yes. But, its not really the best idea, and well explain why. If it were feasible to use the cheaper, playground version instead of the one labeled for pools, wouldnt everyone do it?

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What Is Pool Filter Sand

Dead bugs. Bacteria. Algae. Your pool filter traps these things so they cant hang around making the water cloudy or getting swimmers sick. The filter media is the stuff that grabs those contaminants. In this case, sand is that media.

Sand is such excellent filtration media, its used in other water safety applications such as wastewater treatment, , and even for drinking water.

To the untrained eye, most sand looks pretty much the same, so you might think all sand is created equal, but thats not the case. Dont be tempted by that bag of cheap play sand in your garage. It will destroy your filtration system. Always make sure to use one of three types of sand in your pool filter.

Sand Filters 101 How Important Is Sand Quality Changing Your Filters Sand

Hayward S310T Swimming Pool Sand Filter

In our last blog we discussed the reasons for changing filter sand as well as the need for using a quality brand of silica sand we recommend Mystic White II silica sand from US Silica. In this blog and the one to follow, I have chosen to focus on the proper method for changing the sand in the filter tank.

Although the general idea is old sand out, new sand in, there is much more to the process than you might think. For this reason I have chosen to divide up the process into 2 parts.

Before we begin, it is worth noting that you need to use the correct amount of sand that your filter requires. Too much sand and your filter will likely not run correctly or may break when reassembling. Too little sand and you will have cloudy water no matter how much your filter runs. For this reason check your filter manufacturers specs. Typically filters hold sand in 50 lb. increments, so you can safely expect filters to range from 100, 150, 200, 250 lbs., etc. Also, a project such as this is worth doing correctly and thoroughly, so plan on having all of the items on hand BEFORE you start!

CHECKLIST OF ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE BEFOREHAND

  • CORRECT AMOUNT OF SILICA SAND FOR YOUR FILTER
  • NEW O-RING BETWEEN THE MULTIPORT AND THE TANK
  • TEFLON TAPE FOR THREADED FITTINGS
  • UNION FITTINGS
  • SILICONE LUBE
  • ADDITIONAL O-RINGS AS NEEDED

TYPICAL SIDE MOUNT MULTIPORT SAND FILTER WITH 2-PIECE TANK

TYPICAL TOP MULTIPORTSAND FILTER

Anyway, until next time, keep swimming!

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How To Change Pool Filter Sand

Efficient, inexpensive, low-maintenance pool filtering is always the goal. You dont want to spend all your time and money just making sure your filter does what its supposed to. Thats probably why you have a sand pool filter in the first place. They rarely clog, theyre easy on your wallet and your back, and they work well. You get crystal clear pool water, and the most work you have to do is swap out the sand once every few years.

How do you change pool filter sand, anyway? Start by deciding which type of sand youll useyouve got a few options. Learn how to tell when its time for a change, so you wont have to constantly battle dirty, cloudy water. When youre ready to tackle it, change your sand and get back to swimming in no time.

Why Should You Change The Sand

The reason why sand pool filters work is largely due to its roughness. It is due to its coarseness that it is able to effectively filter the particles of dirt in pool water. However, the rushing of water has a tendency to wear out and smoothen the surface of the sand.

Weathering is the process by which these sand particles are smoothed out. Once pool filter sand is weathered to a smooth surface, it takes away its jagged edges that has the power to filter out contaminants. Thus, this is when it needs to be replaced.

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How Do I Change The Sand In My Pool Filter

In order to change the sand in a pool filter, first backwash the pool filter and then remove the drain plug to let the water drain. Then remove your filter cover and multiport valve. Next we recommend you cover your standpipe with a plastic bag or duct tape to prevent any sand from falling down it as you remove the sand. Removing the sand is next, and we recommend removing the old sand with a Shop Vac if you have, and if not, use a cap or gently use a small garden shovel.

It is important to be careful not to damage the fingers located at the bottom of your filter when doing this. After the sand is removed, rinse the inside of the tank and use a sponge to clean the inside of the filter. Reapply the drain plug and fill the tank about halfway with water, once this is done, gently add the new pool filter sand, spreading it evenly around.

Remove the tape or bag you used to cover the standpipe, then check the lids O-Ring and replace it if needed. Next, re-install the multiport valve and filter cover, along with all of the screws and unions. Backwash your filter for a few minutes, and then switch it from backwash to rinse. Set it to rinse for a couple of minutes and finally set your multiport valve to filter.

How Often Should You Replace The Sand In Your Pool Filter

How to Backwash A Hayward Sand Filter

On average, your pool filter sand should be replaced every 3 to 5 years. You may be able to get away with waiting longer if your swimming pool stays clear, or you may have to replace the pool filters sand sooner if your filter runs all of the time. In most cases though, it is important to replace the sand in that 3-5 year time frame, as the jagged edges of the sand wear down and become smooth as the sand gets older, leading it to not filter your swimming pool as efficiently and effectively over time.

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What Kind Of Sand Is Needed For A Pool Filter

Nailing the idea of simple nomenclature, most pool filter sand will be labeled Pool Filter Sand, making it relatively easy to find and buy. The actual type of sand most commonly used is silica sand, which is made up of mined ground quartz. We do not recommend using play sand or any other type of sand in your filter that is not labeled pool filter sand.

Are There Safe Alternatives

Knowing what kind of products for will work as effective pool filters can give you a lot of affordable options. At this point youre asking, So wait, can I use playsand in my pool filter after all? Nope. Were still suggesting to avoid it, but there are other things you can try.

Here are some products which you may find to be cheaper alternatives if youre looking to get creative:

  • ZeoSand filter media
  • RX Clear Luster Eco-Friendly Filter Media
  • In The Swim Filterballs Blu Advanced

Some of these options also last for many seasons, which may produce some savings for you long-term. Unlike some might suggest, pool filter sand must be changed regularly to maintain effectiveness. A lot of this has to do with the jagged shape of sand that wears down over time.

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Rinse Out The Tank And Laterals

With most of the sand gone, youll be able to see the arms branching out of the standpipe. Use your garden hose to rinse any remaining sand out of the drain hole.

Use the flashlight to carefully inspect the standpipe and laterals for damage. Any cracks could let sand into your pool, so make necessary repairs before adding fresh sand.

Cant I Just Clean Or Backwash My Sand Filter

Hayward W3S180T ProSeries Sand Filter, 18

Youll need to backwash your sand filter whenever the pressure gauge climbs to 10 pounds per square inch higher than the normal running pressure. You can also backwash if the water is a bit cloudy, but the chemistry is okay.

Backwashing rinses the sand, flushing debris to waste. It can be done as part of your routine pool maintenance, and you may need to top off the pool afterward.

If you want to give your sand a little extra cleaning, use sand filter cleaner annually. Think of this stuff as a degreaser for the sand. It helps wash out oils and other contaminants backwashing cant quite get rid of.

Both backwashing and filter cleaner help with climbing pressure and water clarity, but eventually the sand will wear down and need to be replaced. If your sand is in the three- to five-year window, and pressure and clarity are ongoing problems, its probably time for new sand.

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When Should I Change The Sand In My Pool Filter

Most experts recommend changing your pool filter sand every five years or so, but truthfully, this can vary depending on usage and the size of your tank.

Basically, if your filter stops doing its job and its been a few years since you replaced the sand, its probably time to do so.

This, of course, is assuming its been backwashed often and taken care of.

How To Change Sand In Hayward S200 Pool Filter

The Hayward S-200 High-Speed Sand Filter is a fully corrosion-resistant and high-performance filter that combines superb flow properties and characteristics with ease of use. It is the latest in high-speed sand filtration technology.

The Hayward S-200 is practically reliable and dependable in terms of design and operation. If installed, used, and maintained following the manufacturers provided instructions, it will ensure clear, healthy, and sparkling water with minimal care and attention.

The process of replacing sand in Hayward pool filters may seem easy and sometimes daunting because it is a task to be done once every three years. A sand filtration system is exceptional in design because it can be more effective at capturing debris and common bacteria as the sand ages. It is recommended to replace your sand when you start feeling ineffectiveness after three years have come and gone.

The below listed step-by-step guides will help you:

Are you one of those who frequently relish clean and clear water produced by Hayward sand filter? Are you always happy with the filtration system, even with its encountering some challenges now and then? Hayward S-200 Sand Filter Troubleshooting will save you a lot of money and energy. Now that you are enjoying your pool and know how important it is to you, you may need to know why it is essential to learn how to take care of minor issues.

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