Question About Swimming Pool Sand Filter
by Warren
She has a Jacuzzi Laser 190L swimming pool sand filter and sand continues to return to her pool. We replaced the laterals and pool filter media last week. Unfortunately, the sand is still showing up in the pool but now a lighter color. We suspect it is the new sand, so replacing the laterals didn't really seem to help. I have been researching and it seems that the multi-port valve could also be a possible culprit since the laterals have been ruled out. We do see sand in the "glass" when we back wash. Would that indicate anything? Before we purchase a new multi-port valve I wanted to ask your thoughts on this. I don't want to keep buying parts until we have paid the equivalent cost of a new filter!! I would also consider replacing gaskets only, if they are available, and not too difficult to change. This particular model sometimes is hard to find parts for. I would appreciate any insight you may have. Thanks. Warren Thanks for your questions Warren When new sand in put into a sand filter it is normal for the fresh sand, dirt, and residue from the pool sand to find its way back into the pool. I just recently replaced a bulkhead from the YMCA's Commercial Tritan T-100 sand filter. We had to scoop out about 600lbs of sand, fix the bulkhead, and replace it with a mixture of old and new pool sand. I knew that some dirt was going to work its way back into the swimming pool. Normally a broken lateral is to blame for sand entering the pool. For your Jacuzzi Laser 190L series you should have what called a "Standpipe & Lateral Assembly" that fits inside the filter casing and you would screw the laterals into. There are 2 gaskets that you should look at. One is under the multi-port valve which is called the "filter gasket". Underneath the multi-port valve you have the "Adapter Flange". The Adapter Flange then sits on another O-ring. These O-rings are inexpensive and can be replaced fairly easily. Be sure to snug the laterals in but don't over-tighten as this might cause them to break. You can try this site to find parts: www.poolcenter.com/parts_filters_jacuzzi_laser.htm Check to see if the multi-port valve is leaking. If it is then you might just need to get another O-ring. Be sure that when you change positions on the valve you have the pump turned off and the position is locked in place, not somewhere in between positions. Also be sure the pool sand is at the right height. It should be between 1" - 2" below the filter basket. That would be about 140lbs of sand. Pool filter sand for your sand filter should be #20 silica sand .40mm - .55mm effective size. Hope this helps and let me know how it goes All the best Robert Comment: Replaced The Laterals & Added Sand. Swimming Pool Sand Filter Problems & Possible Solution By: Warren Hi Robert, Thanks for your reply. We did replace the sand (and laterals) but put in 200lbs per the recommendation for the Laser 190L. Do you think that might be too much? We are watching and waiting to see how long sand continues to enter the pool. I guess it might be worth pulling it apart again to make sure the sand is not too high. I also suspected, as you mentioned in your reply, that some sand might temporarily return to the pool again for a little while after changing it. I did inspect the o-ring under the multi-port valve and it appeared ok. We were unable to remove the Adapter flange to look at the o-ring there but nothing is leaking, at least on the outside. The adapter flange would not come off and i did not want to take a chance of breaking anything since Jacuzzi parts are becoming hard to find, never mind the delivery time. But the adapter flange o-ring should not be responsible for sand returning to the pool should it? Doesn't it just seal the flange to the body of the filter? I was considering the spider gasket or any other inside the multi-port valve as the next place to look if the problem continues. I need to do some research to see if that is difficult to replace or not. We may also possibly remove some sand to see it that would make a difference. If it is the multi-port valve then I want to understand how the various settings work inside the multi-port valve so I can determine how sand might return into the pool while the setting is on "filter". All the flow diagrams I have found are too basic to get into that level of detail. Would you know of any that might be more helpful? I understand the directions that the water flows on each setting but haven't been able to relate that to the actual physically opening and closing internal ports of the multi-port valve. I would love to have an old one I could examine closely. Hopefully, best case scenario, this is a temporary situation which will resolve itself, but I always like to know what my next steps are(plan B) if it comes to that. Thanks Warren Thanks for the follow-up Warren I know if you put too much sand in a sand filter the filtration process will be compromised. The sand filters at the YMCA have these tubes called "Diffusers" that sit on top of the pipes inside the filter. If you can imagine a softball sitting on top of a PVC pipe. The water comes in through the pipes and out the diffusers, is pushed through the sand, filtered, and returned back to the pool as clean water. If the sand is too high or low from the top of the filter the pool sand cannot do its job. Think of it as oil in your car; too much or too little is bad. Check to be sure you're using the correct amount and type of sand. As the filtration process continues there will be a settling of the sand. If you remove some sand, understand that as the new level will find itself settling, some sand may go back into the pool. Once again, that's normal. I believe most diagrams concerning multi-port valves for sand filters will be pretty basic. They'll tell you what the functions are and give you an understanding for each setting. Maybe you could call your local pool supply store to see if they have an old one or a local pool guy. After you backwash be sure to use the "Rinse" setting for about 15 - 20 seconds to get rid of the sand residue in the lines. You're on the right track with your sand filter. Check the sand level, mulit-port valve, and O-rings. If the problem persists, you might want to get a qualified pool tech to take a look at the sand filter. Without actually being there and seeing exactly what's going on, it's difficult to pin-point the issue. At minimum you'll know what the problems aren't so the pool tech can do his trouble-shooting quickly. Thanks again and let me know how this turns out for you. I'm sure many other people who visit my site would like to hear your story. Good luck Robert Click here to read or post comments. |
