Swimming Pool Sand Filter Leaking Out The Drain In Filter Position

by RON
(meridian idaho)

I replaced my swimming pool sand and cleaned out my valve. Now when I put my Multi-Port valve on backwash some water still goes into the pool.

When back flushed the same thing happens, and not a lot of water goes out the drain line as it once did.

Help

RON

Thanks for the question Ron

New sand will have dirt and debris which will make itself through the filtration system and back into the pool. This is normal and will decrease as the sand settles and is used.

Be sure you're allowing about 10psi over "just backwashed" pressure before you backwash. Swimming pool sand filters need a little bit of pressure to operate correctly.

Take a look once again at the Multi-Port valve to be sure it's in proper working order. Are there any gaskets (spider) or O-rings that need to be replaced? Are all the screws tighten down? Is the valve "clicking" in the right positions, are do they "slide" in. If they slide you might want at either replacing the diaphragm, gaskets, or the entire valve.

Check to be sure you used the correct size sand (pool filter media) and the right amount of sand. Look at the owners manual for the amount of sand your filter needs and also the depth in inches from the top of the sand to the top of the filter.

You may have broken some laterals while replacing the pool sand. With that you'll need to scoop out the sand, replace the laterals, then carefully add the sand back into the sand filter.

After you backwash be sure to use the "RINSE" setting on the Multi-Port valve. Sand gets trapped in the lines after backwashing and not doing a rinse will cause the sand to go back into the pool.

Also check the valves for the drain and skimmer. If they are broken or worn you'll need to replace them.

Best of luck with your pool and have a great Summer

Robert