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Swimming Pool Sand Filters

pool sand filter maintenance, swimming pool sand filters, above ground swimming pool filters

Pool Water Maintenance



Swimming pool sand filters, just like DE and cartridge filters, are made to keep your pool clean and clear.

Water is pushed through the sand in the housing and is removed by a set of lateral tubes on the bottom. The dirty water goes into the top of the filter, is pressed through the sand and exists out the bottom as clean water.

Do you have an interesting story or comment about your pool or filter? You can go here and write about it

Ever had an "expresso" from a coffee place? This kind of filter works on the same concept.

Your Pool Filter System

As your pool filter becomes clogged with waste and debris, the pressure increases and the water flow lessons. This requires the pool owner or operator to backwash every few weeks, depending on the water flow.

Please remember that excessive backwashing may cause a loss of sand which in turn will reduce the effectiveness of the sand filtration process. Please be aware of proper pool sand filter maintenance. The proper amount of sand should be measured from the top of the filter. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Should you find your sand filter low, simply get the proper grade of sand and top off the filter following the manufacturer’s instructions.

In terms of cost and efficiency for pool filters, a sand filter is probably the least expensive but least effective in removing those very small particles.

Pros:

  • Least expensive of the three filters
  • Sand is easily added
  • Little maintenance and backwash every 2-3 weeks or when warranted
  • Decent filtration
  • Cons:

  • Must backwash on a regular basis and uses anywhere from 50-150 gallons or more of water per backwash for above ground pools and 250-500 gallons for inground pools, as opposed to a cartridge filter
  • pool sand filter maintenance, swimming pool sand filters, above ground swimming pool filter, sand filter
  • Every 3-5 years, depending on usage, the sand in the sand filter needs to be replaced which could be a hassle
  • If bottom lateral are broken all the pool filter media must be taken out, the laterals replaced, and pool filter sand added back into the filter
  • For above ground or inground pools, a swimming pool sand filter is probably the least effective out of the three filtration systems, especially a DE pool filter.



  • Swimming Pool Sand Filter Maintenance

    Now you're ready for the fun stuff. Understanding the basics of pool water maintenance is simple, so please don't complicate matters.

    Functions of the Filtration System

    Many pool systems will have what is known as a “Multi-Port Valve”. This valve is an all-in-one valve that makes your pool life a little easier.

    If you're not familiar with a Muli-Port Valve please read the following and/or consult your owner's manual. If you're pump motor is on and you decide to start turning any valves, well, that would be bad. So be sure the pump motor is off before turning anything.

    Check The Settings

    The settings on this type of valve are as follows:

  • Filter
  • This is the normal setting for the valve. The pool water is drawn through the pump, passed through the swimming pool sand filter, and is then returned back into the pool as clean water.

  • Backwash
  • This setting is used to flush out the filter when it becomes overloaded with dirt and debris. Water is drawn from the pool, is passed through the filter sand, and exits out of the filter as dirty water.

    Once this is accomplished, your system is ready to rinse.

  • Rinse
  • This setting is used to flush out any dirt or debris that may remain in the lines after back-washing and only requires about 10 seconds. This water then exits as waste and not back into the pool.

  • Recirculate
  • This function allows for the pool water to circulate without passing through the filter.

  • Waste
  • This setting runs water from the pool directly to the drain and can be used when lowering the water level when certain adjustments are needed.

  • Closed
  • This setting is to be used ONLY when the pump motor is off. Closing this valve while the pump is running could seriously damage your system. Use this setting when making any repairs or cleaning of the filter unit or filter basket.

    Remember that the filter pump needs to be OFF before moving the handle of the Multi-Port valve. Now you may be thinking that doesn't matter, but it does, so turn the pump off before moving this or any valve.



    Maintaining and back-washing your sand filter with the proper pool filter cleaner will help keep your swimming pool sand filter running like a million bucks.

    Following these pool cleaning tips will ensure your neighbors will be looking over the fence wondering how you do it.

    Pool Filter Cleaner Products You Might Consider

    Pool Filter Cleaning Approx. Price
    Pool Filter Cleaner 1qt. $9-$15
    Baquacil Pool Filter Cleaner $90
    Enzyme Pool Filter Cleaner $16
    Granular Pool Filter Cleaner 2lbs. $16
    Granular Pool Filter Cleaner 8lbs. $60

    Here You Go With The Pool Filter Cleaning And Back-wash:

    1. A swimming pool sand filter needs back-washing after the pressure has increased about 8-10lbs. higher than the "just back-washed" pressure.

    2. Raise the water level 1"-2" if it's low. Turn off the pump and clean the pump basket. Remove any debris and carefully place the basket back into the pump housing and reattach the pump lid.
    3. Roll out your backwash hose, if applicable, and turn the filter control valve to BACKWASH
    4. Turn the pump back on and pump out dirty water until the water runs CLEAR, then turn off the pump.
    5. Set the control valve to RINSE and turn the pump on for 5-8 seconds. Turn off the pump.
    6. This will get rid of residual sand left in the lines. Any sand or debris in the lines will be returned to the pool. If you like to vacuum, I have a great page just for you.

    7. Turn off pump, turn valve to FILTER and you're done.

    The entire process should take about 5 minutes and your swimming pool sand filter will once again be ready for action.

    Go swim and have fun.

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    What Other Visitors Have Said

    Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

    Swimming Pool Sand Filter Leaking Out The Drain In Filter Position  Not rated yet
    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.

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    I have a pool that's 18'x42" and a swimming pool pump filter system that's for a 24'x 48" pool.

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    Swimming Pool Sand Going Back Into The Pool  Not rated yet
    I just changed the sand in the sand filter. The laterals were fine. I had them checked at our local pool store.

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    Pool Pump Operation  Not rated yet
    Pool pump operation question...

    How many hours a day should you run the circulating pump?


    Thanks for your question Dave

    During the Summer months ...


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