How to Repair Your Pool's Sand Filter
- Step 1 - Prepare Your Tools. You will want to make sure all your tools are near you. You do not want to walk away when...
- Step 2 - Repair the Damage. Place the epoxy mixture over the crack on the pool and hold the crack together in order to...
- Step 3 - Allow the Mixture to Dry. Keep the product as dry as you can for 24 hours. You can...
How often should sand be replaced in a pool filter?
Ideally, you should change the sand in your swimming pool filter every 5 years. You may need to change your sand sooner if you notice that your filter is not cleaning the water effectively anymore and you find that you are having to backwash your filter more often than normal.
How to tell if pool filter sand needs to be replaced?
How to Tell If Pool Filter Sand Needs to be Replaced
Sand normally works better the more dirt it collects, but eventually the sand needs to be replaced.
- Watch to see if backwashing is needed frequently, which could indicate that the sand is becoming too muddy or dirty to filter effectively.
- Check for dirt or grime buildup in the bottom of the pool.
- Watch for cloudy water.
Does my pool filter need new sand?
While the sand may be fine, it's not that big of a deal to replace it. However play sand is NOT OK. Filter sand does deteriorate. It gets calcified and rounded off. Hence manufacturers recommend replacing sand every 5 years. Clumping and calcification are different issues, more related to water chemistry.
How do you remove sand from a pool filter?
STEPS FOR CHANGING THE SAND IN A SAND POOL FILTER:
- Remove the old sand from the pool filter - You need to remove all of the old sand that is in the tank. ...
- When removing sand with a scoop or with suction, make sure you don’t hurt the laterals at the bottom of the tank. ...
- Once the sand has been removed, take out the pipe and lateral assembly carefully and soak them in a bucket of cleaning solution. ...
Can a pool sand filter be repaired?
Spread urethane epoxy resin over the crack on the sand filter using a plastic putty knife. Use the blade of the knife to make the resin smooth and even, then let dry as long as directed by the manufacturer.
How do you troubleshoot a sand filter?
Top off your pool water or add more sand to the filter and you should be good to go. If your sand filter pressure is too high, the first step is to backwash the filter. Dirty sand will cause the filter pressure to rise. If this doesn't resolve this issue, you may have too much sand in the filter or an obstruction.
What causes a pool sand filter to crack?
0:011:33Why Do Pool Filters Crack? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt expands and it does not matter how strong or new the filter is it is going to crack freezingMoreIt expands and it does not matter how strong or new the filter is it is going to crack freezing water is strong enough to break concrete. It's definitely strong enough to break your pool filter.
How do you know if your sand filter is clogged?
Put your hand over the inlet (where the basket is located on the side of the pool, not the pump) to feel if there's enough suction. Your hand should be sucked up against the inlet fairly quickly if the pump is set to its highest mode. If it's barely pulling, you likely have a clogged filter or a leak in the line.
How long does a pool sand filter last?
Your sand filter can last anywhere from 15 years to 25 years or more if cared for and maintained well. Most of the time, you may need to replace parts like valves and gaskets, but you probably won't need to replace the whole system for many years.
Can a sand filter get clogged?
When you have too much or too little sand in the pool filter, the filter will not work properly or efficiently. The wrong level of sand means that debris can be forced into the sand instead of being trapped at the top of the sand canister. This will clog the sand system quickly.
How do I know if my sand filter needs replacing?
1:033:13When Do You Need to Change the Sand in Your Sand Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't know when the filter when it was last changed. This is always a good way to know. If youMoreYou don't know when the filter when it was last changed. This is always a good way to know. If you start losing. Pressure if your pressure gets weaker and weaker and weaker.
Why is my sand filter not sucking?
It could be something blocking it, a dirty pool filter, or too much air in the system. If there's something blocking your pump's suction, check your filter gauge. If it's 10psi above the normal reading, clean your filter.
How do you fix the laterals on a sand filter?
1:275:58How to fix a Pool Sand Filter Hayward - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI just turned it over. But a much easier way to do it if you're not going to tip over your filter isMoreI just turned it over. But a much easier way to do it if you're not going to tip over your filter is just to use a wet/dry vac to suck.
What happens if your sand filter is low on sand?
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.
How do you get air out of a sand filter?
0:513:14How To Bleed Air From A Pool Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe simply turn it to the left where our pump motor is on and wait until the water comes out and thenMoreWe simply turn it to the left where our pump motor is on and wait until the water comes out and then we turn it to the right to tighten it back up and to give it a good seal.
Why does my sand filter have no pressure?
Zero pressure means that there's nothing going on inside of your filter, so simply check if the valves leading to your filter are in the correct positions. If everything seems to be running correctly, pump is okay, water flow and everything, then give your pressure gauge a few taps, it could just be stuck.
How do I know if my sand filter needs replacing?
1:033:13When Do You Need to Change the Sand in Your Sand Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou don't know when the filter when it was last changed. This is always a good way to know. If youMoreYou don't know when the filter when it was last changed. This is always a good way to know. If you start losing. Pressure if your pressure gets weaker and weaker and weaker.
How do you bleed air out of a sand filter?
0:303:14How To Bleed Air From A Pool Filter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey don't like it so our filters are equipped with an air bleeder valve or sometimes called an airMoreThey don't like it so our filters are equipped with an air bleeder valve or sometimes called an air release valve which is normally. Found on the top of the filter.
Why is my sand filter not backwashing?
It could be a clogged pump basket, impeller, pipe, or skimmer basket. It could also be a closed or broken valve before the pump. In some cases, the pump may have an air leak and is drawing in more air than water.
What happens if your sand filter doesn't have enough sand?
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.
Why do you need a sand filter in a pool?
A sand filter is a critical element for any home pool. It keeps sand and other sediment out of the pool and helps to protect the water system you have installed. A crack or a break in the sand filter will allow sand and dirt to get into the water.
What to do if sand filter cracks?
If the filter does crack, you should fix it right away to avoid further damage. Here is an easy fix for a cracked filter. You will eventually need to replace the sand filter, but this repair job will hold you over until you can arrange a replacement. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
How to fix a crack in a pool?
Place the epoxy mixture over the crack on the pool and hold the crack together in order to produce a firm bond. Apply a little pressure to the crack in the tank for the maximum hold. You do this on the outside. If you can reach the inside of the tank, you will want to do it there as well. Putty on both sides will increase the chances of the crack staying together.
What Is A Pool Sand Filter?
A pool sand filter is a high quality and commonly used filter system that captures both small and large debris and dirt particles. Think of it as the kidney and liver of your pool. It filters everything. The large particles includes debris such as bugs, leaves, grass clippings, and hair. Smaller particles include dead algae spores, phosphates, and bacteria. A sand filter rates 3rd in line for filtration, behind cartridge and D.E. filters.
What causes a pool sand filter to channel?
Pool sand filters can basically become like sandy lard which causes " channeling " down the s ide of the sand filter. T his is when the water doesn't get pressed through the pool filter media. It forms an actual channel down the side of the filter. The water is returned to the swimming pool as dirty water.
How many parts are in a pool valve?
There are over a dozen parts inside a multiport valve and each one plays a vital role in keeping your pool clear. It's common to see a little dribble out of your backwash hose after you backwash your filter and rinse the lines. A stead stream of water is something else.
Why is pool sand a pain to troubleshoot?
A problem is only frustrating when we don't have an immediate answer, right? Not knowing what to do and when to do it!! Although they're a great filter, pool sand filter problems can be a pain to troubleshoot simply because of the size of the pool filter and the amount of sand involved.
How to fix pool water clarity?
Your pool filter sand may look good, but it's not doing its job at filtering out debris from the pool water. First, check your pool chemistry with a good water testing kit to be sure the water is balanced correctly. Next, backwash your sand filter, check the backwash valve to be sure it's working ...
What happens if a sand filter is broken?
2. Broken or Bad Lateral. When your sand filter has a broken or bad lateral you will usually have sand returning back into the pool. You'll probably need to remove all of the pool filter media and replace the lateral. The actual replacing of the lateral is like screwing in a light bulb, it takes about 10 seconds.
How often should a pool filter pump turn over?
Normally, a residential pool filter pump should turn over the water at the most every 8 - 10 hours. Commercial pools may do it a little faster. 8.
How to improve sand filter?
There are other ways to improve the effectiveness of sand filters, such as using a Pool Clarifier to improve water clarity with a sand filter, and using a Sand Filter Cleaner regularly to refresh the sand and remove oils and scale (and clarifier!). The Slime Bag is a mesh bag that you attach to your return line wall fitting, that acts as a secondary filter to trap very tiny particles.
How long does pool sand last?
Generally, pool filter sand lasts about 5-7 years before it wears out and needs to be replaced (except for very small filters used on aboveground pools, which usually need new sand much sooner. 5. HIGH FILTER PRESSURE.
What is a broken lateral in a pool?
Broken Laterals? If your sand filter is leaking sand, into the pool, constantly (not just after backwashing), this is usually a broken lateral. Laterals are plastic parts at the bottom of the sand filter, with slits so small that it keeps out sand grains, until it cracks that is. It could also be a broken standpipe or diffuser – all internal parts that crack can leak sand into the pool.
Why does water come out of my backwash line?
Jiggle the handle, and if there’s still water coming out minutes later that signifies a problem with the valve. The majority of the time leaks such as this are from a bad spider gasket on a multiport valve, or plunger o-rings on a push-pull valve. A spider gasket seals up the ports (including the waste water port) to control the direction of your pool water.
Why is a pool filter important?
Your swimming pool filter is one half of the most important equipment needed to keep your water looking fresh and clean. You want pool water that sparkles, which means the filter needs to be kept in optimum working condition. As with the pool pump, pool filter problems need to be fixed quickly, to prevent algae growth.
What happens to sand when it's worn out?
Worn-Out Sand. Over time the sharp edges wear down, and dirt holding capacity goes down.
What happens if a water pump is too powerful?
Channelling. If the pump is too powerful for the filter, it can force water through unfiltered.
Why is my pool sand filter running slowly?
1. A Slow Sand Filter. If your swimming pool begins to seem a bit cloudy or unclear, then you may have a sand filter that’s running slowly. This can happen even though your sand filter looks fine and seems to be running as it should.
What happens if a sand filter is broken?
3. Broken or Bad Laterals. When the laterals on the sand filter are broken or bad, the sand returns to the pool. If this is the issue on hand, then you might need to prepare for some labor. To check the lateral to see if it’s gone bad, you need ...
Why does my sand filter tank fail?
Valve failure can happen due to tree damage, from freezing, or from becoming deadheaded. The valves are the multiports located on either the top or sides of the sand filter tank. However, the most common problem is the failure of the gaskets inside of the tank that then causes the valves on the outside to fail.
What does it mean when a sand filter is dirty?
Dirty Sand Filter. If you’ve noticed that the backwashing cycles have become shorter , then you should check to see if the sand filter is dirty or greasy. If the filter is dirty or greasy, then don’t be surprised if it takes on the appearance of sandy lard.
What to do if your pool is not filtering?
It can look like how it’s supposed to but not be filtering debris from your pool as it should. If you’re suspicious of this, the first thing you should do is test the water chemistry. Be sure that the balance is correct. Now you should check with the backwash valve.
Where is the spider gasket on a sand filter?
The spider gasket is located inside of the sand filter tank , and its job is to keep a consistent flow of water through it to the correct ports. Sometimes, however, problems with this gasket occur due to it being old and worn down, becoming loose, or even twisted.
Can you change the sand in a pool filter?
Make sure that it’s working in a correct manner as well and that the flow rate is where it should be. If you still haven’t found a problem, then consider changing out the pool filter sand inside your sand filter.
How to clean a sand filter?
If you want to give it a more thorough clean, you should repeat steps 1-14 and then do the following: 1 Turn the valve to FILTER and take off the pump’s strainer lid. 2 Pour your sand filter cleaner into the strainer basket, putting the lid back on. 3 Turn the pump on for as long as it takes for the cleaner to transfer from the pump into the filter. This typically takes around 15 seconds. 4 Turn your pump off. Leave it like this for 8 hours if possible. A bit longer is okay, too. 5 Backwash your filter as you did previously but for longer, about 3-5 minutes. This will remove all debris, dirt, and the sand filter cleaner you added. 6 Turn your system back on as normal.
Why do you need a sand filter in a pool?
While you might think a sand pool filter removes sand and dirt from pools, that’s not actually where it got its name. A sand pool filter uses sand as a filter, trapping larger debris that tries to pass through so that only clean water gets back to the pool.
How long to backwash a sanitizer filter?
Turn the pump on for as long as it takes for the cleaner to transfer from the pump into the filter. This typically takes around 15 seconds. Turn your pump off. Leave it like this for 8 hours if possible. A bit longer is okay, too. Backwash your filter as you did previously but for longer, about 3-5 minutes.
How long does a sand filter last?
Sand filters don’t use fiber parts of paper like some other filters do, which means there’s much less of a risk of clogging or tearing. Because of this, sand pool filters can last for years with very minimal maintenance. However, if you want it to continue working for you for years to come, you should know how to clean a sand pool filter when ...
What is a sand filter?
A sand pool filter uses sand as a filter, trapping larger debris that tries to pass through so that only clean water gets back to the pool. Water cycles through a canister filled with sand. Water will pass through with ease, but any larger particles will get stuck on the way.
How long does it take to backwash a water pump?
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.
How to prevent debris from going back into pool?
Close valves on return lines and the suction. This will prevent the debris from going back into your pool.
How to clean a sand filter?
To clean your sand filter, you'll need to backwash the filter and then rinse it. First, turn it off and switch it to the “backwash” setting. Then, attach your backwash hose to the backwash nozzle and aim the other end at a drain or bucket. Run the pump for 2 minutes or until the water flowing through the sight glass turns clear. Once you’ve finished backwashing the filter, turn off the pump, and switch it to the “rinse” setting. Let the filter rinse for 1-2 minutes, then return it to the “filter” setting. After your filter has run for a couple of hours, check your gauges to make sure their levels are normal. For more tips, including how to tell when to clean your sand filter, read on!
How to keep sand filter running?
In order for your sand filter to run properly, it must be regularly cleaned and maintained. By preparing to backwash the filter, performing a backwash, and giving the filter a final rinse, you can keep your sand filter running smoothly, thus keeping your pool clean. Steps.
What does a pressure gauge on a sand filter mean?
The pressure gauge (or gauges) on your filter will let you know it's time for a cleaning. If your sand filter has both an "inlet pressure gauge" and an "outlet pressure gauge," a pressure differential of 16 and 20 psi means it is time to clean your filter. However, if your sand filter has just an inlet pressure gauge, ...
How long does it take for a waste hose to backwash?
Allow the pump to run on the backwash setting for at least two minutes. ...
How to discharge a backwash hose?
Take your backwash hose and position it over the backwash nozzle. Secure the hose with a metal hose clamp and tighten it using a screwdriver. Point the other end of the hose to where you would like to discharge.
How to know if sand filter is clean?
Although two minutes is a general guideline, the best way to determine whether or not you have adequately back washed your sand filter is by keeping an eye on the sight glass. When the water flowing through the sight glass runs clear, you know that your filter is clean.
How long does it take for sand to reset in a pool?
Turn the pump back on and run the filter on "rinse" for 1-2 minutes to clear out dirty water and reset the sand.
How to stop sand from getting into pool?
6. Cover the standpipe with tape or a rubber plug. This will prevent any sand from getting into the pipe and working its way into your pool while removing or adding sand. Duct tape or any strong tape will work, as will a rubber plug that fits, but make sure it is easy to remove when you're finished.
How to drain a pool filter?
Remove the drain plug and let the filter tank fully drain. Locate the drain plug near the bottom of your filter tank and unscrew it completely. This will let all of the water drain out of the tank, so make sure it is draining somewhere away from your pool that will not be affected by a lot of water. Fully draining the tank can take up to an hour, so give it plenty of time.
How to remove a multiport valve?
Take the collar off the base of the multiport valve. Locate the collar around the edge of the multiport valve, near the top of your filter tank. Use a screwdriver to loosen the bolts on either side of the collar until you can remove them completely. Pull apart the two sides of the collar to remove them.
Where is the standpipe on a sand tank?
As you add sand, make sure the standpipe in the center of the tank stays right in the middle and at the right height. It will need to reattach to the base of the multiport valve when you are finished, so you can line the two up to check if you’re unsure.
How to keep a pool clean?
In order to properly maintain your swimming pool filtration system and keep your pool clean, it is important to periodically change the sand in your pool filter. Over time, the sand will begin to break down and become saturated with debris, preventing it from filtering properly. By knowing how to get rid of old sand, put new sand in your filter, and get it working properly, you can have a functional filter and crystal clear pool in no time.
What to do if O ring is damaged?
If the O-ring is damaged, you might need to replace it rather than just lubricating it. These should be available from hardware and pool supply stores in the size you need.
Where should the switch be for a pool filter?
The switch for your pool filter should be nearby the filter itself . For extra safety, or if you cannot find the right switch, cut power to the area from your circuit breaker box before you begin working.
