Changing Pool Filter Sand

Changing Pool Filter Sand – Filters that take sand are popular because of their affordability and lower maintenance methods compared to other types of pool filtration. There’s not much to keep up a sand filter for a pool besides the occasional backwash. In addition, you will need to replace the filter media (which is the sand) about every 3 to 5 years. In some cases, a sand filter could last even longer before needing to change out the sand.

How often you need to change the sand in your sand filter will depend upon items like the size of the filter in relation to the pool it is servicing, the quality of the sand that is being used for the filter, and different aspects of your routine pool care maintenance.

If your sand filter is not working as efficiently lately as it first did or if you are finding the need to backwash the filter more often it is probably a good time to replace the sand/filter media in your filter. All the sand will ball up or it can create channels through the sand that will reduce its efficiency and filtration. Switching out the sand in your filter is easy as long as you follow the proper steps.

Steps for changing your pool filter sand

First, gather your supplies

Before changing out sand you want to make sure that you have the proper items to help you get the job done correctly. Gather up everything you need to switch out your sand to make your job easier and take much less time. Materials you will need include a flathead or Phillips screwdriver, a strap wrench or filter lid tool, a handsaw, rubber plug, sock, plastic bag, or duct tape, a wet-dry vac or small scoop, a small tarp, a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a gasket O-ring kit, a Teflon or silicone-based pool lube, and replacement filter media/sand.

Remove water from the sand filter tank

To get the water out of the sand filter tank you want to begin with turning off the power to the pump motor. In addition, take the safety precaution to flip the switch at the breaker panel to prevent any unintended operations while changing out the sand in your filter. After this, open the air relief valve on the filter to release pressure in the filter and allow a majority of the water in the tank to go back to the pool. Now you can remove the drain plug that is located at the bottom of the sand filter tank to empty out any other water hanging out in the tank.

Take the filter valve or lid off of the tank

Different models of filters will have a different ways of doing this. The most important thing to remember with this step is to remove the top lid closure or mount a multi-port valve so that you have access to the inside of the filter. If the top mount filter valve does not have unions that allow for easy removal you may need to take the handsaw and cut the plumbing lines.

For a top mount valve: if your filter has a top mount multi-port valve make sure to be careful when removing it from the standpipe. You want to make sure that you don’t cause damage to the internals in the bottom of the tank. Place a sock or a sturdy plastic bag or piece of duct tape over the standpipe. If there is a rubber plug that will fit you can also place this in the opening. This prevents sand from falling inside which could clog up the filter or end up in the pool.

For a side mount valve: if the filter has a side mount multi-port or slide valve you want to set the valve to the closed position and remove the top lid. You will see the diffuser and air relief tube just beneath the lid closure. After doing this you want to remove and clean the screen and filter on the end of the air relief tube as well as clean the tip of the tube. You can do this by blowing through the tube to make sure there are no obstructions and then reinstalling the screen on the end of the tube. Then you want to carefully move the diffuser off to the side so the tank opening is unobstructed.

Remove the old sand

You can get the old sand out of your pool filter with the use of a wet-dry vac or a small scoop. Place the old sand into some buckets or dump it into a tarp nearby making it easier to dispose of later. Sand is heavier when wet so be careful when moving it you may want to allow it time to dry out. If you need to reach down inside the tank to remove the sand it is a good idea to wear a long sleeve shirt to avoid fiberglass splinters.

Spray down the sand filter tank

Using your garden hose with the spray nozzle attached, rinse the inside of the filter tank. This helps to finish removing any remaining sand that is stuck to the walls or filter components.

Inspect all of the components

You want to be very careful handling any internal filter components as they are fragile and can break easily. A top mount sand filter valve with standpipe assembly will allow you to fold up the laterals and remove the assembly from the tank for a closer inspection. If you have a side mount valve the laterals might be more difficult to remove and may need to be detached individually. Make sure you thoroughly inspect all of these pieces and replace anything that is broken or worn out.

Add the new sand

Your approach for adding replacement sand will depend upon the type of sand you are using. If you are using filter balls you will need to check the drain plug O-ring for signs of wear and cracking and replace or lubricate it before reinstalling at the bottom of the filter tank. Then place the filter balls inside by hand.

If you are using any other type of sand you want to check the drain plug ring for signs of wear or cracking and replace or lubricate before installing it at the bottom of the filter tank. Then you want to fill the tank to about halfway full of water to protect laterals from the uneven sand weight. Using a cup or scoop slowly place sand inside to create a sand bed for any laterals. If your pool sand filter tank is 30 inches or larger make sure to add the manufacturer’s recommended amount of pea gravel first before adding any sand. This information can be found in the product manual.

Reinstall the filter valve or tank lid

Depending on your type of filter you will want to put back the lid or valve. Make sure that any rings or gaskets are properly lubricated and in good shape as now is the perfect time to give them some attention. Make sure to clean any sand around the tank opening before replacing the lid if you have one.

Turn on your filter system

To turn the system back on you want to set your filter push-pull slide valve or multi-port valve to the backwash position. Turn the power from the breaker back on and allow the system to backwash for 3 to 5 minutes or until the water coming out from the backwash hose is running clear. When you have a steady stream of water coming from the air relief valve all air has been purged from the system and you can twist it closed. When the backwash cycle is complete, if you have a multi-port valve, shut the system off and set the valve to rinse then turn the pump back on and let the system run for 30 to 60 seconds.

Finally, you want to shut the pump off one more time and set the push-pull slide valve or multi-port valve to the normal operating filter position. Turn your filter on again and it is ready to clean the pool once more.

If you have any questions or would like help in changing out the sand in your filter you can call us anytime. For all pool care maintenance in Lake Havasu City make sure to contact us anytime.