How to Change the Sand in your Filter
The sand should be changed every 3-5 years, depending on the usage and how well the swimming pool has been maintained.
The sand can wear out over time, grains of sand are actually rough and textured. This roughness helps the tiny particles of dirt, algae, bugs, and other contaminants to get snagged on the sand enabling the clean water to pass on through.
After several years the sharp edges of the sand particles become rounded and therefore the contaminates are not captured as well. The sand will also start to clog up into balls and the water can create channels in the sand.
Types of sand for your filter
Silica sand
Silica sand is the most used sand for sand filters. It is not expensive, and it will last for years. It is made from ground quartz approximately 0.45-0.55mm in size. The grinding process creates silica sand with rough and textured edges making it perfect for trapping particles in the water.
Glass sand
Glass sand, while more expensive than your regular silica sand, works much better. It requires fewer media (by weight) to fill up your sand filter, uses less water than backwashing, relieves pressure on your pumps by providing superior water flow, and it lasts much longer than your traditional silica sand. Some people believe that if they change to glass sand it will not need to be changed again, this is not the case, it will usually last approximately 8 years.
Step by step guide to changing the sand in your sand filter:
- Turn all electrics off
- Turn 6-way valve to close
- Open the drain valve at the bottom of the sand filter
- Remove the sand filter top
- Wait until all the water has drained out
- Using a wet vac vacuum out all the sand
- Unscrew all the spiders at the bottom of the sand filter and replace them. It is always advisable to change the spiders the same time as changing the sand.
- Replace the sand according to the kilograms stated on the sand filter with either silica sand or glass.
- Close the drain valve and fill with water to approximately 2.3cm below the top.
- Check rubble seals to see if they need replacing, rub some Vaseline over the seal and then do the nuts up on the sand filter top evenly.
- Close the air valve
- Turn the 6-way valve to rinse
- Put the swimming pool pump on for 30 seconds and then turn it off.
- Turn the 6-way valve back to filtration
- Make sure the pressure gauge is around one bar and then you are ready to go for another few years!