Every pool owner wants the maintenance to be as hassle-free as possible.
The less time and money you spend on pool maintenance, the better.
That is why sand pool filters are some of the most celebrated.
They are fairly inexpensive, hardly ever clog, and are easy to maintain for many years.
Apart from changing out the sand every five years or so, you may never have to maintain the filter at all.
However, the sand filter is different than many of the standard pool filters on the market today.
The better you understand how it works, the easier it will be to change.
Sand Filters
A filter can be made of many different materials.
The idea behind the filter is that it catches the particles while letting the water go through.
In this case, sand is the substance that catches the particles.
So, you will need to use the right type of sand for your needs.
Glass
Crafted from recycled glass, this is a manufactured product
Silica
The most commonly used, this is a natural sand product
Zeolite
Created from volcanic rocks, it may be the most effective.
While all three types of sand are effective at removing particles, over time the sand itself will become smooth and not trap as much dirt, algae, bacteria, and other debris as before.
While it may need some occasional backwashing to clear out the debris, the sand in the filter will need changing around the three to five-year mark.
How to Clean a Pool Sand Filter
All you need are some basic tools, some new pool filter sand, a flashlight, shop-vac, mask, and backwash hose.
- Step 1: Turn off the Filter & Pump
- Step 2: Remove the Drain Plug and Let All the Water Out
- Step 3: Take off the Multiport Valve
- Step 4: Cover the Standpipe
Now remove the old sand using a shop-vac.
You can also scoop out the sand with a plastic cup if you wish, but that will take a long time.
Once you have fully removed the sand, you will need to rinse out the tank so that no sand remains.
- Step 5: Use the Flashlight to Check for Any Damage to the Laterals and Standpipe
- Step 6: Fill the Tank to Half-Full of Water
- Step 7: Pour in the New Sand
- Step 8: Fill it Up & Put Back the Connections
You’ll want to backwash and rinse the filter one more time before running it under normal conditions.
If you see anything wrong, stop the pump, and make any repairs necessary.
Which is the Best Sand Filter to Use?
[amazon box=”B00GSPHS7E”]
Choosing the best sand filter for your pool will go a long way towards cleaning your pool properly and with fewer chemical additives.
The Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump is one of the best on the market today.
Easy to set up, straightforward in design, and highly durable, this filter provides superb filtration for its size.
With a pump-flow rate of 3,000 gallons-per-hour, this is the perfect sand filter pump for above-ground pools.
Apart from replacing the sand every five years, the Intex Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump requires little to no maintenance.
