Effective Ways to Remove Dirt from Your Sand Pool Filter
2024-3-19
Is your pool looking a bit green even after all the effort you've put into it? But don't fret — it might not be the water chemistry; it may be your sand pool filter. Sand filters do a great job keeping your pool clean, but, like any system, they need some love every now and again. These simple cleaning tips will help get your filter back in shape!
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Understanding Your Sand Pool Filter
Before jumping into the cleaning process, it's useful to know how a sand pool filter works. In a sand pool filter, sand is used to remove impurities from pool water using a specialized grading system. The dirt gets caught in the bottom sand bed as water passes through and clean water returns to the pool. However, over time, the dirt and debris accumulated in the sand bed can collect enough to reduce the filtration efficiency.The quality of the sand and regular cleaning of a sand filter will determine its performance. In practice, that sand must be replaced once every 5-7 years, although it can be kept longer with good maintenance.
Which Type of Sand Filter Needs Cleaning?
Using the kind of sand pool filter you have, it needs more or less cleaning.
Side-mount filters are typical for residential pools and have a multiport valve for backwashing, but their placement can make cleaning them more challenging.
Top-mount filters are located higher up, creating better water flow and making them easier to access, but aren't always as good at filtering out impurities as their counterparts and may require more regular cleaning.
Throught fast processing, high-rate sand filters can handle water at a faster rate, leaving space for finer debris to be caught; therefore they are ideal for heavily used pools.
Vortex filters, which are often used in large pools, use a cyclone of water that reduces the need for backwashing.
The final multi-stage filters are sand with multiple layers for higher filtration, and are more labor intensive.
Regardless of the type, all sand filters require periodic cleaning through backwashing, rinsing, and, sometimes, replacing the sand in order to operate correctly.
When to Clean Your Sand Pool Filter
There are several telltale signs that it's time for a cleaning.
First, a sign that dirt and debris is clogging the filter: The pressure gauge reads 8-10 psi higher than normal.
Another definite indication would be cloudy water — if your pool water is murky despite regular maintenance, your filter might not be functioning properly.
If you see stagnant water in certain areas of the pool due to poor circulation, this also indicates that the filter is not working properly and needs repair.
Finally, if you tend to backwash a lot, this too can mean that your sand bed is compromised in the sense that debris builds up and your filter needs to be rinsed more thoroughly than occasionally. These signs can help you be proactive about maintenance, keeping your filter operating optimally.
Understanding the Cleaning Process
The two primary cleaning methods of a sand pool filter are backwashing and deep cleaning. The two most popular types of cleaning include backwashing, which is the simplest form of cleaning method, and deep cleaning, which is made with the use of specific cleaning solutions or replacement of sand when the filter does not function as efficiently as the plan. Here's how you might tackle each of those tasks.
Backwashing: The Quick Fix
The first and most common method to clean a sand pool filter is to backwash. This action redirects water flow, purging the dirt and debris held in the sand.
Before starting to drain the pool, check to ensure that the pool pump is turned off. Also, it's a good idea to unplug the pump from the filter system, so that it can't accidentally start while you work on the system. Now, turn the multiport valve to the backwash position. This configuration changes the water flow, running it through the sand countercurrent, which helps to flush dirt and debris from the filter.
With mine set to backwash, turned on the pool pump for a few minutes. When the water runs from the filter, the first water that comes will be dirty, If your filter has one, make sure to read the sight glass to monitor progress. You can stop backwashing once the water is running clear, which should take 2-3 minutes.
Because you should always rinse after backwashing, switch the multiport valve to rinse. This one is necessary to make sure the last bits of dirt are washed out, and the filter settles down as it should. Restart the pump for 30 seconds to 1 minute, looking for clear water leaving the filter.
Lastly, return the multi-port valve to the filter position, and check the pressure gauge. The pressure should settle to a normal reading, usually 5-10 psi absolute over the baseline.
Deep Cleaning: When to Replace Sand
Backwashing and rinsing are good methods for removing a fair amount of dirt and debris, but sometimes, you need a little more cleaning. As time goes on, sand may be coated with oils, minerals, and algae that cannot be administered with just backwashing. In such cases, you will need to discard the sand, and clean up, or ultimately replace it.
First, disconnect and turn off the pump. Then open the lid of the filter tank to expose the sand. You can expect some sand to spill when you open up the tank. Gently dig out the sand using a small shovel or scoop. You could also use a wet/dry vacuum to vacuum out any stubborn stuck sand.
When the sand has been removed, it is time to clean the inside of the filter tank. This will be observed when you follow the simple steps of washing out the tank using a hose, making sure you clean out any debris or dirt that have accumulated inside. If you must scrub the inside, use a soft brush, and avoid damaging the laterals, the piping at the bottom of the filter. Do not use harsh chemicals or any abrasive materials as they can damage the filter components.
After stripping the tank, check the sand for signs of damage and signs of wear. If the sand is still in decent condition, it can be used again, but if it's coated in oils, minerals or algae, or if it has compacted together, it must be replaced.
If you are changing the sand, be sure to use the right kind of filter sand (usually #20 silica sand). This is a special graded sand for pool filtration. After placing the new sand, replace the filter, replace the lid, and reattach the pump.
Preventing Dirt Build-Up
Here are a few proactive steps to prevent dirt buildup and maintain an efficient sand pool filter.
Skim the pool's surface regularly with a skimmer to capture leaves, bugs and debris before they can enter the filter. This decreases the surface area the filter has to deal with dirt.
You also need to keep the chemical balance in your pool water just right. An unbalanced pool can cause algae growth, and algae and other contaminants can clog the filter.
Also, forgoing a pool cover when a pool is not in use makes it easier for blown debris to get in, which makes the filter work harder.
Lastly, be sure to periodically check your pump and circulation system. The water should flow evenly through a properly operating system, and a strong circulation will avoid having weak areas where water lingers, swamping the filter.
Following these preventative steps will help to keep your filter clean and your pool water clear.
General Maintenance Tips
To ensure that your sand pool filter remains in excellent working order, regular upkeep is necessary.
- Keep an eye on the pressure gauge—if it creeps above normal by 8–10 psi, it's time to clean.
- Don't backwash too much — it wastes water and lowers cleaning efficiency.
- Use chemicals to keep your water balanced to avoid algae and blockage.
- Frequently skim the surface of the pool and burn a cover when not in use to keep debris to a minimum.
- Keep an eye on the circulation system and pump for smooth functioning.
By simply repeating these steps you will longer your filter life and a clean pool!
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About the author
Emily Thompson
Emily Thompson is an Updates Writer for Beatbot Blog, with over 8 years of writing experience in environmental protection, pool chemistry, landscape design, and gardening.Since May 2024, she has been contributing to Beatbot, sharing her expertise in the field of pool care, such as pool chemistry, equipment maintenance, and landscape maintenance around pools, to help readers make informed decisions and provide corresponding guidance when needed. As a seasoned environmental science practitioner, Emily understands how smart environmental robots will revolutionize daily life.
