Clean or replace filter sand

[indianapoolboy]

Hello folks,

I have been reading around and it seems that here at TFP, the belief is that there is not a need to replace filter sand every 3-5 years as other places would suggest. The argument makes sense to me, but some of the links that I have seen on old posts seem to be dead ends or resources have moved. I was looking for some guidance on how to clean the sand that I have thoroughly.

For context, I have bought a new filter (I know this is dumb, but I screwed up the drain cap threads on my old one...) I was planning to buy new sand, as it has been I think 4 years since I did that last, but then have been reading here and think I will just move it from old filter to new but want to clean it as best I can while doing this. Also, it did feel last year like when I would vacuum that the filter would not catch everything that it should.

Thanks!

 

[duraleigh]

Here ya' go

Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

This post will walk you through the anatomy of a sand filter, and then provide a video at the end for how to deep clean your sand filter. The filter used in the photos and videos is a Hayward S180T top mount sand filter. The images are of a similar filter. Obviously not all filters are...

www.google.com

 

[indianapoolboy]

Exactly what I was looking for, thanks!

 

[1poolman1]

Hello folks,

I have been reading around and it seems that here at TFP, the belief is that there is not a need to replace filter sand every 3-5 years as other places would suggest. The argument makes sense to me, but some of the links that I have seen on old posts seem to be dead ends or resources have moved. I was looking for some guidance on how to clean the sand that I have thoroughly.

For context, I have bought a new filter (I know this is dumb, but I screwed up the drain cap threads on my old one...) I was planning to buy new sand, as it has been I think 4 years since I did that last, but then have been reading here and think I will just move it from old filter to new but want to clean it as best I can while doing this. Also, it did feel last year like when I would vacuum that the filter would not catch everything that it should.

Thanks!

If you bought a new filter, put in new sand. That way you know that you have the correct amount and that all is new. Many times when a sand filter is passing debris through it is because there is not enough sand in the tank. Some sand is lost regularly to the backwash and at the end of 5 years, on average, 50# needs to be added back to most sizes. The only thing good as new is new.