Everything going through sand filter

[causeofhim]

We have a Sta-Rite T-210WF sand filter with a 1 1/2 hp pump on our 16x32 above ground pool. We have been getting some sand at the bottom of our pool and now there are bugs getting stuck in my saltwater chlorinator (which is after my sand filter). I pulled the top off the filter to see if there were any visible channels but I didn't see any. I did a complete deep cleaning of the filter and replaced the whole top plug with new spider gasket. This did not stop the issue. Bugs get through, sand comes through, and when I pour stabilizer into my skimmer, it comes right through the filter as well.

Originally when there was sand in the pool, I was thinking that maybe one of the laterals may have cracked, but that would not explain how bugs and stabilizer is getting through.

Any thoughts?

 

[JohnT]

A 1.5Hp pump is pretty big for that filter.

 

[causeofhim]

A 1.5Hp pump is pretty big for that filter.

That’s the pump that is sold with it.

Sta-Rite 21" Sand Filter & 1.5HP Pump - JSAL210F03 - INYOPools.com

JSAL210F03 - 21" Sand Filter & 1.5HP Pump

www.inyopools.com

 

[causeofhim]

Any idea what I can do or look at to try and fix this?

 

[Richard320]

You're going to have to empty that filter out and look for a cracked standpipe or a cracked or broken lateral. If something as big as CYA granules is getting through, you aren't filtering at all. And sand should always stay on the dirty side of the filter, never back into the pool (clean) side.

Open the drain and let the water out. Open the tank and use a (clean) wet-n-dry shop vac to get the sand out. Rumor has it that setting the vacuum in a wheelbarrow before starting makes it easier to move. Dump the wet sand out on a tarp or an old shower curtain to keep it clean for reuse. Your filter manual will have directions on filling it up. Don't forget to cap the standpipe so you don't drop sand down inside it.

 

[causeofhim]

If there was just sand in the pool, it would make sense that it may be a broken lateral, but that would not explain how bugs and stabilizer would go right through. I'll open it again tomorrow to see if mt standpipe may have issues near the top (above the sand).

You're going to have to empty that filter out and look for a cracked standpipe or a cracked or broken lateral. If something as big as CYA granules is getting through, you aren't filtering at all. And sand should always stay on the dirty side of the filter, never back into the pool (clean) side.

Open the drain and let the water out. Open the tank and use a (clean) wet-n-dry shop vac to get the sand out. Rumor has it that setting the vacuum in a wheelbarrow before starting makes it easier to move. Dump the wet sand out on a tarp or an old shower curtain to keep it clean for reuse. Your filter manual will have directions on filling it up. Don't forget to cap the standpipe so you don't drop sand down inside it.

 

[Bama Rambler]

My first thought would be that you had a bad spider gasket and when you replaced it, you got the topworks orientation off a hole or two; or 180º. If that's not the case, then like Richard said, check the standpipe and standpipe seal.

Did you replace the handle spring when you replaced the spider gasket? If that gets weak it will allow debris to bypass the filter.

 

[causeofhim]

I didn’t just replace the gasket, but the whole plug (link below). As soon as the rain stops, I’m going to check the standpipe.

Pentair 77704-0104 Plug and Cover Assembly (Gauge Not Included)

PLUG AND COVER ASSEMBLY (GAUGE NOT INCLUDED)

www.poolsupplyworld.com

 

[Flying Tivo]

Can you take a picture of the setup. My best guess is as Dave's, you probably assembled it incorrectly as i cant see a dent or a mark to align the cap as my SandDollar filter has. Second, if the pressure is high enough the asembly will lift and water will flow back to pool without running through the filter, that could explain it.

 

[causeofhim]

Can you take a picture of the setup. My best guess is as Dave's, you probably assembled it incorrectly as i cant see a dent or a mark to align the cap as my SandDollar filter has. Second, if the pressure is high enough the asembly will lift and water will flow back to pool without running through the filter, that could explain it.

 

[causeofhim]

I replaced the entire plug assembly, so there is not really a way I could mess up the installation.

As you can see in the other two pics, I found cracks on the bottom of the head, but not sure if these would cause the problem.

Thoughts?

 

[Flying Tivo]

I would replace the whole head as it t has some cracks. The stand pipe is not that expensive either!

 

[causeofhim]

Replaced the entire head and it fixed the issues. Thanks for the help!

 

[Bama Rambler]

Thanks for coming back and letting us know how you fixed it.