How to tell if you need more sand?

[Dale.s]

When I got my sand filter (details in sig) I added the correct amount of sand (I think at least) this year as I was redoing my pump area I noticed the sand looked low, it appears to be apx 1/4 to 1/3 full of sand. Does anybody know how far from the top the sand should be? I'd expect to have maby 10 inches on gap, closer to 2/3 full of sand.

Also I've noticed I am getting some small particles from the return, very small what look to be parts of flowers (maby seeds, less then 1/16th of a inch in size), is this due to low sand, or a cracked lateral? (ive found sand in the bottom of the pool, that's why I checked the return, no sand from that yet though.)

 

[racket]

In a sand dollar filter it should be about 10" down the standpipe.

 

[Bama Rambler]

I couldn't find a freeboard dimension in the manuals but 9" to 10" is the correct freeboard for that size filter.

 

[Dale.s]

I'm gonna pop the top and check today, but im pretty sure it was closer to 20, good thing I bought extra sand last year!

Is the 10 inches measured from top of downpipe, or top of filter?

 

[Bama Rambler]

From the top of the filter flange.

 

[Dale.s]

Awesome thanks, think I'm gonna drain the sand and check the laterals while I've got it apart.

 

[racket]

Awesome thanks, think I'm gonna drain the sand and check the laterals while I've got it apart.

I would remove all of the sand and replace it with the specified amount that way there is no question wether you have the right, or wrong ammount.

 

[Dale.s]

Well laterals looked good, sand was way way low, added a bag and a half I had laying around (gf used half a bag for plants!!). And when I did my first backwash I lost around 10 pound of sand so it was defiantly low! I filled to 10 inches, so I'm guessing it should be 11 or 12 inches on this filter. Thanks for all the help!

 

[dmanb2b]

Dale, are you losing sand during every back wash? If so, something is not right...just checking.

 

[Dale.s]

As far as I have noticed only first fill and this last refill not in between, however I've never really been looking for it, next backwash I'll do it where I can check for sand. Its a good idea to check for, I've had to lost sand somehow!