I know the below is the instructions for cleaning your sand filter and is the recommended way over buying one of those expensive cleaning solutions from a pool store, but here's my situation. My equipment is in a Cabana, flushing out the filter would be horrible inside there, the water and dirt would have no where to go except around the entire floor, I'm sure I'm not alone in that situation.
As an alternative, could I use the liquid sand filter? would it be as affective?
"I suggest once a year opening up the filter to expose the sand, stick a garden hose in it, and turn on the water.
The sand will start to move and float and a lot of gunk will overflow out of the filter. This will also help get rid of any channeling. If any of the sand is clumped together CAREFULLY break it up with something like a broom handle (but be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the laterals!) Flush out the filter until the water overflowing is basically clean. If you do this yearly you should not have to worry about using an (expensive) filter cleaner! If you find that your sand has clumped up because of scale deposits then using an acidic sand filter cleaner every 3-4 months can be helpful."
As an alternative, could I use the liquid sand filter? would it be as affective?
"I suggest once a year opening up the filter to expose the sand, stick a garden hose in it, and turn on the water.
The sand will start to move and float and a lot of gunk will overflow out of the filter. This will also help get rid of any channeling. If any of the sand is clumped together CAREFULLY break it up with something like a broom handle (but be VERY CAREFUL not to damage the laterals!) Flush out the filter until the water overflowing is basically clean. If you do this yearly you should not have to worry about using an (expensive) filter cleaner! If you find that your sand has clumped up because of scale deposits then using an acidic sand filter cleaner every 3-4 months can be helpful."