Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Speed

[nealyak]

So every time I toggle my two-speed pump from low to high. I get a 20 second dark stream of fine debris from all the pool returns.

After backwashing the filter the stream is less dark but still there. I strangely do not seem to get this problem when the pump is switched on with the high speed toggled.

My Hayward Sandfilter is pretty old, is it possible that the sand needs to be repacked or replaced? or could there be some other problem.

In general, I do feel like my pool needs to be vacuumed more often and while I have no leak, I seem to be slowly losing cyanuric acid levels

thanks

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

When is the last time you inspected/cleaned the sand? Could be partially channeled allow dirt to pass through on high speed.

my-sand-is-channeled-how-to-fix-it-t7626.html#p60821

 

[nealyak]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

Thanks for your reply and the link, Jason.

I moved in here 3 months ago. No idea when it was last done. How often, typically, does this need to be done.

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

Inspecting/cleaning the sand should be a yearly thing.

And you should be backwashing when the pressure rises 20-25% over the clean pressure.

 

[nealyak]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

Thanks. Jason. I was wondering at what point would I change the sand in the filter instead of just washing it. I cannot imagine what could happen to the sand to need it being changed. Does it get eroded away and become too fine?

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

The sand should never need replaced (well, except for very rare events).

 

[nealyak]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

Wow! thats good to know. There are no youtube videos on how to clean. But many on "how to replace". But I could never find a compelling logical explanation on why sand would need to be replaced. Cleaning it is. For anyone else reading this. I found these videos very helpful to understand my sand filter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_J5KgIqhD4

 

[jblizzle]

Re: Fine debris/dirt in returns on switching pump to Hi-Spee

I sent you a link previously about the method to clean ... very simple.