Changing my sand mid-season (post BQ conversion)

Husky25 · Jun 9, 2015

I changed my sand once before, but it was at the end of the season. When I close my pool, I disconnect the tank from the plumbing, so removing the the top shell from the base is easy enough at that time. Being mid-season, the tank is already connected to the plumbing. My question is do I have to disconnect the tank this time to change my sand?

Here is my set up. Does anyone have any opinions?

Richard320 · Jun 10, 2015

It's too dark to see.

If the pipes enter from the side, no. If they enter at the top, yes.

A shop vac is the fastest way to empty it. When refilling, add some water to cushion the impact when you pour the sand in over the laterals and rubberband a baggie over the standpipe so no sand accidentally fins it's way down into the clean side of things or you'll get to vacuum it out of the pool later.

Husky25 · Jun 10, 2015

Thanks Richard.

Yes the pipes enter from the side. That is my multiport valve to the left of the tank.

On top is a black cap (That doesn't seem to want to budge at all) and the pressure release valve.

Richard320 · Jun 10, 2015

Husky25 said:
Thanks Richard.

Yes the pipes enter from the side. That is my multiport valve to the left of the tank.

On top is a black cap (That doesn't seem to want to budge at all) and the pressure release valve.

That black cap is what you need to open.

tim5055 · Jun 10, 2015

Silly questions, but I have to ask...

Do you have the wrench for the cap?

Did you release the pressure on the system?

Husky25 · Jun 10, 2015

Richard320 said:
That black cap is what you need to open.

Tried and tried again. It won't budge.

Last time I changed the sand (removed in September 2013, Added in May 2014), I took the top off the egg via the 27 bolts surrounding the middle.

Is there a special wrench to remove the black cap?

Husky25 · Jun 10, 2015

tim5055 said:
Silly questions, but I have to ask...

Do you have the wrench for the cap?

Did you release the pressure on the system?

Not silly questions.the answers are:

1) No. I was unaware that there is a special wrench for the cap. Can you post a link or picture? My Father and I tried a strap wrench before we undid the 27 bolts around the belt.

2) Yes I release the pressure on the system.