Backwashing - sand discharging

[Neworldjef]

Hi All,
I have a Pentair Tagelus TA60D sand filter installed May 2023 by a local pool builder. I am in NJ so pool only open May-Sept. From the first backwash - sand came out with discharge. Called Pentair and they said this can be normal for 1 or 2 initial backwashes. This continued through Sept. Pool company messed up in several ways I will not get into here. They are not returning my calls. I just want this fixed even if out of my own pocket.

Is there anything helpful I need to know? Is it as simple as finding a reputable pool tech to come and assess and repair? I'm guessing one or more laterals is cracked due to putting sand in too heavily or improper shipping and handling of pump along the way.

Is it possible or likely this repair will lead to someone coming out to assess, needing parts and my filter being down for some length of time - water turning green, etc? Or is it likely that even if they need to order parts they can still let filter run - even if without sand if they needed to remove sand to inspect, and at least I can keep water circulating?

Thanks for any thoughts on this!

Jeff

 

[JessBlount617]

This might sound really dumb - but is the right type of sand in the filter? Most require sand with silica additives. I switched from a cartridge filter to sand filter and have not seen any sand bypass with backwash or rinse.

The other thing - when they fill the sand - did they ensure none got down into the central line? This would prevent sand from being passed into the pool, or out through backwash.

 

[Texas Splash]

How much sand are we talking about Jeff. It is somewhat common for owners to find a small amount of sand where the waste line goes. It can accumulate over time from each backwash. Now if we're talk about a lot of sand, we have to consider things like was the filter over-filled with sand, or is the pump too strong for the filter. If you had a bad lateral, I would suspect sand in the pool.

 

[Bperry]

Hi All,
I have a Pentair Tagelus TA60D sand filter installed May 2023 by a local pool builder. I am in NJ so pool only open May-Sept. From the first backwash - sand came out with discharge. Called Pentair and they said this can be normal for 1 or 2 initial backwashes. This continued through Sept. Pool company messed up in several ways I will not get into here. They are not returning my calls. I just want this fixed even if out of my own pocket.

Is there anything helpful I need to know? Is it as simple as finding a reputable pool tech to come and assess and repair? I'm guessing one or more laterals is cracked due to putting sand in too heavily or improper shipping and handling of pump along the way.

Is it possible or likely this repair will lead to someone coming out to assess, needing parts and my filter being down for some length of time - water turning green, etc? Or is it likely that even if they need to order parts they can still let filter run - even if without sand if they needed to remove sand to inspect, and at least I can keep water circulating?

Thanks for any thoughts on this!

Jeff

If they overfilled it, a little sand may continue to come out for a while. Mine has been a couple years and I still get a little out sometimes.

 

[Neworldjef]

This might sound really dumb - but is the right type of sand in the filter? Most require sand with silica additives. I switched from a cartridge filter to sand filter and have not seen any sand bypass with backwash or rinse.

The other thing - when they fill the sand - did they ensure none got down into the central line? This would prevent sand from being passed into the pool, or out through backwash.

No dumb responses! Thanks for taking time to reply! I have little faith in pool company who did install. Will never use them again. Good news - I called manufacturer (pool builder/renovations company not returning my calls at all) and Pentair will send team to inspect and repair under warranty! Yay!

 

[Texas Splash]

Pentair will send team to inspect and repair under warranty! Yay!

Nice. Be sure to let us know what they determined was the issue.

 

[Neworldjef]

How much sand are we talking about Jeff. It is somewhat common for owners to find a small amount of sand where the waste line goes. It can accumulate over time from each backwash. Now if we're talk about a lot of sand, we have to consider things like was the filter over-filled with sand, or is the pump too strong for the filter. If you had a bad lateral, I would suspect sand in the pool.

Interesting - no sand in the pool. Good news - I called manufacturer (pool builder/renovations company not returning my calls at all) and Pentair will send team to inspect and repair under warranty! Yay!

 

[Neworldjef]

If they overfilled it, a little sand may continue to come out for a while. Mine has been a couple years and I still get a little out sometimes.

A couple of years - wow! Even Pentair said should not happen after just a few times. As I wrote to others -- "Good news - I called manufacturer (pool builder/renovations company not returning my calls at all) and Pentair will send team to inspect and repair under warranty! Yay!"