Been running SWG for at least 3 years now. Never have changed the filter tho. Backwash regularly. Time to change the sand. My question is, what is the best type of media? Is sand still the industry standard? I see online, some other eco friendly media types that can be used. If we stay with sand, is a particular type or brand better than the other? Also what to do with the old sand? Thanks for your time.
Best Filter Media for SALT WATER SYSTEM?
- Thread starter Jonette2
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 58,767
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Why does the sand need to be changed? It does not wear out. It can get clumped up if you have used clarifiers or flocs.
The best filter media for a sand filter, is sand.
The best filter media for a sand filter, is sand.
Jonette, sand will last till eternity in years.... a little cleaning now and then is always a good idea, and don't use floc or clarifyers that will "gum" up the sand. Sometimes over the years of use the sand may form channels which let water run right thru the channels just like if they were a pipe. That isn't filtering so needs to be fixed by cleaning out the sand a bit.
One way of doing all this maintenance is to open up the filter by removing the multiport valve. Remove by hand any large clumps of leaves or debris, then carefully insert a hose into the sand and fill the filter. As you do this debris should rise to the surface and can be removed or overflow out. You'll want to carefully move the hose around, up and down, in to the sand but take care not to go so far in that you dislodge or damage the laterals down at the bottom. When the water runs clear you ought to be good to go.
Maddie
One way of doing all this maintenance is to open up the filter by removing the multiport valve. Remove by hand any large clumps of leaves or debris, then carefully insert a hose into the sand and fill the filter. As you do this debris should rise to the surface and can be removed or overflow out. You'll want to carefully move the hose around, up and down, in to the sand but take care not to go so far in that you dislodge or damage the laterals down at the bottom. When the water runs clear you ought to be good to go.
Maddie
Wow, thank you. We thought it had to be changed after some time. We will do what you say. Time to stir and clean.