Changing Sand

[Scleveland]

Hello all! I would like to change the sand in my filter, but am struggling. I do have unions on my pipes and they appear to have been caulked in places. I was able to remove the caulk in the spot closest to the multi-port top, but can’t seem to get the union to loosen. Any suggestions?

 

[proavia]

Those aren't unions - they are threaded to slip couplings. And the "caulk" is most probably pipe dope. Chances are you will have to cut the PVC. Before you do that, post a few pics of your equipment pad and someone will be along to suggest where to cut.

Why do you think you need to change the sand? You may wish to consider a deep clean of the sand instead.
EDIT: Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

 

[Scleveland]

Those aren't unions - they are threaded to slip couplings. And the "caulk" is most probably pipe dope. Chances are you will have to cut the PVC. Before you do that, post a few pics of your equipment pad and someone will be along to suggest where to cut.

Why do you think you need to change the sand? You may wish to consider a deep clean of the sand instead.
EDIT: Deep Cleaning a Sand Filter

Thanks so much! We are getting sand in the pool and believe we have a cracked lateral. We have been battling mustard algae for months and this is the only thing we haven’t done. We bought his house with the pool already here, so we decided to change the sand and start fresh so we know exactly what goes into the water/filter.

 

[Scleveland]

 

[Texas Splash]

Look at that pad. You could have a dance party on that thing. That's what I need. At least you have plenty of room for work. I do see at least one union at the top inward line, so that helps. For your waste and return lines, it's just a matter of having a couple new onions ready and picking a convenient place to cut. You can try to squeeze the unions on the horizontal runs, or go back a bit to the vertical sections. Some extra PVC and elbows just in case and you should be good.

 

[Scleveland]

Look at that pad. You could have a dance party on that thing. That's what I need. At least you have plenty of room for work. I do see at least one union at the top inward line, so that helps. For your waste and return lines, it's just a matter of having a couple new onions ready and picking a convenient place to cut. You can try to squeeze the unions on the horizontal runs, or go back a bit to the vertical sections. Some extra PVC and elbows just in case and you should be good.

We do for sure have a great area and are glad the previous owners did that! I’m going to get my father-in-law to come cut the pvc and install unions, where needed. Might not happen for a few weeks, but I’ll update when I do. Thanks!